Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification in music, education (Secondary Music) from UNE, or equivalent, and specific GPA and credit point requirements.

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification in music, education (Secondary Music) from UNE, or equivalent, and specific GPA and credit point requirements. English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 8 units (48 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place
  • International
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 093388E
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedOffered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedOffered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student sits on sofa studying on laptop

If you're committed to attaining the level of musical professionalism today's music industry demands, consider extending your studies by undertaking an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, our fully online Bachelor of Music with Honours is an opportunity for music and music/teaching graduates to pursue specialist music research and creative portfolio projects that will unlock many employment and research opportunities. It will extend your artistic and intellectual range, sharpen your research capabilities, augment your analytical abilities, and give you the opportunity to build high-level personal and professional skills. These invaluable attributes will equip you with transferable skills that are highly sought after in today's rapidly changing job market, as well as prepare you for postgraduate study.

Why study the Bachelor of Music with Honours with UNE?

Undertaking our fully online music honours program prepares you for success in the music profession by giving you the opportunity to drill deep into your specialist areas. You will work with a supervisor to pursue guided research in musicology, performance studies, popular music studies, or creative music-making principles and techniques such as composition or music production. You will complete your studies by presenting a dissertation or research-informed exegesis and creative portfolio in your area of specialisation.

The Bachelor of Music with Honours course prepares you for postgraduate study and establishes a sound basis for a successful career in the music industry.

What makes our course different?

Our Bachelor of Music with Honours is the only one of its kind in Australia that has been designed to be delivered fully online. Furthermore:

  • The teaching of music has been a staple at UNE since 1972, and we are experts in helping students attain the level of musical professionalism required to thrive in the current job market.
  • Choose to study when it suits you. Our degree allows you to fit study around your busy lifestyle, not the other way around, no matter where you are in the world.
  • UNE is Australia's oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education — more than 80% of our students are online.
  • Our students award UNE 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support, year after year, so when you choose to study with us, you are in very good hands.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed one of the following UNE qualifications, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent):
    • Bachelor of Music
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary Music)
  • You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
  • You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in Music.
  • You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in Music.
  • You intend to study a music topic for which UNE can provide adequate supervision.
  • Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored.

  • Students must have the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline or approved by the discipline and Head of School (or delegate).

Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed one of the following UNE qualifications, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent):
    • Bachelor of Music
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary Music)
  • You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
  • You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in Music.
  • You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in Music.
  • You intend to study a music topic for which UNE can provide adequate supervision.
  • Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored.

  • Students must have the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline or approved by the discipline and Head of School (or delegate).

Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • A completed Honours Application form. This must be included in your online application.
  • A research proposal. Please see the Honours application form linked above for instructions on how to develop your research proposal.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the dissertation component of this course.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed one of the following UNE qualifications, or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent):
    • Bachelor of Music
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary Music)
  • You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
  • You have achieved a minimum result of Distinction for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in Music.
  • You have completed a minimum of 48 credit points of study in Music.
  • You intend to study a music topic for which UNE can provide adequate supervision.
  • Students must submit a research proposal of 1000 words, containing a written, cogent, proposal of the topic, which must include a thesis statement, and/or a problem to be solved, and/or a question to be answered, and/or a line of argument to be explored.

  • Students must have the support of a suitably qualified supervisor who is a member of the relevant discipline or approved by the discipline and Head of School (or delegate).

Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • A completed Honours Application form. This must be included in your online application.
  • A research proposal. Please see the Honours application form linked above for instructions on how to develop your research proposal.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the dissertation component of this course.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

1. To qualify for the degree a candidate must pass a single unit to the value of 48 credit points comprising an advanced course work component in music research methods, including a minor project relevant to their field of musical endeavour; and either a dissertation on a music topic or an exegesis with a major creative output.
2. A candidate shall complete the Honours course and pass the examinations in their chosen field of musical endeavour. Enrolment and approval of Honours topics is subject to approval by the course coordinator.
3. Each candidate will be required to consult with their supervisor. The supervisor and Head of School will determine the nature and extent of such consultation with the candidate prior to commencement of each year of candidature.
4. A candidate may not enrol concurrently for other units at this University or at another institution, except that, upon the recommendation of the Head of School, the course coordinator may grant permission to do so.

48 credit points

Complete the following unit:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
International
$28,762*
Commonwealth Supported Place
$8,928*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Music with Honours you will be an advanced music practitioner and, depending on your area of specialisation, will be qualified to thrive as a professional in careers such as:

  • performance
  • music production
  • composition
  • arranging
  • private studio teaching
  • artist management
  • arts administration
  • chamber/orchestral groups
  • ethnomusicology
  • event production
  • festival or venue management
  • music journalism
  • musicology.
Other career information

The Bachelor of Music with Honours is great preparation if you are interested in pursuing further studies in the area at Master's and PhD levels.

Course outcomes

The Bachelor of Music with Honours develops a student's ability to undertake increasingly independent research in music. Students are able to synthesise and critique current knowledge in the discipline and apply this knowledge to a research project under specialised supervision.
  1. independently apply a coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more music specialisations and knowledge of research principles and methods;
  2. demonstrate a high level of research and technical skills and the ability to write critically;
  3. conduct and report independent research that generates possible solutions to complex research questions in relation to their musical specialisation, demonstrating the potential to make original contributions to knowledge in that particular discipline;
  4. demonstrate enhanced communication proficiency within a discipline specific context; and
  5. demonstrate an understanding of the social and ethical issues in relation to various musical contexts with intellectual independence and honesty.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will have coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts in one or more musical specialisations as well as highly developed knowledge of research principles and methods and an advanced comprehension of one particular area of study that the student has selected to research. Supervisors will guide students to identify important resources that will be used as the basis for their dissertation or exegesis and creative portfolio. This knowledge will then be assessed throughout the degree through a range of assessment tasks, including the dissertation or exegesis and creative portfolio.Graduates will gain a global musical perspective in one or more specialised areas through discussion, presentation, research and critical evaluation activities guided by their supervisor and pertaining to their primary research topic.

Communication Skills

Graduates will have high-level communication skills, oral and written, and be able to present a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences. Guided by their supervisor, these communication skills will be developed by students when completing, for example, ethics applications, contacting potential research participants, conducting empirical and other research, communicating their ideas orally, and in the writing of the dissertation or in the development, documentation and presentation of musical work. The honing of these skills will stand students in good stead for the workplace.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence. With initiative and judgement these skills will enable students to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts. During the course of their studies, students will need to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of sources throughout their degree. Students will be taught how to evaluate and interpret information in a useful manner and will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct relevant literature and to integrate theoretical and critical approaches into their work.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to recognise pertinent information and will have the advanced cognitive skills to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access, critically analyse and interpret information. They will have the cognitive skills to exercise critical and creative thinking and judgement in developing new understanding of a subject.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will be aware of their professional responsibilities as a researcher to act ethically by providing balanced and accurate research and data. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have the research and critical thinking skills as well as intellectual capacity to enable them to continually further their learning. These attributes will be fostered throughout the honours program. Through completing the coursework, dissertation, or exegesis and creative portfolio, students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to independently research, write about and discuss critical issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, will be useful in any career positions and are essentially lifelong competences.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others within broad parameters. Students will be required to participate in professional, respectful and ethical discussions with their supervisor, and with other students, on issues associated with their area of study.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

Stay connected

Register your interest and we'll keep you updated

UNE collects personal information to help with your enquiry and for marketing. Information may be disclosed outside of NSW and Australia through third parties acting for UNE. By entering your details you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to this disclosure.

Why study with us?

Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching student Tessa takes her studies wherever she goes and says that anything is possible when you study online!

Why study with us?

Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching student Tessa takes her studies wherever she goes and says that anything is possible when you study online!

Tessa Gutierrez, Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 2024*26 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024

*Early closing date

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.