The University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
New South Wales, Australia
Level
Bachelors Pass
Duration
3F/EqP
Campus
Newcastle City Precinct (NSW)
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Home Tuition
A$9,880 (maximum student contribution 2027 (indicative))
Intake
2027-02-22
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Course Overview
Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts at The University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia is a bachelors pass programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
34,808
Staff Ratio
29.2:1
International
17.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
80.0%
of graduates employed
Costs & Living
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
- Applicants with recent secondary education Assumed knowledge: Music 1, Stage 5 Drama or demonstrated musical experience or qualification equivalent to Music 1 or AMEB (Grade 6 to 8 pass).
- Recommended studies: Music 2, Stage 6 Drama, or external music studies.
- We strongly encourage you to enrol in bridging courses.
- NUPrep Bridging provides free academic preparation and support short courses, available on campus or online, to complete before beginning your degree.
- Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses Applicants with higher education study If you have completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted into a selection rank for admission into our undergraduate programs.
- Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission.
- Completion of studies at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher Guarantees Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.
- Review the Guaranteed Entry Admission Scheme .
- Applicants with work and life experience If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University offers a range of pathways toward your preferred degree.
- No matter what your age or experience, there is a place for you.
- Explore University of Newcastle entry options. | Audition/portfolio and interview: As well as submitting a UAC application and meeting the University's minimum academic entry requirement, applicants are required to apply directly to the University for an audition and interview.
- If you cannot attend in person, auditions and interviews can be arranged via video.
- Depending on your choice of music major you can perform and/or present a songwriting and production portfolio (e.g. audio recordings, remixes, songs, lyrics, scores) demonstrating your interest and experience in the music major you have chosen.
- You should also provide an up-to-date curriculum vitae listing any musical achievements and any industry experiences, including paid/unpaid activities and work experience.
- The performance major audition requires applicants to perform two pieces of music, providing their own accompaniment or audio backing where necessary.
- Applicants may also audition as part of a band or ensemble in any style or genre.
- Songwriting and production major applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative works (e.g., audio recordings, remixes, songs, lyrics, scores).
- Performing arts major applicants are required to submit a portfolio demonstrating your skills and experiences in the performing arts (e.g., examples of original creative arts performance, individual design projects such as lighting and stage designs or promotion and program material, original scripts, production photographs from shows you have been in or worked on).
- All auditions involve an interview (in person or via video) where you will discuss your musical and academic achievements and present your aspirations for the future.
- During the interview, you will be formally assessed on your verbal communication skills.
- Refer to details of the audition application process and admission criteria or call (02) 4985 4500.
- Applicants must undertake all components of the audition process and meet the University minimum academic entry requirement to be considered for an offer.
- If you do not undertake and pass the audition/interview, you will not be eligible for an offer.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
34,808
Total students
Staff Ratio
29:1
Students per staff
International Students
17%
Of student body
University Stats
Total Students34,808
Student-to-Staff Ratio29:1
International Students17%
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
80%
Employed after graduation
Costs & Living Expenses
Estimated Annual Costs
Tuition (International)Fee not confirmedCheck the university's official fee page Official fee page
Tuition (Home)A$9,880per year, maximum student contribution 2027 (indicative) Official fee page