Skip to main content

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music)

Domestic Student?
Click to view domestic student information.
Apply
Enquire
Compare
Summary
Bachelor of Creative Arts Specialisation Music (BCAR)
  • CRICOS: 085003E
Study Mode
  • On-campus
Start
  • Semester 1 (February)
  • Semester 2 (July)*
Number of Units
  • 24 units
Duration
  • 3 years or part-time equivalent
Campus
  • Toowoomba
  • Springfield
*Music is only available part-time in Semester 2.
View USQ Handbook

Most innovative music degree in Australia

Apply and audition to study USQ's Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music), which is increasingly recognised as one of the most innovative in Australia. We understand that 21st century musicians must be flexible, resilient, creative, collaborative and adaptable. You will undertake a holistic program of learning, which values musical diversity and integrated theory with practice and music technology.

You will learn within an exciting and collaborative environment alongside industry professionals. You may also combine disciplines within creative arts or other areas of study. You will need to submit an application and audition to study USQ's Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music).

Practical experience

Our students have many opportunities to perform publicly in our Arts Theatre and in larger projects. You can also explore your own interests through tailored projects.

At USQ music, we have a fantastic culture of collaboration between staff and students where you can learn from music professionals within a supportive environment. Performer, song-writer, composer, arranger, ensemble musician teacher or scholar – take the opportunity to see music in a new way.

Other majors for the Bachelor of Creative Arts: Film, Television and Radio, Theatre and Visual Arts

Students in the Bachelor of Creative Arts have the opportunity to study a 16 unit extended major. 

The following eight-unit Creative Arts majors can be combined with a 16 unit extended major as a second major:

  • Film, Television, and Radio (8 unit Major)
  • Theatre Practice (8 unit Major)
  • Theatre Theory (8 unit Major)
  • Visual Arts Practice (8 unit Major)
  • Visual Arts Theory (8 unit Major)

With approval, students are able to take one major or minor/elective study from other undergraduate programs offered by USQ.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Discipline Foundation 7
Discipline Extension 8
Second Major 8
Total 24
Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Discipline Foundation 7
Discipline Extension 8
Minor sequence 4
Minor sequence  4
Total 24
Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Discipline Foundation 7
Discipline Extension 8
Minor sequence 4
Electives  4
Total 24
Refer to the USQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

How much will it cost?

Approximate annual costs1 for international students' first year of study (8 units) in this program:

Study Mode Cost
External/Online AUD 22880
On-campus AUD 25600

Scholarships and financial assistance

You may be able to apply for scholarships to help with your study costs.

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2020 and costs will vary depending on the actual courses selected during your study. Fees may also vary from year to year as they are reviewed annually.

Entry requirements for Semester 3, 2019

  • Subject pre-requisite: English (4 SA) and Music (4, SA) or equivalent. Find your country's level of qualification and minimum entry requirements for this program.

If you apply to study the Music major, you must attend an audition and/or interview and bring: 

  • a passport-sized photo of themselves
  • a school exit statement or evidence of previous education standard achieved
  • Music applicants will need to provide their own accompanying tracks on MP3 or an iPod. Whilst it is advantageous to have studied high school music or for AMEB practical and/or theory/musicianship exams, if you have not undertaken such studies are not precluded from applying.
  • Instrumental and Vocal applicants must attend an audition and interview and present two contrasting items.
  • All applicants are to present a written statement (500 words) addressing the following: a musical experience which has inspired, motivated or moved you. It might be a performance or concert you attended, or participated in, or it might be music of a particular artist or work. The submission should be typed and signed by you, with a statement which certifies that the work is your own. Please present your submission at interview.

It is a requirement that Queensland-based students hold a current positive notice indicating that they are deemed suitable for working with children and young people whilst studying the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music). Further information about the Blue Card or Exemption Card suitability process is available from the Blue Card Services.

Entry requirements for Semester 1, 2020

To study this degree we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English
  • Music

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to four semesters at high school level (Years 11 and 12) with sound achievement (4, SA). Find your country's level of qualification and minimum entry requirements for this program.

Find out more about assumed knowledge.

If you apply to study the Music major, you must attend an audition and/or interview and bring: 

  • a passport-sized photo of themselves
  • a school exit statement or evidence of previous education standard achieved
  • Music applicants will need to provide their own accompanying tracks on MP3 or an iPod. Whilst it is advantageous to have studied high school music or for AMEB practical and/or theory/musicianship exams, if you have not undertaken such studies are not precluded from applying.
  • Instrumental and Vocal applicants must attend an audition and interview and present two contrasting items.
  • All applicants are to present a written statement (500 words) addressing the following: a musical experience which has inspired, motivated or moved you. It might be a performance or concert you attended, or participated in, or it might be music of a particular artist or work. The submission should be typed and signed by you, with a statement which certifies that the work is your own. Please present your submission at interview.

It is a requirement that Queensland-based students hold a current positive notice indicating that they are deemed suitable for working with children and young people whilst studying the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music). Further information about the Blue Card or Exemption Card suitability process is available from the Blue Card Services.

English Language Requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Admission pathways

Pathway programs are also available if you don't meet the English entry requirements mentioned above.

We can help

How to apply

Apply with USQ

CRICOS: 085003E

Audition/interview

To study the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music) you will need to attend an audition and/or interview in addition to your QTAC or direct entry application. Further information on the audition/interview process is available within the entry requirements.

To register for an audition or interview at USQ please complete the USQ Online Audition Form.

Closing dates

USQ accepts applications all year. Semester start dates are:

  • Semester 1, 2020 - Monday 24 February 2020.
  • Semester 2, 2020 - Monday 13 July 2020.
  • Semester 3, 2020 - Monday 16 November 2020.
Semester 3 intake is for online study mode only.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

If you have previously studied in your home country, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Other options for you

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) Major Music