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 Bachelor of Music 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 qualificationsInternational admissions by country
Country | Requirement | Score |
---|---|---|
Australia | ATAR | 70 |
Bangladesh | Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 4.80 |
Canada | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) | 65% |
China | Gaokao | 60% |
Denmark | Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma) | 4 (Fair) |
France | French Baccalaureate | 11.0 |
Global | International Baccalaureate | 25 |
Hong Kong | Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | 16 |
India | CBSE and CISCE | 70 |
India | State Board Examinations | 80 |
Indonesia | SMA III | 75% |
Kenya | Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | B+ |
Malaysia | Matrikulasi | 2.67 |
Malaysia | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 2.67 |
Malaysia | United Entrance Certificate (UEC) | 23 |
Nepal | National Examinations Board (NEB) | 2.81 |
Norway | Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering | 3.2 |
Philippines | High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12 | 86% |
Singapore | Singapore GCE Advanced Levels | 7 |
South Korea | College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) | 300 |
Sri Lanka | GCE A Levels | 8 |
Sweden | Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate | 13.0 |
Taiwan | GSAT % | 60% |
Thailand | Matayom 6 | 3.20 |
UK / Global | GCE Advanced Levels | 7 |
USA / Global | Advanced Placement (AP) | 7 |
USA / Global | America College Test (ACT) | 21 |
USA / Global | Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) | 1100 |
Vietnam | Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12) | 7.8 |
Why Bachelor of Music?
Make a sound investment of your time nurturing musical talent.
With a Bachelor of Music majoring in Music Education, you’ll empower musicians, helping them find their voice. Advance your knowledge in music theory and performance. Learn how to teach your passions. Be there as your students experience breakthrough moments. Foster creativity and musical skills in students of all ages. Make an impact your students won’t forget.

Overview
The Bachelor of Music will prepare you with the technical skills, knowledge and professional standards for a successful career in music.
Your major in Music Education will develop your individual performance capabilities and teach you methods and practices to teach other musicians. Learn how to create personalised lesson plans and structure impactful learning activities. Hone your musical technique and theoretical knowledge, ready to share your expertise. Strengthen your research skills as you prepare to become an innovative and informed teacher.
Graduate ready to ignite creativity and nurture musical talent in your students. Your degree could lead to job opportunities in schools, universities, tutoring or in research.
Key features
Develop skills in teaching, performance, conducting, ensemble direction, arranging, research and music theory.
Learn coaching strategies for musicians and vocalists at the Elder Conservatorium of Music.
Explore modern theories and methods of practice in music education.
Create lesson plans for different learning styles and goals.
Participate in both teaching and personal musicianship to inspire your students.
Present a music research project demonstrating what you’ve learned.
What you'll learn
Your music degree will focus on a combination of music theory, music education, performance and research. Courses include the following:
- Life in Music: a core course exploring the wide range of careers in music along with the basic skills, concepts and expectations required.
- Foundations of music education: understand modern music education, including the importance of creative processes, along with key psychological principles, lesson activities and plans. Learn how to advocate for the role of music in society, exploring the work of key international researchers, music educators and trail blazing music education programs.
- Music education performance studies: develop your performance skills, including specialised training on your instrument, participating in Conservatorium ensembles, and learn how to develop musical skills in others.
- Music education theory and practice: understand various learning activities and different approaches to maximise engagement with students of all ages, including arranging, teaching of music theory, song writing skills, group instrumental teaching and rehearsal leadership. Develop learning plans and resource folios for the teaching of all musical genres, as well as resources for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music. Develop your musical understanding and skills individually and in a classroom context.
- Musicianship: explore musical theories and concepts through the ages and new directions and perceptions in musicology.
- Music Research Project: conduct and present research on an agreed topic in music education, demonstrating what you’ve learned throughout your studies.
Majors
The Bachelor of Music is also available with majors in the following:

What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 6 units for all Core courses, and
- 96 to 114 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 24 to 42 units for Electives
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Life in Music
|
Course code
MUSI1036
|
Units
6
|
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
|
Complete 24 to 42 units comprising:
- 24 to 42 units for Program electives
Course name | Course code | Units |
---|
Complete 24 to 42 units comprising:
- 24 to 42 units from Program electives - closed
- 24 to 42 units for all Program electives - open, and
- 24 to 42 units from Program selectives, and
- 24 units from Year 2 selectives
- 24 units from Year 3 selectives
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
Musics of the World I
|
Course code
MUSI1013
|
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
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
Methods in Music Research
|
Course code
MUSI3001
|
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
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
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
|
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
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, Health and Wellbeing
|
Course code
MUSI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Music, Media & Contemporary Society III
|
Course code
MUSI3016
|
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
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
Music Technology Foundations
|
Course code
MUSI1000
|
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
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
Sonic Arts in Practice 2
|
Course code
MUSI2031
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sound Design for Film II
|
Course code
MUSI2034
|
Units
6
|
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Composition 1A
|
Course code
MUSI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Composition 1B
|
Course code
MUSI1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Orchestration 1
|
Course code
MUSI1019
|
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
Composition 2A
|
Course code
MUSI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Composition 2B
|
Course code
MUSI2005
|
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
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 | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
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
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
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
|

Career outcomes
Enter a fulfilling career sharing your passion for music with your students. As a Bachelor of Music graduate majoring in Music Education, you’ll be ready for opportunities across various educational settings. Maybe you’ll provide one-on-one music lessons in schools or run your own tuition business. Perhaps you’ll develop new methodologies for teaching students, allowing them to experience music in ways they’ll never forget.
You could also pursue the following careers:
- Composer
- Music coordinator
- Music educator
- Music festival director
- Music journalist or critic
- Music producer
- Music researcher
- Music tutor
- Musician
- Recording artist.
Note: additional study is required to be eligible for classroom teacher registration in South Australia.
Industry trends
A 2024 report shows music education has significant benefits for student academic and personal growth. According to surveyed South Australian primary school teachers, music education leads to enhanced cognitive, social and emotional development, better academic performance and reductions in stress and anxiety (The Tony Foundation, 2024). With the Australian Labor Government investing $7.5 million to expand music education in schools until 2027, the positive impact and quality of these programs will only increase. Benefit from greater opportunity as a music educator – whether that be contributing to advancing music programs or furthering research.
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.
