Music Major | 2020

UAC Code: 754603  

This major is available for students studying the Bachelor of Creative Arts.

The Music major combines studies in performance, composition and music technology in a flexible program that enables students to respond creatively to challenges in the world of contemporary music.

The first year provides students with foundational skills in theory and performance, audio production and critical studies in music. The second year builds on these skills with a program of lectures and workshops in composition, arrangement, studio recording and ensemble performance. The final year culminates in a major project where students develop a significant musical work focusing on their individual creative goals. Over the course of this degree, students gain creative, practical and technical skills and the confidence required to pursue a successful career in the creative industries.

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Subjects Required for Major Study

Students studying the Music Major in the Bachelor of Creative Arts will complete at least 72 credit points as outlined below:  

Students are also encouraged to take the following elective subjects to extend their production skills:
CAOS203 Video
CAOS204 Sound Design

Click on subject codes in the above course structure for information on sessions of offer for each subject. 

To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Minors

A 24 credit point minor in Music is also available. 

Students can also complete subjects (not included in the Music major) from the Creative Production minor as electives.

Note that students cannot complete both a major and a minor in Music. The Creative Production minor is also not available to BCA Music students.

Minors appear on the transcript (i.e. academic record), but do not appear on the testamur. To have a minor study recorded, students must submit an Application to Declare of Change Intended Major/Minor.

Information regarding minors, including which subjects to take to complete a minor are available on the 2020 General Schedule of Minors page. 

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning (WIL) experience during your university education is a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The Bachelor of Creative Arts uses as its foundation the principles of 'embedded' work-integrated learning: throughout their studies, students participate in a series of simulated workplaces in their chosen major. In the Music major, students take part in performing and producing public concerts to gain experience in presenting a professional music production. All students compose and rehearse in ensembles, and perform original works live on stage. They are also responsible for production and technical support for the concerts, including stage management, live audio and publicity. As part of the Music program, students also develop skills in presenting and promoting their work as self-producing musicians through web streaming, social media and other online environments. In addition, students work within recording studio facilities comparable with industry-leading commercial environments. Through applying their audio production skills to both individual and group recording situations, students graduate with the knowledge and experience to work within music production workspaces globally.

Through these experiences, students apply their skills to a real-world context, and gain an understanding of the professional practice and industry standards.

Honours

On completion of the Bachelor of Creative Arts, high achieving students may apply to undertake an additional Honours year.

Students considering Honours in Creative Arts are encouraged to enrol in CACS331 Contemporary Theory and Research Practice in their final year of their BCA.

For more information, see Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours). 

Other Information

The Faculty may apply quotas to subjects to ensure optimal class sizes.

Further information is available via email: askuow@uow.edu.au