Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
Secondary education (Year 12)
- Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.
Higher education study
- Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher qualification at a recognised higher education institution.
Essential requirements - Audition
All applicants are required to register for an audition for each major and/or instrument they are applying for. For example, if you are auditioning for both voice and strings, you will need to register for two auditions in total. Selection will be based on audition score as long as academic thresholds are met.
Auditions take place in November each year. If you are interstate or overseas and cannot attend an in-person audition, you can opt to submit a recorded audition when completing your registration form.
How to register for an audition
1. Complete the Honours Music Programs registration audition form.
2. Pay the non-refundable audition registration fee online via our online portal.
3. Read the audition requirements and prepare your material.
If you need help working out your fee or have questions about the payment process, please contact auditions@adelaide.edu.au
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
- IELTS Overall 6.5
- IELTS Reading 6
- IELTS Listening 6
- IELTS Speaking 6
- IELTS Writing 6
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
Equivalent English qualificationsWhy Bachelor of Music (Honours)?
Refine your classical performance skills and challenge yourself as a musician.
With a Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Classical Performance, you’ll discover your full potential. Learn how to stand out among your peers. Build research skills to broaden your career prospects. Perfect your craft and become a more confident performer. Benefit from unique opportunities, including our partnership with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Australian String Quartet. Start building your dream career.

Overview
Research your interests and sharpen your technical and musical skills with the Bachelor of Music (Honours). With this degree, you’ll be ready to advance your career as a performer, musician, or start your journey into music research.
As part of your Classical Performance studies, you’ll perform, compose, analyse texts and conduct and present research relevant to your major. You’ll sharpen your classical performance and research skills, gaining a competitive edge in the job market. Benefit from our partnership with the Australian String Quartet, providing unique opportunities in classical performance.
Apply your skills working as a musician across various industries from music and films to festivals and events. Or maybe you’ll join the world of academia, focusing on classical music history, theory and practice. Unlock exciting opportunities with an Adelaide University honours degree.
Key features
Complete advanced coursework and classes in Classical Performance.
Advance your performance and composition skills.
Investigate a research question relevant to classical performance.
Weekly one to one lesson with a dedicated mentor.
Hone your ability to think, write and communicate creatively.
Learn from teaching staff at the Elder Conservatorium of Music.
What you'll learn
To satisfy the requirements of your music degree, you’ll complete two core courses and a major project. Your courses will include the following.
- Honours Music Research Methodology: find, communicate and investigate a research question relevant to Classical Performance.
- Honours Music Minor Project: a performed project of 25 minutes or equivalent.
- Honours Music Major Project: Perform a 50 -minute public recital with a complementary exegesis.
Assessments can include compositions, performances, presentations and/ or research papers.
Majors
The Bachelor of Music (Honours) is also available with majors in the following:

What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 54 units from Core courses, and
- 96 to 114 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 24 to 42 units for Electives
Complete exactly 54 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Life in Music
|
Course code
MUSI1036
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Honours Music Research Methodology
|
Course code
MUSI4000
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Music Minor Project
|
Course code
MUSI4001
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Music Major Project
|
Course code
MUSI4002
|
Units
24
|
|
Course name
Honours Music Final Performance Popular Music
|
Course code
MUSI4003
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Honours Music Major Project Part 1
|
Course code
MUSI4004
|
Units
0
|
|
Course name
Honours Music Major Project Part 2
|
Course code
MUSI4005
|
Units
24
|
Notes
If studying the Popular Music Pathway in CREPHMUSI - Creative Practice , then students must complete EITHER MUSI4001 - Honours Music Minor Project OR MUSI4003 - Honours Music Final Performance Popular Music
Complete 96 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Musicianship 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musicianship 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Classical Performance 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1027
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Classical Performance 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1028
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Professional Development 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1029
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Professional Development 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1031
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musicianship 2A
|
Course code
MUSI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musicianship 2B
|
Course code
MUSI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Classical Performance 2A
|
Course code
MUSI2025
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Classical Performance 2B
|
Course code
MUSI2026
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Professional Development 2A
|
Course code
MUSI2027
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Professional Development 2B
|
Course code
MUSI2029
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Classical Performance 3A
|
Course code
MUSI3027
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Classical Performance 3B
|
Course code
MUSI3028
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Professional Development 3A
|
Course code
MUSI3029
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Professional Development 3B
|
Course code
MUSI3031
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 to 42 units for either of the following:
- 24 to 42 units from Program electives - closed, or
- 24 to 42 units for all Program electives - open
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Music Technology Foundations
|
Course code
MUSI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music & Sound Fundamentals 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music & Sound Fundamentals 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
From Elvis to YouTube I
|
Course code
MUSI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musics of the World I
|
Course code
MUSI1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sound & Media
|
Course code
MUSI1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Orchestration 1
|
Course code
MUSI1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Music Education 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1021
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Music Education 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Song Writing & Performance 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1030
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Song Writing & Performance 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sound Engineering
|
Course code
MUSI1033
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sonic Arts
|
Course code
MUSI1034
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sonic Arts in Practice 1
|
Course code
MUSI1035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
From Elvis to YouTube II
|
Course code
MUSI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music, Media & Contemporary Society II
|
Course code
MUSI2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Musics of the World II
|
Course code
MUSI2011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Conducting
|
Course code
MUSI2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Orchestration 2
|
Course code
MUSI2017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Analysis 2
|
Course code
MUSI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 2A
|
Course code
MUSI2020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 2B
|
Course code
MUSI2022
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Song Writing & Performance 2A
|
Course code
MUSI2028
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Song Writing & Performance 2B
|
Course code
MUSI2030
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sonic Arts in Practice 2
|
Course code
MUSI2031
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computer Music Composition 2
|
Course code
MUSI2032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sound Engineering Live
|
Course code
MUSI2033
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sound Design for Film II
|
Course code
MUSI2034
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Circuit Bending and Hardware Hacking
|
Course code
MUSI2035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Methods in Music Research
|
Course code
MUSI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Sound Engineering 3
|
Course code
MUSI3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Research 3
|
Course code
MUSI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Jazz Arranging
|
Course code
MUSI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music, Health and Wellbeing
|
Course code
MUSI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music, Media & Contemporary Society III
|
Course code
MUSI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Conducting: Choral & Instrumental Techniques
|
Course code
MUSI3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Interaction Design and the Sonic Arts 3
|
Course code
MUSI3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Sampled Source
|
Course code
MUSI3019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Orchestration 3
|
Course code
MUSI3020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Analysis 3
|
Course code
MUSI3023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 3
|
Course code
MUSI3024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Song Writing & Performance 3
|
Course code
MUSI3030
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computer Music Composition 3
|
Course code
MUSI3033
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sound Design for Games III
|
Course code
MUSI3034
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Study Tour: Music
|
Course code
MUSI3035
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music Internship
|
Course code
MUSI3900
|
Units
6
|
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 4
|
Course code
AUXX1014
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Program electives - closed - Or Free Electives
Program electives - open - Or Free electives

Career outcomes
As a graduate, you’ll be ready to excel as a classical musician or continue your studies into music research. Make a name for yourself as a classical pianist with a sound so unique, you’re instantly recognised. Perhaps you’ll compose for the highest grossing musical of all time. Maybe you’ll make an astounding discovery as a music historian, challenging old perspectives.
You could also pursue the following careers:
- Conductor.
- Elite Performer.
- Music critic or journalist.
- Music scholar.
- Musician.
- Performer.
Industry trends
Streaming services and social media have transformed the music industry, providing musicians more opportunities than ever. With the rise of social media, it’s also much easier to grow a global fan base and advertise your music in cost-effective ways (Forbes, 2023). Or maybe you’ll contribute to research on strategic music choice for social media campaigns. Be ready to harness new opportunities in musicianship and music research as an Adelaide University honours graduate.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
