Why Bachelor of Music (Honours)?
Advance your musical knowledge and become a remembered music educator. Develop your research capabilities, asking questions that could change the course of music education. Improve as an educator and performer. Make an impact with your innovative teaching methods. With the Bachelor of Music (Honours) majoring in Music Education, you’ll differentiate yourself from your peers and expand your career prospects.
Overview
Progress your musical knowledge and skills with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) at Adelaide University. Our degree will broaden your career prospects and help you refine your craft.
As part of your Music Education major, you’ll deepen your expertise through investigating research topics that interest you the most. Be ready to perform for your students and share your music knowledge. Graduate a confident and informed music educator or continue down the music research pathway. Either choice will lead you to a fulfilling career, helping others discover the value of music.
Key features
Challenge yourself with advanced coursework.- Advance your music education, performance and research skills.
- Investigate a research question relevant to your major in Music Education.
- Partner with a mentor to support your development.
- Sharpen your writing, thinking and communication skills.
- Connect with staff from the renowned music institution, the Elder Conservatorium of Music.
What you'll learn
This degree will give you an advanced understanding of music and teaching methodologies, making you a respected educator. Complete both research papers and performed projects to demonstrate your learning. Courses will include the following:
- Honours Music Research Methodology: articulate and investigate a research question relevant to your Music Education major.
- Honours Music Minor Project: complete a written or performed project relevant to your Music Education major.
- Honours Music Major Project: complete a written paper or scholarly work and presentation relevant to your Music Education major.
Your assessments can 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 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
12
|
|
|
Course name
Honours Music Major Project Part 2
|
Course code
MUSI4005
|
Units
12
|
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
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |
Complete 102 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Music Education 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Musicianship 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Education Performance Studies 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1025
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Education Performance Studies 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1026
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Music Education 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Musicianship 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 2A
|
Course code
MUSI2020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Musicianship 2A
|
Course code
MUSI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Education Performance Studies 2
|
Course code
MUSI2024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Conducting
|
Course code
MUSI2015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 2B
|
Course code
MUSI2022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Musicianship 2B
|
Course code
MUSI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Education in Theory and Practice 3
|
Course code
MUSI3024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Education Performance Studies 3
|
Course code
MUSI3026
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Methods in Music Research
|
Course code
MUSI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Music Research Project
|
Course code
MUSI3021
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |
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 University-wide electives
| 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
Indigenous Music: Roots & Key Concepts
|
Course code
MUSI2016
|
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
Foundations of Conducting
|
Course code
MUSI3015
|
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
Sonic Arts in Practice 3
|
Course code
MUSI3032
|
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
|
Notes
Program electives - closed - Or Free Electives
Free electives - Or Free electives
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |
Career outcomes
As a graduate, you’ll unlock a variety of roles in music education. Maybe you’ll work as a curriculum developer, designing new and innovative music curricula for schools. Perhaps you’ll be a choir director, managing auditions, rehearsals, program selection, conducting and vocal coaching.
You might also pursue the following careers:
- Music coordinator
- Music festival director
- Music journalist or critic
- Music teacher, educator or tutor
- Musician.
Industry trends
According to a 2024 report, music education has great benefits for student academic and personal development. A survey of South Australian primary school teachers shows music education leads to better cognitive, social and emotional outcomes, better academic performance and reductions in anxiety and stress (The Tony Foundation, 2024). The South Australian Labor Government also recognises the importance of music education, investing $7.5 million to facilitate program growth in schools until 2027. Whether you pursue music research or work as a music educator, you’ll be joining an important industry.
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.
