Music - A2003

Do you see a future in composition or performance? Are you passionate about music technology or drawn to exploring the nature of music as culture?

Then the Bachelor of Music is for you. In this course you’ll develop new skills, knowledge and understandings of how to work with music and the performing arts in an increasingly digital world. You’ll study with accomplished teaching staff, access a curriculum full of performance opportunities and build your international networks. Upon graduating you’ll be ready to work in a wide range of roles across the music industry and beyond.

Discover Music Masterclasses and Short Courses
Clayton, various dates through 2026

Join us at one or more of our 'Days of Play', for masterclasses with a great line-up of inspiring artists. Or get key tips about the audition or folio process for each specialisation, via one of our short courses, and be application ready.


Discover more

What is a Bachelor of Music?

The Bachelor of Music enables you to master technical and performance skills and develop specialised knowledge in your chosen practice. During your studies, you’ll learn and collaborate with some of the world's leading musicians and be supported by our network of world-renowned academics at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance. Engaging with the historical, creative, technical and cultural aspects of music, you’ll broaden your perspectives on music in the world and lay the foundations for a rewarding career in music.

Jobs with a Music degree?

The Bachelor of Music opens up opportunities for a range of fulfilling and culturally enriching careers. On completion of the course, you’ll be ready to work in an exciting range of professions and fields, including: performing, composing, music writing, music journalism, festival management, marketing, artist management, producing, publishing, editing, audio engineering, conducting, music therapy, radio presenting, and much more.

At a glance

Course Details

Location
  • On-campus at Clayton: Full time
Duration
  • 3 years (full time)
Start date
First Semester (February) - All specialisations.
Second Semester (July) - Performance specialisation only.
Qualification
Bachelor of Music
Course Handbook

Tailor the course to suit your needs

Choose a specialisation that matches your career goals and interests. Whether you're passionate about performance, composition, music production, or popular music, there's a pathway tailored just for you.

Review our Audition Information to read about the audition process and requirements for each specialisation.

Bachelor of Music specialisations have limited places.

Please select a specialisation for more details:

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements (International students)

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

At the time of enrolment in a course at Monash University, you must be at least 17 years of age.

View all minimum age requirements.

All Monash undergraduate courses require you to have successfully completed a minimum of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent) and achieve the required academic entry score. Most Monash faculties generally use your most recent studies for admission however other guidelines may apply where your prior qualification may be considered.

Entry requirements for each qualification level are as follows:

All Monash undergraduate courses require you to satisfy English entry requirements in one of the following ways:

If your English test does not meet the above scores you may want to consider Monash English. Some Monash courses however do not accept Monash English.

The English measures outlined above must be completed within 3 years prior to the Monash course commencement date (other time limitations may apply as outlined in the Admission to Coursework Courses and Units Procedure). If you have completed several measures of English proficiency over a period of time, the highest valid measure will be accepted.

Monash University reserve the right to ask students to complete an English test to meet English course requirements upon request.

Further information can be located at English language requirements.

International students applying for a visa need to satisfy English requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs where these requirements and acceptable English tests differ from Monash University.

All Monash University undergraduate courses require you to have previously studied and achieved required Australian level standards in specific subject known as prerequisite subjects.

You must satisfy the following prerequisite subject requirements for this course:

*If you have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification you will be required to meet the prerequisite subject requirements that are equivalent to the VCE prerequisite subject requirements specified above.

You must satisfy the following additional requirements for this course:

Selection requirements
Courses with maths and science prerequisite subjects

If the course you are applying for requires maths and/or science as prerequisite subjects, you can meet the requirements in the following ways:

  • Australian Year 12 or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme:

    You must meet the maths and/or science prerequisite subject required for your chosen course as specified above (if applicable).

  • Other qualifications recognised by Monash:

    If you have completed maths and/or science subjects in the relevant discipline at the required grade level, it is assumed that you have knowledge equivalent to the Australian Year 12 (VCE equivalent) prerequisite subject required for your chosen course. It is strongly recommended that you check that you have covered the assumed knowledge required for your course by completing the Assumed Knowledge Skills Analysis.

    This online activity includes multiple-choice questions based on your prior studies and helps you identify areas for revision, so you can start your course feeling confident and prepared. Once you accept your Monash offer and set up your student account you can complete the Assumed Knowledge Skills Analysis before starting your course.

These guidelines do not apply to the Bachelor of Medical Science or Doctor of Medicine, or to courses that require a tertiary-level Physiology unit: Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (Graduate Entry), and Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) and Master of Pharmacy (Graduate Entry).

Alternative pathways

If you don't satisfy the requirements for direct entry consider these pathway options.

Entry requirements for Monash University are subject to change.

The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.

See also: Arts course maps

Partner with another course

Double degree courses allow you to study towards two different degrees at the same time, and graduate with two separate qualifications. And because a required subject in one course can count as an elective in the other, our double degrees take up to two years less than if you studied for the two degrees separately.

Making the application

Future students

Note: Please make sure you read the extra requirements before you apply.

Semester one (February)

Apply directly to Monash using course code A2003

Apply

Semester two (July)

Applications for Semester two are only to enter the Music Performance or Composition & Music technology streams (subject to audition). Note that Composition & Music Technology units start in Semester one which will increase the total period of study.

Apply directly to Monash using course code A2003

Apply

Current Monash students

You may apply to transfer from another Monash course. Transfers are a competitive process. You may apply mid-year for available courses however consideration will be given as to whether you will be able to follow your course progression.

Please note that if you apply for a course transfer, you should still enrol in your current course as if you were continuing so as not to jeopardise your enrolment in the Faculty if your transfer application is unsuccessful. More about Course Transfer.

Self assess for credit eligibility

Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.

Fees

Fees are subject to change annually.

International fee

Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:

A$39,500

Scholarships

We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.

Other fees

The Student Services and Amenities Fee applies to some students each calendar year.

Enrolment Obligations

International students enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course can study no more than one third (33%) of their course by distance and/or online learning. Students must enrol in at least one unit that is not by distance and/or online in each compulsory study period unless the student is completing the last unit of their course. See standard 8.19 and 8.20 of National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.

CRICOS code: 017113G

Luke Thorne
HEAR FROM OUR GRADUATES

"I am still in contact with the staff and my peers that I studied with at Monash University because you start to be contemporaries once you graduate and you’re all musicians working in the field.”

LUKE THORNE 

Bachelor of Music (2018); Singer/Songwriter; Music Therapist, Crescendo Music Therapy.

Discover more graduate stories

Why study Music at Monash?

  • Reputation & experience

    As Australia's largest international university and ranked among the country's top music schools, Monash University's Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance offers an exceptional foundation for your music degree, with over 50 years of experience connecting people with music.

  • Digital Music Hub

    Unlock the potential of our Digital Music Hub. Experience top-tier recording and production technology, alongside industry-leading equipment and software. Join global streaming sessions with renowned artists, enriching your musical journey like never before.

  • State-of-the-art facilities

    Our facilities offer an ideal environment to unleash your creative potential. Whether mastering your instrument in our recording studios or captivating audiences in our auditorium, you'll find ample opportunities to elevate your music. Our Computer Laboratory serves as an innovation hub with software for exploring new horizons in music production and technology.

  • Internships

    Our partnership with Melbourne Fringe provides opportunities for internships, performance productions and one-to-one career guidance. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Yamaha Music Australia, Women’s Jazz Festival, Music Aviva, and the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio.

  • Performance opportunities

    Explore our diverse range of small and large ensembles, spanning piano ensembles, choral groups (covering music theatre, contemporary, and classical genres), electronic laptop, new music, chamber orchestra, big band, funk, pop, and Latin jazz. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Monash Art Ensemble and the Monash Academy Orchestra. Your musical aspirations await!

  • Industry connections

    Engage with renowned musicians worldwide. Past examples include collaborations with international visiting artists and researchers such as Canadian jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej in 2021. Students have also participated in workshops led by acclaimed composers like Vanessa Perica, Nico Muhly, and Ross Edwards.

  • World leading academics

    Drawing from their extensive experience in various sectors of the music and performing arts industries, our accomplished teaching staff provide personalised feedback and guidance to help you hone essential performance skills for your future career.

  • Global education

    Overseas study opportunities include study tours, exchange, and the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee: Two weeks studying in one of a variety of destinations, with airfares and accommodation covered as part of your degree.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    We're the only university in Victoria offering double degrees with music. One standout option is our Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Music program. In just four years, you'll earn your Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration and be ready to dive into teaching while continuing to pursue your love of music!

International course guides

If you are an international student and wish to find out more about our courses, entry requirements, studying at Monash and more, please download our international course guides below.

International Study Grants

International study grants

International Study Grants valued at up to $10,000