The ANU Bachelor of Music nurtures outstanding musical artistry through the intersection of performance, composition and technology. We believe that discovery lies at the heart of both creativity and excellence. We foster artistry through offering a diversity of musical experiences in an environment that encourages excellence, passion and entrepreneurship.
Our program provides students with a unique 21st Century musical experience which includes classical, jazz and contemporary performance, multimedia composition and audio engineering and recording.
Students can specialise in one or more of five majors: performance; composition for film and video games, composition, music technology; and musicology.
With a myriad of majors and minors, craft a science degree that is uniquely yours with the ANU Bachelor of Science.
You’ll have the opportunity to experiment in our state-of-the-art laboratories while being mentored by leading scientists. You’ll have the flexibility to go on fieldtrips, take your studies overseas, or try an internship.
Whether your passion lies in marine science or mathematics, physics or psychology, you’ll be able to explore your interests and follow your passions with our most flexible science degree.
Find out more about our science study areas, degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
Career Options
Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.
The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musics;
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of and proficiency in one or more areas of musical performance, composition arranging and sound design, musicology, or music technology by applying specialist cognitive and technical skills;
- Evaluate and interpret musical ideas and concepts by engaging with relevant research of others, and thinking creatively, critically, ethically, and independently to solve research questions through words and/or creative practice such as performance or composition;
- Communicate ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts, through words and/or creative practice such as performance or composition, clearly and coherently in modes suited to a range of audiences; and
- Work independently and collaboratively in response to authentic music project demands.
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Science, graduates will be able to:
- develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in educational and professional contexts;
- use a range of skills and methods to identify, analyse and respond to problems and issues;
- convey and relate professional and disciplinary information and ideas to diverse audiences in effective and appropriate ways;
- work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives;
- exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.
Further Information
Students in the Bachelor of Music will have the opportunity to take a Theory Placement Test during O-week in Semester 1. Based on the results of this test, students may be exempted from Music Theory & Aural Skills 1 and Music Theory & Aural Skills 2. In lieu of these two courses, students will require an additional 12 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Students in the Bachelor of Music will have the opportunity to take a Theory Placement Test during O-week in Semester 1. Based on the results of this test, students may be exempted from Music Theory & Aural Skills 1 and Music Theory & Aural Skills 2. In lieu of these two courses, students will require an additional 12 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Admission Requirements
- ATAR:
- 80
- QLD Band:
- 10
- International Baccalaureate:
- 29
Prerequisites
Entry to Performance courses is by audition. Applicants undertaking an audition will be expected to have pre-existing musical knowledge such as a competency level equivalent to NSW Music 2 or Music Extension, or AMEB Grade 5 performance, or equivalent qualifications or experience. Applicants wishing to enrol in Performance courses are advised to contact the School to arrange for an audition as soon as possible. E: schoolofmusic@anu.edu.au
There are no formal program prerequisites and many first-year science courses assume little specific knowledge. The exceptions are:
- For many of the biology majors, chemistry is a requirement, therefore it is recommended that students have at least an ACT minor (but preferably a major) in chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in the biological streams of biochemistry and cell biology, microbiology and immunology, molecular genetics, animal and human physiology, and some parts of botany and neuroscience. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
- CHEM1101: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multistrand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry. A bridging course is available in February details can be obtained through science.enquiries@anu.edu.au
- MATH1003: Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1005: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent
- MATH1013: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics Major - Minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent. Students with a good pass in ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent will be considered
- MATH1115: A satisfactory pass in ACT Specialist Mathematics double major or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. Students with excellent marks in either ACT Specialist Mathematics major-minor or NSW HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent may be permitted to enrol
- PHYS1101: There is a corequisite of MATH1013/1115. See the entries above. There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is - NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multistrand science; ACT: a high standard in physics (major).
Adjustment Factors
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Music - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $43,680.00
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Music flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units can come from completion of 1000 level courses.
A minimum of 84 units must come from completion of courses from the subject area MUSI Music and courses from any majors listed in the Bachelor of Music.
The 96 units must consist of:
24 units from completion of courses on the following compulsory courses:
MUSI1105 Music Theory & Aural Skills 1
MUSI1106 Music Theory & Aural Skills 2
MUSI2203 Music Theory & Aural Skills 3
MUSI2204 Music Theory & Aural Skills 4
12 units from completion of courses on the following list:
MUSI3319 Music Theory & Aural Skills 5
MUSI3320 Music Theory & Aural Skills 6
MUSI3322 Advanced Jazz Studies 1
MUSI3323 Advanced Jazz Studies 2
A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses on the following list, which may be double counted towards one major or minor in which they are listed:
INDG2002 Contemporary Australian Indigenous Music Studies
MUSI1109 Music from 1900 to the Present: A Century of Crisis and Change
MUSI1113 Introduction to Ethnomusicology
6 units from completion of the following compulsory course, which may be double counted towards one major or minor in which it is listed:
MUSI1110 Introduction to Music Technology
48 units from completion of one of the following majors:
Composition for Film and Video Games
Composition
Music Technology
Musicology
Performance
A maximum of 24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
The Bachelor of Science flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list
The 96 units must include:
48 units from completion of one of the following Science majors:
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Biochemistry
Biological Anthropology
Cell & Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Geography
Human Biology
Human Evolutionary Biology
Marine Science
Mathematical Economics
Mathematical Finance
Mathematical Modelling
Mathematics
Resource and Environmental Management
Physics
Psychology
Quantitative Biology
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
Science Communication
Statistics
Sustainability Studies
Water Science
Either:
24 units from the completion of one of the following Science minors / specialisations:
Abnormal Psychology Minor
Advanced Chemistry Specialisation
Advanced Mathematics Specialisation
Advanced Physics Specialisation
Advanced Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics Specialisation
Applied Statistics Minor
Astronomy and Astrophysics Specialisation
Biology Minor
Biochemistry Specialisation
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Biological Anthropology Minor
Biological Neuropsychology Minor
Biomedical Science Specialisation
Chemistry Minor
Climate Science and Policy Minor
Cognitive Psychology Minor
Computer Science Minor
Developmental Psychology Minor
Earth and Marine Science Minor
Earth Physics Specialisation Minor
Environmental Geology Specialisation
Environmental Policy Minor
Evolution and Ecology Specialisation
Forest Science and Policy Minor
Genetics Specialisation
Geochemistry and Petrology Specialisation
Geography Minor
Geophysics and Geology Specialisation
Human Ecology Minor
Mathematical Physics Specialisation
Mathematics Minor
Microbiology and Immunology Specialisation
Neuroscience and Physiology Specialisation
Optics Specialisation
Philosophy and Science Minor
Physics Minor
Plant Science Specialisation
Professional Science Engagement Specialisation
Psychology Specialisation
Science Communication Minor
Social Psychology Minor
Soil and Land Management Minor
Sustainable Development Minor
Water Science and Policy Minor
24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list
Or:
48 units from completion of a second Science majors, listed above
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.
In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
Majors
Bachelor of Science Majors
Bachelor of Music Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Science Minors
Bachelor of Music Minors
Specialisations
Bachelor of Science Specialisations
Study Options
Year 1 | For study plans, please see following link http://cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plans | - | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units |
- | - | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | |
Year 2 | - | - | 2000 level course Science Major 6 units | Science elective 6 units |
- | - | 2000 level course Science Major 6 units | Science elective or minor or specialisation course 6 units | |
Year 3 | - | - | 2000 level course Science Major 6 units | Science elective or minor or specialisation course 6 units |
- | - | 3000 level course Science Major 6 units | 3000 level Science elective or specialisation course 6 units | |
Year 4 | - | - | 3000 level course Science Major 6 units | Science elective 6 units |
- | - | 3000 level course Science Major 6 units | 3000 level Science elective or specialisation course 6 units |
Single degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of Music consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
For the Bachelor of Music, a minimum of 14 courses (84 units) must come from completion of courses from the subject area MUSI Music and courses from any majors listed in the Bachelor of Music.
You will need to complete:
- A minimum of four courses from the Music Theory & Aural Skills list (24 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list which may be double counted towards the major it is listed in (6 units)
- One compulsory course which may be double counted towards the major it is listed in (6 units)
- One Major from the designated list of majors (48 units)
- A minimum of eight electives from across the ANU (48 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your program.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Music. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Double degree
This following information is to be read in conjunction with the program rules that are outlined on the “Study” tab. Please always make sure that you refer to the program rules for the year that you commenced your program.
Bachelor of Music Double Degree program consists of 96 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load. During each semester you are likely to take two courses from your Bachelor of Music degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
For the Bachelor of Music, a minimum of 14 courses (84 units) must come from completion of courses from the subject area MUSI Music and courses from any majors listed in the Bachelor of Music.
You will need to complete:
- A minimum of four courses from the Music Theory & Aural Skills list (24 units)
- A minimum of one course from the designated list which may be double counted towards the major it is listed in (6 units)
- One compulsory course which may be double counted towards the major it is listed in (6 units)
- One Major from the designated list of majors (48 units)
- Two electives from across the ANU (12 units)
Please note that you are only permitted to count six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your degree.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for the Bachelor of Music. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and give you a plan that you can refer to for the duration of your program.
Enrolment Status
While it is possible for domestic students to enrol in fewer than four courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
First year students are not permitted to study more than four courses (24 units) per semester.
If you are beginning your program in Semester 1, you should enrol for all your courses for both Semester 1 and Semester 2 (8 courses for full time), so that you can plan your study year.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When you enrol for the first time you will study
‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their
course code, such as ARTS1234.
Whilst it is important to take 1000-level courses in your first year (so that
you can meet the pre-requisites for later year courses) they also can be taken later
in your program. You can only count a maximum of ten 1000-level courses (60
units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards
your Bachelor of Music half of the double degree. In your first year you need to enrol in:
Electives
For students in the single degree, your electives (48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU) can be additional courses from your discipline (including the option of a major or minor) or courses from another ANU College. If you have an interest in another discipline such as management, psychology or mathematics, then you should explore first year courses in these areas. In particular look at the majors and minors in these areas. These will give you an idea of the first year courses you can study.
If you are interested in undertaking a language and have prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further details.
Study Options
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Study Plan
Please refer to the "Study" tab.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | - | - | - | - |
- | - | - | - |
Back to the Bachelor of Science page
Do you have boundless
interests you can't pin down? Are you curious about parasites and planets and
everything in between?
Explore the endless possibilities of astronomy and astrophysics, biological anthropology, biology, chemistry, climate science, computer science, earth science, environmental policy, evolution and ecology, genetics, geography, immunology, marine science, mathematics and statistics, natural resource management and sustainability, physics, plant science, psychology and neuroscience, and science communication (just to name a few).
Whatever you choose to study, you will gain transferrable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.
With the ANU Bachelor of Science you have the flexibility to explore all your interests, tailoring a program for the direction you choose to take science.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units)
- One Science minor, specialisation or a second Science major ( /48 units)
- Other courses from Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
Double degree
- The Bachelor of Science in a double degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 30 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units)
- One Science minor, specialisation or a second Science major (24units/48 units)
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Science single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses), and four Science electives (4 courses). If you'd like to, you can use your Science electives to extend your Science minor into a second Science major. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU (science or non-science courses). You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Science double degree program you will study a total of 96 units of Science course. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take
one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4
courses), and four Science electives (4 courses). If you'd like to, you
can use your Science electives to extend your Science minor into a second Science
major.
The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.
Where there is mention of Science courses, majors, minors and specialisations this refers to courses, majors, minors and specialisations that are offered by the College of Health and Medicine and College of Science as well as some that are offered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Business and Economics and College of Arts and Social Sciences as listed below.
Courses offered by College of Health and Medicine and College of Science include any courses commencing with the following codes:
ASTR BIOL CHEM EMSC ENVS MATH NEUR PHYS PSYC SCNC SCOM VCUGCourses offered by other ANU Colleges can be found on the Science Course List.
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.
- A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major
- You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Science half of the double degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.
Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.
There are over sixty Science majors, minors and specialisations available for you to study, from Astronomy and Astrophysics to Water Science. You can find all the possibilities on our Program and Courses website.
If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.
There are two main ways to choose courses for majors and minors:
- Choose from the list of Science majors and minors and see what first year courses you need to enrol in.
- Choose from the list of first-year Science courses and see what majors and minors they count towards.
Electives
While you only need to enrol in courses for one Science major and one Science minor, you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Science majors or minors. That way you keep your options open. Once you've selected courses for a Science major, and a Science minor or second Science major, you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College at the University if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Science program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Science - single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science with one Science Major and one Science minor.Study Options
Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Science or non-science elective 6 units | Science or non-science elective 6 units |
1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Science or non-science elective 6 units | Science or non-science elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Science - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Science (degree A) with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Science (degree B).Study Options
Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
1000 level course Science Major 6 units | 1000 level Science elective or minor course 6 units | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information on prerequisites and Science disciplines you can:
- Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
- View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
- Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809.