Bachelor of Music (Composition)

The University of Sydney / Conservatorium

Course Overview

Outline

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.

Details

On-campus

Full-time: 4 years

Bachelors Degree

CSP: Contact institution

513405

24 February 2025

Conservatorium

Level of Qualification

Bachelors Degree

Study Area

Creative Arts

Delivery Mode

On-campus

Course Duration

Full-time

4 years

Start Date

24 February 2025

The University of Sydney logo

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The ATAR and Selection Rank profile is not available for this course.

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester one intake, 2024, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

For more information about the Student Profile, please visit Student Profile explained.

Applicant background Semester one intake 2024
Number of students No. of students Percentage of all students % of all students
(A) Higher education study <5 <5
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 <5
(C) Work and life experience <5 <5
(D) Recent secondary education    
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
<5 <5
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
11 64.71%
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
<5 <5
(E) International students <5 <5
All students 17 100%

<5   - the number of students is less than 5

N/A - Students not accepted in this category

N/P - Not published to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Majors

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.

Essential Requirements

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)

Admissions 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.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

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

Other Information

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.