Future applicants Current applicants Schools Media Centre About Find a course Apply

Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts

The University of Newcastle

CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056

Courses included

Course
Campus
Code
Fee type
Duration
Start Date
Course
{{course.name}}
This course has been cancelled
Campus {{campMap[course.camp].name}}
Code{{course.code}}
Fee{{course.type}}
Duration {{course.poa}}
Start Date{{o.st}}

About

The Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts will prepare you for a career in the music and performing arts industries through practical and creative learning experiences in the performing arts, music, songwriting, sound production and scenography.

In this degree you gain a solid grounding in theory, technology, industry, and collaboration. You will develop your creative passion and technical skills in areas of focus such as performance, songwriting and production, contemporary theatre performance practices.

Study music and the performing arts from specialists and industry practitioners. Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts graduates become performing artists, theatre makers, musicians, songwriters, composers, creative producers, teaching artists and take on diverse professional roles across the creative industries.

Areas of study

Depending on your chosen majors, acting for camera, creative and performing arts, directing, drama and theatre skills, entering and engaging in the music industry, music performance, music recording and production techniques, music research and communication, music sound and visual media, songwriting and production, stagecraft, writing for performance.

You will have the option to specialise in one or two of the following majors: music performance, songwriting and production, performing arts. Additional major options are available alongside your music major; choose from animation and interaction, creative arts or media arts production.

Career opportunities

A&R manager, artist-in-residence, arts/music administrator, composer, creative consultant, DJ/EDM producer, drama teacher, education manager, event manager, film music composer, freelance or recording session musician, games music designer, music journalist, music producer arranger, music publisher, music researcher, music teacher, musical theatre artist, musicologist, orchestra or band member, outreach coordinator, performing artist, scenographer, script writer, songwriter, sound designer, sound recordist, technical designer, theatre artist, theatre producer, theatre reviewer, voice actor, voice or vocal coach.

Graduates may also pursue careers in arts health, including music and drama therapy, applied performance in community settings, public relations and more.

Practical experience

From 2023, all undergraduate students will complete work integrated learning as part of their degree programs.

Students also participate in regular performance opportunities on campus and in external venues.

Honours

Available as an additional year (or part-time equivalent) to students based on merit.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.

Essential requirements for admission

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.

Year 12 applicants should complete their audition before 31 October 2023 to be considered for an offer under the Schools Recommendation Scheme.

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 the audition/interview, you will not be eligible for an offer.

Admission criteria

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 encourage you to undertake bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging offers academic preparation and support short courses, which are free and can be completed on campus or online before you start your degree.

Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses

Applicants with higher education study

If you completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted to a selection rank for admission purposes.

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.

Studies completed at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher provide Guaranteed Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.

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 dream degree. No matter what your age or experience, there is a place for you.

Explore University of Newcastle entry options.

Advanced standing

If you have undertaken previous studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be awarded credit towards your undergraduate degree. You must apply for admission before applying for credit.

Further information

View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.

ATAR profile

ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)

Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.

  1. This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
  2. The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
  3. The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.

Abbreviations

– = data is not available.
<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria

Student profile

Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.

Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.

Honours
Applicants should note that under the revised Australian Qualifications Framework some programs are four-year programs available with direct entry. Other programs are three-year Bachelor degree programs. Meritorious students have the option to apply for an additional one-year end-on component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.