Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Creative Practice

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Program code

HMUSI

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth Supported

Non-tuition fees

SATAC code

ABP181

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

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.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Qualify for special entry

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

Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Music (Honours)?

Keen to expand your job prospects by developing your research skills? Want to learn how to produce music that makes waves, or develop groundbreaking music technology? Our Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Creative Practice will take your career to new heights. Master your music composition, song writing, recording and production abilities. Conduct and share research in an area of creative practice you’re passionate about. Take advantage of the growing opportunities available in music production through music technology and research.

Overview

Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Music (Honours) will challenge you, sharpening your musical skills and research capabilities. Research an area of music you’re passionate about. Learn to craft music that stands out.

With a major in Creative Practice, you’ll gain a competitive edge in the job market with your specialised skills and knowledge. Create and perform original compositions. Conduct and present research in areas relevant to composition, song writing, recording, production and sonic arts. Graduate with a diverse skillset, preparing you for a variety of roles. You might pursue a career as a musician or progress into music research.

Key features

Improve your composition, song writing, recording and production abilities or develop technology projects.
Complete advanced coursework.
Investigate a research question relevant to your major in Creative Practice.
Be supported and guided by an academic mentor.
Sharpen your creative writing, thinking and communication.
Learn from staff at one of the most established music institutions, the Elder Conservatorium of Music.

What you'll learn

Throughout your studies, you’ll complete a core course in Honours Music Research Methodology and either the Honours Music Minor Project or Honours Music Final Performance Popular Music course. Finish your studies with an Honours Music Major Project to showcase what you’ve learned. You'll also gain experience in:

Honours Music Research Methodology: find, communicate and investigate a research question relevant to your Creative Practice major.
Honours Music Minor Project: complete a written project, performed program, industry internship, or technology project or performed composition relevant to your Creative Practice major.
Honours Music Final Performance Popular Music: present a recital showcasing your original creative work which may include a solo performance, ensemble or another format approved by your supervisor.
Honours Music Major Project: complete a significant creative portfolio and exegesis, written paper or original composition relevant to your Creative Practice major in composition, popular music or sonic arts.

Assessments will include compositions, performances, presentations and 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 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 108 units comprising:

One of the following:
108 units from Composition, or
108 units from Popular music, or
108 units from Sonic arts

	Course code	Units
Course name Music Technology Foundations	Course code MUSI1000	Units 6
Course name Composition 1A	Course code MUSI1001	Units 6
Course name Music & Sound Fundamentals 1A	Course code MUSI1003	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 1A	Course code MUSI1004	Units 6
Course name Composition 1B	Course code MUSI1006	Units 6
Course name Music & Sound Fundamentals 1B	Course code MUSI1008	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 1B	Course code MUSI1009	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Musicianship 1A	Course code MUSI1012	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Musicianship 1B	Course code MUSI1014	Units 6
Course name Orchestration 1	Course code MUSI1019	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Music in Practice 1	Course code MUSI1020	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 Composition 2A	Course code MUSI2000	Units 6
Course name From Elvis to YouTube II	Course code MUSI2001	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 2A	Course code MUSI2003	Units 6
Course name Composition 2B	Course code MUSI2005	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 2B	Course code MUSI2007	Units 6
Course name Music, Media & Contemporary Society II	Course code MUSI2009	Units 6
Course name Orchestration 2	Course code MUSI2017	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Music in Practice 2	Course code MUSI2018	Units 6
Course name Music Analysis 2	Course code MUSI2019	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 Sound Engineering Live	Course code MUSI2033	Units 6
Course name Sound Design for Film II	Course code MUSI2034	Units 6
Course name Composition 3A	Course code MUSI3000	Units 6
Course name Advanced Sound Engineering 3	Course code MUSI3003	Units 6
Course name Composition 3B	Course code MUSI3005	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 Contemporary Music in Practice 3	Course code MUSI3022	Units 12
Course name Music Analysis 3	Course code MUSI3023	Units 6
Course name Song Writing & Performance 3	Course code MUSI3030	Units 6
Course name Sound Design for Games III	Course code MUSI3034	Units 6
Course name Music Internship	Course code MUSI3900	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name Music Technology Foundations	Course code MUSI1000	Units 6
Course name Composition 1A	Course code MUSI1001	Units 6
Course name Music & Sound Fundamentals 1A	Course code MUSI1003	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 1A	Course code MUSI1004	Units 6
Course name Composition 1B	Course code MUSI1006	Units 6
Course name Music & Sound Fundamentals 1B	Course code MUSI1008	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 1B	Course code MUSI1009	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Musicianship 1A	Course code MUSI1012	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Musicianship 1B	Course code MUSI1014	Units 6
Course name Orchestration 1	Course code MUSI1019	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Music in Practice 1	Course code MUSI1020	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 Composition 2A	Course code MUSI2000	Units 6
Course name From Elvis to YouTube II	Course code MUSI2001	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 2A	Course code MUSI2003	Units 6
Course name Composition 2B	Course code MUSI2005	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 2B	Course code MUSI2007	Units 6
Course name Music, Media & Contemporary Society II	Course code MUSI2009	Units 6
Course name Orchestration 2	Course code MUSI2017	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Music in Practice 2	Course code MUSI2018	Units 6
Course name Music Analysis 2	Course code MUSI2019	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 Sound Engineering Live	Course code MUSI2033	Units 6
Course name Sound Design for Film II	Course code MUSI2034	Units 6
Course name Composition 3A	Course code MUSI3000	Units 6
Course name Advanced Sound Engineering 3	Course code MUSI3003	Units 6
Course name Composition 3B	Course code MUSI3005	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 Contemporary Music in Practice 3	Course code MUSI3022	Units 12
Course name Music Analysis 3	Course code MUSI3023	Units 6
Course name Song Writing & Performance 3	Course code MUSI3030	Units 6
Course name Sound Design for Games III	Course code MUSI3034	Units 6
Course name Music Internship	Course code MUSI3900	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name Music Technology Foundations	Course code MUSI1000	Units 6
Course name Composition 1A	Course code MUSI1001	Units 6
Course name Music & Sound Fundamentals 1A	Course code MUSI1003	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 1A	Course code MUSI1004	Units 6
Course name Composition 1B	Course code MUSI1006	Units 6
Course name Music & Sound Fundamentals 1B	Course code MUSI1008	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 1B	Course code MUSI1009	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Musicianship 1A	Course code MUSI1012	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Musicianship 1B	Course code MUSI1014	Units 6
Course name Orchestration 1	Course code MUSI1019	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Music in Practice 1	Course code MUSI1020	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 Composition 2A	Course code MUSI2000	Units 6
Course name From Elvis to YouTube II	Course code MUSI2001	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 2A	Course code MUSI2003	Units 6
Course name Composition 2B	Course code MUSI2005	Units 6
Course name Musicianship 2B	Course code MUSI2007	Units 6
Course name Music, Media & Contemporary Society II	Course code MUSI2009	Units 6
Course name Orchestration 2	Course code MUSI2017	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Music in Practice 2	Course code MUSI2018	Units 6
Course name Music Analysis 2	Course code MUSI2019	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 Sound Engineering Live	Course code MUSI2033	Units 6
Course name Sound Design for Film II	Course code MUSI2034	Units 6
Course name Composition 3A	Course code MUSI3000	Units 6
Course name Advanced Sound Engineering 3	Course code MUSI3003	Units 6
Course name Composition 3B	Course code MUSI3005	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 Contemporary Music in Practice 3	Course code MUSI3022	Units 12
Course name Music Analysis 3	Course code MUSI3023	Units 6
Course name Song Writing & Performance 3	Course code MUSI3030	Units 6
Course name Sound Design for Games III	Course code MUSI3034	Units 6
Course name Music Internship	Course code MUSI3900	Units 6

Rules

Selected courses must include at least 24 units at level 1.
Selected courses must include at least 48 units at level 2.
Selected courses must include at least 36 units at level 3.

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 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 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

Your comprehensive knowledge and skills across music composition, songwriting, recording and production and music technology will unlock a range of careers. Maybe you’ll compose award-winning scores for a musical or a chart-topping album. Perhaps you’ll develop groundbreaking technology that reshapes the music industry. Either way you’ll open doors to the possibilities of postgraduate research.

Perhaps you’ll help bring another artist’s vision to life working as a music producer. Maybe you’ll further your studies in postgraduate research.

You could also pursue the following careers:

Music coordinator
Music critic or journalist
Music educator, teacher or tutor
Music historian
Music librarian
Music researcher
Music technician.
Contemporary recording artist
Content creator
Music educator / teacher
Music journalist
Music producer
Music researcher
Music technologist
Orchestrator
Radio broadcaster
Song writer
Sound engineer.

Industry trends

Thanks to streaming services like Spotify, music has never been more accessible. In the first half of 2024 alone, there has been 2.29 trillion global on-demand audio streams (Luminate, 2024). The rise of social media platforms like TikTok have also accelerated music discovery and artist exposure (Luminate, 2023), connecting local artists to global audiences. Perhaps you’ll harness streaming and discovery platforms to make a name for yourself as a music producer. Or maybe you’ll contribute to growing research in these areas. Take advantage of new age opportunities with a career in music.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Creative Practice