3.5F/6.5P if commencing in Session 2
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
The Bachelor of Contemporary Music prepares you for a portfolio career in music — the multi-faceted career pathway that is now most common for contemporary musicians. Tailor your degree towards your area of interest, whether it’s production, performance, songwriting or other professional areas of the music industry.
You will learn using state-of-the-art facilities in either Lismore or Coomera, taught by lecturers who are practising musicians with strong industry links.
On-campus facilities include recording studios, rehearsal studios, music production labs, keyboard lab, and professional-standard performance spaces. You can immerse yourself in the rich local music scene that includes major annual events such as Splendour in the Grass and the APRA AMCOS songwriters’ workshops featuring visiting artists.
Students participate in collaborative, practical music-making activities throughout the degree. An extensive ensemble program also includes small and large repertoire-focused groups and student-led project bands.
Join a fantastic community of Southern Cross music graduates that include award-winning producer Matt Fell, singer-songwriter BUOY, composer and musician Yantra de Vilder, Matt Smith of Thirsty Merc, US country music number-one hit songwriter Phil Barton as well as Matt Collins, Michael Watson, Scott Finch and Fraser Rojo Perrott of WHARVES to name just a few.
Please note: Applicants for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music must complete an Audition/Interview. For more information please see the important information for applicants.
Learn more about this degree in our music showcase.
The Bachelor of Contemporary Music prepares you for a portfolio career in music — the multi-faceted career pathway that is now most common for contemporary musicians. Tailor your degree towards your area of interest, whether it’s production, performance, songwriting or other professional areas of the music industry.
You will learn using state-of-the-art facilities in either Lismore or Coomera, taught by lecturers who are practising musicians with strong industry links.
On-campus facilities include recording studios, rehearsal studios, music production labs, keyboard lab, and professional-standard performance spaces. You can immerse yourself in the rich local music scene that includes major annual events such as Splendour in the Grass and the APRA AMCOS songwriters’ workshops featuring visiting artists.
Students participate in collaborative, practical music-making activities throughout the degree. An extensive ensemble program also includes small and large repertoire-focused groups and student-led project bands.
Join a fantastic community of Southern Cross music graduates that include award-winning producer Matt Fell, singer-songwriter BUOY, composer and musician Yantra de Vilder, Matt Smith of Thirsty Merc, US country music number-one hit songwriter Phil Barton as well as Matt Collins, Michael Watson, Scott Finch and Fraser Rojo Perrott of WHARVES to name just a few.
Please note: Applicants for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music must complete an Audition/Interview. For more information please see the important information for applicants.
Learn more about this degree in our music showcase.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Students wishing to enter the BCM must complete the audition/interview process prior to entry into the course.
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 3.4 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 3.6 |
| Brazil SSLC | 8.2 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 50 |
| Chile PSU | 6.4, overall 600/649 |
| China Gao Kao | 449 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 81, overall 300/349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 6.2 |
| France FB | 11 |
| German Abitur | 3 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 14 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 8.5 external exam |
| India CISCE | 71 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 78 in 4 academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 8.2 |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 |
| Japan USSLC | 4 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 298 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 71 |
| Malaysia STPM | 5 in best 3 A levels |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 73 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 82 |
| Norway GPA | 1.5 |
| Pakistan HSSC | 31 |
| Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams | 77 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 2.5, pass Eng & Math |
| Peru OCSE | 17 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 89 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.3 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 83 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 15.5 |
| Spain SSSD | 8.2 |
| Spain STBPU | 7.5 |
| Spain SUOY | 4.9 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 4.5 |
| Sweden SSLC | 13 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 54 |
| Taiwan Senior High School Certificate | 87 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 1.9 |
| Turkey HSD | 4 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 13 |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1410, ACT 20 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 7.5 Average |
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Students can focus their study on either contemporary music performance, songwriting, composition or production.
All students participate in collaborative, practical music-making activities throughout the degree. An extensive ensemble program includes small and large repertoire-focused groups and student-led project bands. Students write, arrange, rehearse, record and perform a wide range of music, and are encouraged to develop their own creative projects.
Students who complete the degree can then apply for a graduate education course (such as the Master of Teaching at Southern Cross) to become a secondary school music teacher. The Bachelor of Contemporary Music course structure enables students to also pick up a second teaching area by taking elective units in another specialist area.
Please note, an interview/audition is part of the application process for the Bachelor of Contemporary Music. Details
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coomera | Session 1, Session 2 |
| Lismore | Session 1, Session 2 |
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coomera | Session 1 | $26,800 ($3,350 per unit) | 026996C |
| Lismore | Session 1 | $26,800 ($3,350 per unit) | 026996C |
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Demonstrate skills of analysis, interpretation, evaluation and research. Apply these skills to musical and other cultural contexts. |
Demonstrate creative and interpretive skills in a range of music composition, music performance, music production, and allied activities. Apply these skills to creative work and outputs. |
Demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and legal obligations in professional and personal contexts. |
Demonstrate a broad, integrated command of knowledge, skills and technologies in music. Demonstrate the ability and confidence to make a successful transition to professional life. |
Demonstrate the ability to be responsive to change, to be reflective in practice, and to be information literate. Apply this ability to update and develop one’s knowledge through independent and self-directed learning. |
Demonstrate a repertoire of written, oral, sonic and gestural communication skills. Apply these skills to personal, and professional settings. |
Demonstrate the ability and confidence to engage with different cultural and indigenous perspectives at local, national and international levels. Apply these skills in the conduct creative artistic practice. |
Assessment methods include performances, composition/songwriting portfolios, recording portfolios, technical assessments, musicianship exams and assignments, oral presentations, reflective writing tasks, peer and self-assessments, essays, projects and written exams.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, individual tuition, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
This course prepares students for a career as a performer, songwriter, producer, sound engineer, music educator, session musician, musical director, music event promoter, band and venue manager.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Contemporary Music who complete the required units can study the Master of Teaching and teach secondary school music.
Students have the opportunity to undertake professional placements at major local festivals such as Splendour in the Grass and with music organisations and businesses.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Contemporary Music, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
Exit awards
Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Contemporary Music after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) from the core unit list.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core Units | |||||
| MUSC1001 | Creative Music Practice I | ||||
| MUSC1002 | Creative Music Practice II | ||||
| MUSC2005 | Creative Music Practice III | ||||
| MUSC2007 | Creative Music Practice IV | ||||
| MUSC3001 | Creative Music Practice V | ||||
| MUSC1003 | Musicianship I | ||||
| MUSC1004 | Musicianship II | ||||
| MUSC2002 | Musicianship III | ||||
| MUSC3004 | Musicianship IV | ||||
| MUSC1009 | Sounds, Styles and Cultures | ||||
| MUSC1008 | Music Industry Landscapes | ||||
| MUSC3008 | The Portfolio Career Musician | ||||
| MUSC3010 | Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century | ||||
| MUSC3007 | Studies in Western Art Music | ||||
| MUSC1005 | Specialist Studies I | ||||
| MUSC1006 | Specialist Studies II | ||||
| MUSC2003 | Specialist Studies III | ||||
| MUSC2004 | Specialist Studies IV | ||||
| COMM3004 | Independent Project | ||||
| CRTV1002 | Create: Innovate: Change | ||||
Elective Units | Note 1, Note 2 | ||||
| MUSC3005 | Specialist Studies V | ||||
| MUSC3006 | Specialist Studies VI | ||||
| MUSC1010 | Instrumental Techniques I | ||||
| Any University-wide elective | |||||
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1001 | Creative Music Practice I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1003 | Musicianship I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRTV1002 | Create: Innovate: Change | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1005 | Specialist Studies I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 1, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1002 | Creative Music Practice II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1004 | Musicianship II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1008 | Music Industry Landscapes | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1006 | Specialist Studies II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 2, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2005 | Creative Music Practice III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2002 | Musicianship III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2003 | Specialist Studies III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Year 2, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2007 | Creative Music Practice IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3004 | Musicianship IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2004 | Specialist Studies IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Year 3, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3001 | Creative Music Practice V | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3007 | Studies in Western Art Music | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1009 | Sounds, Styles and Cultures | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Year 3, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| COMM3004 | Independent Project | Session1,2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3010 | Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3008 | The Portfolio Career Musician | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1001 | Creative Music Practice I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1003 | Musicianship I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRTV1002 | Create: Innovate: Change | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1005 | Specialist Studies I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 1, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1002 | Creative Music Practice II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1004 | Musicianship II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1008 | Music Industry Landscapes | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1006 | Specialist Studies II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 2, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2005 | Creative Music Practice III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2002 | Musicianship III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1009 | Sounds, Styles and Cultures | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2003 | Specialist Studies III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 2, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2007 | Creative Music Practice IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3004 | Musicianship IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3010 | Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2004 | Specialist Studies IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year 3, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3001 | Creative Music Practice V | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3007 | Studies in Western Art Music | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Year 3, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| COMM3004 | Independent Project | Session1,2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3008 | The Portfolio Career Musician | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1008 | Music Industry Landscapes | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 2, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1001 | Creative Music Practice I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1003 | Musicianship I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRTV1002 | Create: Innovate: Change | Session1,2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1005 | Specialist Studies I | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 2, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1002 | Creative Music Practice II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1004 | Musicianship II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1006 | Specialist Studies II | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 3, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2005 | Creative Music Practice III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2002 | Musicianship III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC1009 | Sounds, Styles and Cultures | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2003 | Specialist Studies III | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 3, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2007 | Creative Music Practice IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3004 | Musicianship IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3010 | Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC2004 | Specialist Studies IV | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 4, Session 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3001 | Creative Music Practice V | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3007 | Studies in Western Art Music | Session1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective | Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Year 4, Session 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| COMM3004 | Independent Project | Session1,2,3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| MUSC3008 | The Portfolio Career Musician | Session2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elective
| Note 1, Note 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Note 1: | Electives can be any University-wide elective or the elective music units - Specialist Studies V, Specialist Studies VI, Instrumental Techniques I |
| Note 2: | Students wishing to gain entry into a graduate music education course (e.g., Masters of Teaching) are advised to complete 4 electives that will contribute to a second specialisation within the School of Education. Confirm with the School of Education regarding areas of specialisation and the specific units required. |