Future fit yourself for the changing elements of the music world

Music, the study of the theory, history and cultural significance of instruments and singing for performance, is a rapidly evolving field. With the emergence of changes to recording software and other technological advances in music-making, professionals who can embrace these changes are required to continue to foster growth in a range of musical genres.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in music designed to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and the technical musical skills required to solidify your position in the world of music and the arts. Because of our extensive experience in training adults for constantly changing job markets, our music courses focus on music theory, ear training and music history, as well as the technical skills required to compose music, perform with an instrument or sing. UNE’s experts will ensure that you are future fit to adapt your skills to any musical environment.

Most of our students choose to study online and become members of a community of adults who bring their life and work experience together to develop real-world networks for the future. On-campus learners can avail themselves of campus accommodation, sports and support services. Whether online or on campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the music courses and specialisations on offer at UNE.

Courses by study level

Bachelor of Music

Is music your passion? We can help make it your career too, with our comprehensive, creatively focused Bachelor of Music. This unique, fully online degree will equip you with industry-valued knowledge and skills in performance, composition, ear training, music theory, music technology and production, music history and music cultures. The program traverses a broad range of styles and genres across contemporary, classical, popular and electronic music. In a rapidly changing world, gigs may come and go, but you can ensure your career is future fit with our Bachelor of Music.

Please note that you must pass an audition or be granted an audition waiver to gain entry into this course. Find out more.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
Diploma in Music

If you're looking to build practical skills in music performance and writing while gaining a formal qualification in music, our fully online Diploma in Music is the ideal course for you. It will help you reinforce your experience and allow you to dip your toe into university study without committing to a full degree, while still gaining credit towards a bachelor's degree if you wish to pursue further studies. In a rapidly changing industry, this diploma from UNE can help ensure your career prospects are fit for the future.

Please note that you must pass an online theory exam or be granted an exam waiver to gain entry into this course. Find out more.

Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

Are you interested in getting the practical, hands-on experience you need to keep up with the technology of today's music industry? If the answer is yes, our fully online Diploma in Music Technology is designed to give you future-fit skills in music technology, whether you are a musician, artist, performer or music educator. The creation, recording and live performance of music all rely on technology and the skills of the people behind it. This diploma course will provide the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of music technology and to update your knowledge on the latest innovations in the constantly-evolving music industry.

Please note that you must pass an online technology exam or be granted an exam waiver to gain entry into this course. Find out more.

Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is increasingly relevant in today's agile, dynamic world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you study a BA at UNE, you have the freedom to become a specialist in the discipline of your choice.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow as an in-demand education professional. Upskill and enhance your on-the-pulse skills for the benefit of your career, your students and the profession at large. Stay relevant and pave the way for a successful teaching career in a supportive, flexible environment.

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

This flexible education degree incorporates a wide range of subjects to prepare you to work in a range of educational fields, including training and management environments. With UNE’s Bachelor of Educational Studies, you will learn in a flexible and supportive environment. Hone your skills to be transferable across a range of contexts and future-proof your career.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Special and inclusive education is rapidly evolving, and with it the demand for specialists in the field is larger than ever. UNE’s Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a sought-after teacher who makes a valued and rewarding contribution to children’s abilities and development. Create an open and supportive learning environment to engage students with diverse needs and make a real difference in primary schools by helping children develop, grow, and build their confidence.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been developed in response to the needs of today’s rapidly changing workplaces and a growing employer demand for double degree graduates.

Your choice of arts major allows you to become an expert in a discipline of your choice. The legal knowledge and practical skills will also enable you to pursue many pathways in law, benefiting from UNE’s deep expertise in regional, rural and remote legal issues.

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) offers a comprehensive program of study that provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher.

Develop your teaching skills in a supportive, flexible environment. Learn how to create open and encouraging learning environments that put your students' individual learning styles at the forefront. By studying at UNE, you will become an in-demand secondary teacher who makes a difference.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future generations? Our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science is uniquely positioned to help you reach your goals, with wide-spanning knowledge and a diverse set of skills to be adaptable in a rapidly changing world. This combined degree will help lay the foundation for you to acquire the ability to innovate and problem-solve — attributes that are in demand more than ever by employers in Australia and internationally.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll develop creative and socio-cultural knowledge, and vital skills in critical thinking and communication.

Our degree fosters the accumulation of knowledge and the acquisition of a diverse set of skills, essential to helping you be an independent thinker, and empowering you to create a new future, new career prospects and the ability to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing modern workplace.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units, you tailor the course to your specific interests and career objectives by choosing from an extensive selection of arts, humanities and social science units.

With our Advanced Diploma in Arts you have the freedom to explore related subjects, or a range of different topics. With this flexibility, your advanced diploma can be customised to your aspirational and practical needs. It will also qualify you to go on to a Bachelor of Arts if you're keen to continue your studies. Become future fit with these advanced studies. 

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Diploma in Arts

Are you looking to add an additional area of expertise to your CV to enhance your career prospects without committing to a full degree? Perhaps you just want to dip a toe into university study, with the option of continuing on to an advanced diploma or even a bachelor's degree? Well, our Diploma in Arts is the perfect way to achieve both goals. This course will equip you with a variety of fundamental skills and knowledge in a range of subjects in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

If you're committed to attaining the level of musical professionalism today's music industry demands, consider extending your studies by undertaking an honours year. A capstone to your formal education, our Bachelor of Music with Honours is an opportunity for music and music/teaching graduates to pursue specialist music research and creative portfolio projects that will unlock many employment and research opportunities. It will extend your artistic and intellectual range, sharpen your research capabilities, augment your analytical abilities, and give you the opportunity to build high-level personal and professional skills. These invaluable attributes will equip you with transferable skills that are highly sought after in today's rapidly changing job market, as well as prepare you for postgraduate study.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A capstone to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to extend your intellectual range, and sharpen your research capabilities. It will enable advanced communication techniques and deep subject knowledge, to hone your analytical abilities, and gain high-level personal and professional skills. These are valuable attributes that provide a solid foundation for postgraduate study, give you a competitive edge in the job market, and help future proof your career in a rapidly changing world.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Accelerate your career opportunities with the UNE Master of Teaching (Secondary). Gain the specialist knowledge and skills you need to become a sought-after teacher who makes a difference. Study online or on campus in a flexible timeframe that suits your lifestyle. Be positioned at the forefront of educational expertise to make your education career goals a reality.

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations.

You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.

Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.

When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Practice-based research drives better decisions, stronger services and measurable outcomes. UNE’s Professional Doctorate provides foundational research training with a research thesis, supporting experienced professionals to contribute to the development of original knowledge that improves professional practice in their fields.

Co-design a workplace-embedded project with your UNE supervision team and your organisation, aligning rigorous methods with real-world challenges. Your examinable output is tailored to your discipline — for example, a thesis, a dissertation with artefacts, or an exegesis with a portfolio of creative, technical or performance works.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Master of Philosophy

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform decision-making in your specialist area.

You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award unit with UNE will help you to achieve.

Non-Award study means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load. Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Cross-Institutional

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross-institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of UNE's discipline areas.

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Music

With changes in musical software occurring at a rapid pace, UNE’s courses and majors will help you remain relevant and stay agile, so you are prepared for a long career in the music industry. Learn the history of music and enhance your technical skills. Explore the music course options now.

Filter by:
Showing 16 of 6 results
Digital Music, Media and Composition
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course

UNE’s expertise will equip you with skills in music production, screen composition, and digital storytelling to thrive in evolving music and media industries. As technology transforms these fields, you’ll be ready to create innovative compositions and soundscapes for digital platforms.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Music Minor Undergraduate
Instrumental/Vocal Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Refine your performance skills through personalised tuition and practical experiences with UNE experts, preparing you for the evolving music landscape. Master repertoire selection, performance workflows, and collaboration with fellow artists, ready…

Refine your performance skills through personalised tuition and practical experiences with UNE experts, preparing you for the evolving music landscape. Master repertoire selection, performance workflows, and collaboration with fellow artists, ready to succeed in diverse musical environments.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Music Minor Undergraduate
Music
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's well-respected music educators will help you develop your technical musical skills, securing your place in a local and global music industry that is rapidly changing and evolving. Learn about collaboration and innovations in music…

UNE's well-respected music educators will help you develop your technical musical skills, securing your place in a local and global music industry that is rapidly changing and evolving. Learn about collaboration and innovations in music technology and protect your future in this creative field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Music Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Music with Honours Specialist Course Bachelor Honours
Diploma in Music Specialist Course Undergraduate
Diploma in Music Technology Specialist Course Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Music Practice
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
At UNE, you'll gain essential skills in ensemble leadership, studio pedagogy, and professional music practice. As the music industry embraces collaboration and entrepreneurial opportunities, you’ll be ready to take on leadership roles and excel…

At UNE, you'll gain essential skills in ensemble leadership, studio pedagogy, and professional music practice. As the music industry embraces collaboration and entrepreneurial opportunities, you’ll be ready to take on leadership roles and excel in diverse, creative environments.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Music Minor Undergraduate
Music Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
At UNE you'll hone your talents in performance, songwriting, and electronic production. As diverse musical genres and collaborative practices transform the industry, you’ll gain the expertise to innovate and express your creativity in both…

At UNE you'll hone your talents in performance, songwriting, and electronic production. As diverse musical genres and collaborative practices transform the industry, you’ll gain the expertise to innovate and express your creativity in both contemporary and traditional contexts.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Music Major Undergraduate
Musicology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's respected music educators will help you analyse music from a cultural perspective, enabling you to understand the history and significance of musical styles. Having a professional knowledge base will secure your future in an industry that…

UNE's respected music educators will help you analyse music from a cultural perspective, enabling you to understand the history and significance of musical styles. Having a professional knowledge base will secure your future in an industry that is rapidly changing and evolving.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Music Minor Undergraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Music

By studying music with UNE, you will gain the technical and creative skills to future-proof your position in a wide range of careers within the music industry. With creative music professionals always in demand, those with a high degree of instrumental knowledge and versatile skillsets in music can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Performer
    Pursue a career as a musician, either as a solo artist, in bands, orchestras, or as a composer, creating original music for various purposes.
  • Teacher
    Educate and inspire students of all ages in music theory, instrument playing, or vocal performance, privately or in schools.
  • Sound engineer
    Operate sound equipment for live events, studio recordings, or film production, ensuring high-quality audio output.
  • Music producer
    Oversee the production of musical recordings, guiding artists and shaping the final sound of a track or album.
  • Journalist
    Write reviews and articles about music performances, trends, and artists for newspapers, magazines, or online publications.
  • Music therapist
    Use music to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being, often working in healthcare or educational settings.
  • Marketing specialist
    Promote music events, artists, or organisations through marketing and public relations strategies.
  • Event coordinator
    Plan and coordinate music-related events, such as concerts, festivals, or music education workshops.

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

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2. Apply

2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.