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Bachelor of Music (Composition)

University of Sydney

CRICOS provider number: 00026A TEQSA provider ID: PRV12057

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About

In this course you will learn all facets of musical composition with a particular focus on art music, compositional craft and the development of an individual creative voice. You will be encouraged to specialise and create ambitious work and be provided with opportunities to hear your work performed. There are opportunities to undertake projects within the Conservatorium and with the professional arts industry.

Areas of study

Composition skills and techniques. You will have the opportunity to study in both traditional and electroacoustic composition areas, including computer music, digital music and sound art. Core studies are taken in analysis, composer performance workshop, composition through improvisation, history and culture, and music skills (aural perception, harmony and analysis, music technology and sound recording). In addition to your primary music studies, you may take a major from Table S, the wide range of majors offered from areas across the University. Refer to 513400 Bachelor of Music to view the list of majors.

Career opportunities

Art music composer, artistic director, arts curator, composer, composition teacher, concert music composer, music researcher.

Practical experience

Students participate in workshops and performances of their compositions.

Fees and charges

The Australian Government subsidises the tuition fee for this course. The remaining balance is paid by the student. Current University of Sydney fee information.

Essential requirements for admission

Portfolio and audition: Selection into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music programs is by portfolio submission and interview and ATAR. Applicants demonstrate their level of achievement as a composer by submitting three compositions in different performance media or genres and attend an interview.

Application process and timeline for Bachelor of Music (Composition)

Admission criteria

Applicants with recent secondary education

Assumed knowledge: Music 2.

Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme (CASAS)

Under the University’s Creative Arts Special Admission Scheme Domestic applicants for the Bachelor of Music (Composition) undertaking a current recognised high school (Year 12) qualification and applying via UAC, may be eligible for an early offer of admission prior to the release of ATARs or equivalent score. Eligible applicants will be automatically assessed based on a combination of academic performance and audition/portfolio.

For more information visit the University of Sydney website.

Portfolio application: In addition to your UAC application, a separate application of your composition pieces must be submitted online directly to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. A non-refundable administration fee is charged for all applications.

Application process and timeline for Bachelor of Music (Composition)

Other applicants

Refer to the University of Sydney general admission criteria.

Student profile

Visit the University of Sydney website.

Further information

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

ATAR profile

ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2024)

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.

Global mobility/international experience
At the University of Sydney, every undergraduate student has access to global opportunities. These opportunities may include overseas field schools, global professional placements, and student exchanges (one-year, single semester and shorter-term durations) with more than 300 partner universities worldwide.

Open Learning Environment (OLE)
Open Learning Environment (OLE) units are short, on-demand and workshop- supported. They enable you to broaden your skills in areas such as entrepreneurial thinking, persuasive communication, project management and ethical reasoning. OLEs are available to all students at the University, while students commencing in liberal studies degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce or combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies) and some specialist degrees (Bachelor of Economics) must complete 6 credit points of OLE units.

Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Selection into the Sydney Conservatorium of Music programs is based on an audition and/or portfolio and/or interview, while the ATAR is used only as an indicator of your ability to undertake tertiary studies.

Faculty handbooks
View available first-year subjects in the University of Sydney handbooks.