Bachelor of Music
Our Bachelor of Music covers all the skills and knowledge you need to be a multi-faceted professional musician. It’s built around collaboration - you’ll learn the foundational skills and apply them in group projects and classes that directly mirror the real world of the music industry.
More than half the programme content is practical in nature, a higher proportion than most music degrees in New Zealand. This includes regular structured rehearsals, in-class demonstrations and numerous performance opportunities including concerts and gigs with staff and other students. With such a focus on the practical, you’re a musician from day one at Ara.
The degree offers three pathways: Music Creation (composition), Music Performance and Music Production. This choice lets you specialise in the area you’re passionate about, while learning alongside and working with musicians from other pathways. Your third-year capstone project allows you to design your own major project (which can include a work placement if relevant) with dedicated specialist tutor support.
At Ara you’ll learn from a great team of tutors who are each also professional, working musicians. They perform, write and record across the country, from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to Salmonella Dub and everything in between.
Campus Information
Christchurch City
The Madras street campus is on the fringe of Christchurch’s CBD and within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, supermarkets, entertainment venues, parks and other attractions. It’s well serviced by public transport, and is just five minutes from the city’s main bus exchange. The Madras street campus is Ara’s largest. In addition to modern, purpose designed facilities, it also has a recreation centre, gym, health centre, a bookshop and a number of on-site cafes.
Intakes
- Feb
- July
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Our Careers & Employment team provides free advice to current and prospective students, as well as our graduates. We can help you with:
- Exploring your career options
- Developing your employ-ability
- Job search, CVs, interviews and more
PSW Opportunity
Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)
- Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
- Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ
Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:
- Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
- Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)
Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
- Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)
Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)
- Duration: 3 years
- Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand
- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.
- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.
- Not allowed for part time students.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Certificate at Level 3= General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5
Certificate at Level 4= General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
Certificate or Diploma at Level 5= General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
Certificate or Diploma at Level 6= General or Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
Diploma or degree at Level 7= General or Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
Graduate Certificate or IDiploma at Level 7= General or Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
Post-graduate Diploma or Post- graduate Certificate at Level 8= General or Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
Bachelor Honours Degree at Level 8= General or Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
Master's Degree at Level 9= General or Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
Doctoral !,}egree at Level 10= General or Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0
- Course Code: CH4087
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Bachelors/UG Degree
- Duration: 03 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
75000 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: 100 NZD
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