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Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music)

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Summary
Bachelor of Creative Arts Specialisation Music (BCAR)
Study Mode
  • On-campus
Start
  • Semester 1 (February)
  • Semester 2 (July)
  • Semester 3 (November)
Number of Units
  • 24 units
Duration
  • 3 years or part-time equivalent
Campus
  • Toowoomba
View USQ Handbook
Program Information Set

Most innovative music degree in Australia

Our Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music) is increasingly recognised as one of the most innovative in Australia. We understand that 21st century musicians must be flexible, resilient, creative, collaborative and adaptable. You will undertake a holistic program of learning, which values musical diversity and integrated theory with practice and music technology. You will learn within an exciting and collaborative environment alongside industry professionals.

After completing your first year, you can then take the opportunity to specialise in contemporary singing or a range of instrumental and collaborative music practices. You may also combine disciplines within creative arts or other areas of study.

Practical experience

Our students have many opportunities to perform publicly in our Arts Theatre, and in larger projects such as the Your Song, My Way concert series, and our annual To Glee or Not To Glee event. You can also explore your own interests through tailored projects.

At USQ music, we have a fantastic culture of collaboration between staff and students where you can learn from music professionals within a supportive environment. Performer, song-writer, composer, arranger, ensemble musician teacher or scholar – take the opportunity to see music in a new way.

Other majors for the Bachelor of Creative Arts: Film, Television and Radio, Theatre and Visual Arts

Students in the Bachelor of Creative Arts have the opportunity to choose one of a series of extended majors offered as part of their selected specialisation. An extended major is a specified group of courses with values of 16, 20, or 24 units.

  • Music (16 unit Major)
  • Music (20 unit Major)
  • Music (24 unit Major).

The following eight-unit Creative Arts majors can be combined with a 16 unit extended major as a second major:

  • Film, Television, and Radio (8 unit Major)
  • Theatre Practice (8 unit Major)
  • Theatre Theory (8 unit Major)
  • Visual Arts Practice (8 unit Major)
  • Visual Arts Theory (8 unit Major)

With approval, students are able to take one major or minor/elective study from other undergraduate programs offered by USQ.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Discipline Foundation 7
Discipline Extension 8
Second Major 8
Total 24
Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Discipline Foundation 7
Discipline Extension 8
Minor sequence 4
Minor sequence  4
Total 24
Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Discipline Foundation 7
Discipline Extension 8
Minor sequence 4
Electives  4
Total 24
Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Discipline Foundation 7
Discipline Extension 12
Minor sequence 4
Total 24
Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Discipline Foundation 7
Discipline Extension 12
Total 24
Refer to the USQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

How much will it cost?

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this program are:

Study Mode Cost
Commonwealth supported AUD 6560
Domestic full fee paying AUD 19600

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships and financial assistance

You may be able to apply for scholarships to help with your study costs.

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2018 and costs will vary depending on the actual courses selected during your study. Fees may also vary from year to year as they are reviewed annually.

16/66
OP/Rank
This is the 2019 adjusted OP / Rank for this program.

The lowest OP/unadjusted Rank* to which an offer was made is 20/59. OP/Ranks based upon all offers made in Semester 1, 2019.

Entry requirements for Semester 3, 2019

  • Subject pre-requisite: English (4 SA) and Music (4, SA) or equivalent.
  • Non-standard applications (i.e. non-OP applicants) will also be considered with an audition or interview on a case-by-case basis. To register for an audition or interview at USQ please email usq.support@usq.edu.au and provide the following information in your email:
    • your musical instrument (if applicable)
    • your best contact phone number, and
    • whether you require a phone interview (applies to applicants who do not live within 100km of a USQ campus). 
  • It is a requirement that Queensland-based students hold a current positive notice indicating that they are deemed suitable for working with children and young people whilst studying the Bachelor of Creative Arts – Film Television & Radio, Theatre, Music and Visual Arts. Further information about the Blue Card or Exemption Card suitability process is available from the Blue Card Services.

Entry requirements for Semester 1, 2020

To study this degree we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English
  • Music

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to four semesters at high school level (Years 11 and 12) with sound achievement (4, SA). Find out more about assumed knowledge.

  • Non-standard applications (i.e. non-OP applicants) will also be considered with an audition or interview on a case-by-case basis. To register for an audition or interview at USQ please email usq.support@usq.edu.au and provide the following information in your email:
    • your musical instrument (if applicable)
    • your best contact phone number, and
    • whether you require a phone interview (applies to applicants who do not live within 100km of a USQ campus). 
  • It is a requirement that Queensland-based students hold a current positive notice indicating that they are deemed suitable for working with children and young people whilst studying the Bachelor of Creative Arts – Film Television & Radio, Theatre, Music and Visual Arts. Further information about the Blue Card or Exemption Card suitability process is available from the Blue Card Services.

English Language Requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Admission pathways

A number of other pathways are also available if you haven't been able to study previously or don't meet the requirements for entry into your program of interest.

*Further admission information

An adjusted Selection Rank is the result of combining additional ranks through special entry schemes for admission.

Special entry schemes for admissions may help you get into the program of your choice by increasing your Selection Rank, through the allocation of additional ranks in certain circumstances.

An adjusted Selection Rank is the result of combining additional ranks with a student's OP/Selection Rank. An unadjusted Selection Rank is the student's Selection Rank without any rank adjustments.

USQ is committed to greater admissions transparency. Learn more about the education and work experience, as well as average OP/Ranks for this programs' student cohort for Semester 1, 2018.

Explore pathways
We can help

How to apply

  • Apply via QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) if you:
    1. have never studied with USQ before, or
    2. are a Year 12 student, or
    3. want to transfer to USQ from another university.

Please note down the QTAC codes below to complete your application.

  • Alternatively, you may be able to apply directly to USQ if you:
    1. are a current or previous USQ student returning to study with complete or incomplete qualifications (excluding Head Start students), or
    2. have recently graduated from TAFE.

QTAC codes

Mode Codes
Toowoomba 909151

Closing dates

Applying directly to USQ:

  • Semester 3, 2019 - applications close Friday 15 November, with semester 3 commencing on Monday 18 November 2019.
  • Semester 1, 2020 - applications close Friday 6 March, with semester 1 commencing on Monday 24 February 2020.
  • Semester 2, 2020 - applications close Friday 17 July (QTAC) and 24 July (direct), with semester 2 commencing on Monday 13 July 2020.

If you are applying via QTAC, you will need to check the QTAC closing dates.

Semester 3 intake is for online study mode only.

Credit for previous study or work experience

You may be eligible for credit if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Other options for you

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) Major Music