Welcome to music at QUT
Hear from Dr Brad Millard about our Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in music, and learn more about this fantastic, real-world course.
Applying for our music courses
Want to study music at QUT? Find out what you need to do to get there.
Create, record and market your work
'I enjoyed the collaborative nature of the QUT music course. I’m thankful that QUT was able to offer a course that was not strictly confined to a particular style of music and instead encouraged participation in a variety of musical genres. There was a big emphasis on working in groups and I believe that this helped me become a better musician overall. QUT taught me a lot about sound production and having the opportunity to use such amazing facilities really meant you could immerse yourself in the whole experience.'
Get into the studio
QUT music studios are state-of-the-art facilities that enable industry-standard music writing, recording and production. You will be inspired by collaborating with like-minded people on various projects while finding new ways to develop your own artistic vision. Experience both live and recording studio environments. Whether your focus is as a performer or producer, learn how to use technology to create and record music.
Real success
Ball Park Music formed while studying music at QUT, and have become one of Australia’s most loved bands. The five-piece indie rock band won Album of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards for ‘Cherub’ and have featured in the Triple J Hottest 100 multiple times.
Real graduate
‘I play in a band called Cub Sport. We’ve toured internationally and played major festivals including Laneway, Falls Festival and Splendour in the Grass. I chose QUT’s degree because it was the most contemporary, covering modern aspects of music including production.’
Welcome to music at QUT
Hear from Dr Brad Millard about our Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in music, and learn more about this fantastic, real-world course.
Applying for our music courses
Want to study music at QUT? Find out what you need to do to get there.
Create, record and market your work
'I enjoyed the collaborative nature of the QUT music course. I’m thankful that QUT was able to offer a course that was not strictly confined to a particular style of music and instead encouraged participation in a variety of musical genres. There was a big emphasis on working in groups and I believe that this helped me become a better musician overall. QUT taught me a lot about sound production and having the opportunity to use such amazing facilities really meant you could immerse yourself in the whole experience.'
Get into the studio
QUT music studios are state-of-the-art facilities that enable industry-standard music writing, recording and production. You will be inspired by collaborating with like-minded people on various projects while finding new ways to develop your own artistic vision. Experience both live and recording studio environments. Whether your focus is as a performer or producer, learn how to use technology to create and record music.
Real success
Ball Park Music formed while studying music at QUT, and have become one of Australia’s most loved bands. The five-piece indie rock band won Album of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards for ‘Cherub’ and have featured in the Triple J Hottest 100 multiple times.
Real graduate
‘I play in a band called Cub Sport. We’ve toured internationally and played major festivals including Laneway, Falls Festival and Splendour in the Grass. I chose QUT’s degree because it was the most contemporary, covering modern aspects of music including production.’
Highlights
- Study current issues in music and sound practice.
- Develop practical skills in music and sound production.
- Gain experience and contacts in your industry through professional industry placements and projects.
- Choose independent study options where you can design and implement new creative work.
Highlights
- Study current issues in music and sound practice.
- Develop practical skills in music and sound production.
- Gain experience and contacts in your industry through professional industry placements and projects.
- Choose independent study options where you can design and implement new creative work.
Why choose this course?
The music industry is riding a digital wave of change. These are exciting times for anyone who wants to strike out in new directions. And QUT’s music degree helps you to prepare for these evolving opportunities. This course offers an innovative learning environment that will help you develop your individual artistic identity and acquire the creative skills to realise your vision in the contemporary music scene.
A key element of the course is a series of regular workshops that address principles of performance, writing and arranging, production and the music industry.
You will experience both live and recording studio environments, and hone your skills in a professional setting. Our rehearsal and recording studios are state-of-the-art. You will also learn how to use technology to create music, record and distribute your works, and market your talent. You will be inspired by collaborating with like-minded people on various projects while finding new ways to develop your own artistic vision.
Real-world learning
You will experience both live and recording studio environments, whether your focus is as a performer or producer. You will learn how to use technology to create and record music, distribute your works, and market your talent.
You will be mentored by renowned staff in production and performance applications. Your teaching staff are high-level creative practitioners with national and international industry links with Q Music, the Australian Independent Record Labels Association, APRA/ AMCOS, Arts Queensland, Creative Media Warehouse, ITC Software Development, MGM Distribution, Island Music, Sony, Music Sales and many more.
You will have the opportunity to participate in music projects that focus on artist development and music-related research, and actively engage with Brisbane’s live music venues such as The Zoo, The Briteside, Brisbane Powerhouse, QPAC and Brisbane Festival.
Visit the student and graduate blog to find out more about what it’s like to study fine arts and where a QUT degree can take you.
Explore this course
You’ll be creating new music from your first year, followed by working with creative technologies, performing and recording new music, or composing for media. In addition to practical areas of music making, the course can lead you into music industry professions such as management or promotion, and social engagement.
Our music degree prepares aspiring musicians for the rapidly changing music industry. Students are encouraged to create works across musical boundaries and strike out in new directions.
In your final year you’ll work on transdisciplinary industry-connected projects with students from other study areas in the performing arts. You can also participate in music projects which focus on artist development and music-related research.
Customise your degree
If production is your passion, you will focus on creating new music and developing skills in songwriting, studio recording, sequencing, digital processing and writing for acoustic, electric and digital instruments.
If you are interested in performance, you’ll focus on developing your unique performance style and artistic voice, creating new work, using digital technology and developing new interpretations of your repertoire, as well as gaining further experience performing in recording studio and live contexts.
If your passion is making music for film, television, animation, games or any other transdisciplinary media environment, you’ll have opportunities to work with students in those disciplines.
If you wish to become a primary or secondary school dance teacher you have some options. You can complete your dance studies first and then follow with a Master of Teaching in early childhood, primary or secondary education.* Or you can now undertake a double degree in secondary education at the same time as your music degree.
*Check entry requirements for the Master of Teaching for specific teaching areas.
Careers and outcomes
This course can lead you into music industry professions such as performing, recording, management or promotion, and social engagement. Graduates work in an eclectic range of live, recording and multimedia environments as performers, producers, composers, developers of music software and games, DJs and private instrumental music teachers.
Many find national and international success, including Ball Park Music, Cub Sport, The Belligerents, drummers Grant Collins and Pete Skelton, and film composer Michael Edwards.
You can also pursue a career as a qualified school music teacher (with completion of a double degree with secondary education or a Master of Teaching course).
Possible careers
- Band leader
- Composer
- Conductor
- D.j
- Digital composer
- Film composer
- Media industry specialist
- Multimedia designer
- Music agent/manager
- Music publisher
- Music sampler
- Music teacher
- Music technologist
- Musical director
- Musician
- Post-production specialist
- Song writer
- Sound designer
- Sound and music producer
- Sound/audio engineer
Your course
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music), you must complete the following:
- Two common units (KYB101 and KYB102) – 24 credit points
- Music major – 168 credit points
- Complementary studies – 48 credit points from the Situated Creative Practice Extension plus 48 credit points chosen from a minor or unit options (electives).
Year 1
- Contemporary developments in music, sound and musicianship skills.
- Develop skills in music technology and software.
- Intensive music studio experience.
- Presentation, music and sound performance.
- Identify your creative direction.
Year 2
-
Develop unique crossover musical skills.
-
Creative performance and/or music and sound production.
-
Intensive project-based program.
-
Develop your focus as an artist or creative producer.
-
Be mentored by staff and industry professionals.
-
Electives available across other disciplines.
Year 3
- Public performances and creative production industry showcases
- Learn to promote yourself and organise events
- Collaborate on projects with other creative artists, producers and industry organisations
- Music industry structure and current issues
- Engage in real-world learning projects
- Personalise your studies through elective units.
Study overseas
Study overseas while earning credit towards your QUT creative industries degree with one of our worldwide exchange partners.
Overseas study can be for one or two semesters (or during the semester break) and the units you take can be in a creative or non-creative discipline area, depending on how they match with your QUT course. Saving your electives for exchange will allow you the most flexibility.
Your course
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music), you must complete the following:
- Two common units (KYB101 and KYB102) – 24 credit points
- Music major – 168 credit points
- Complementary studies – 48 credit points from the Situated Creative Practice Extension plus 48 credit points chosen from a minor or unit options (electives).
Year 1
- Contemporary developments in music, sound and musicianship skills.
- Develop skills in music technology and software.
- Intensive music studio experience.
- Presentation, music and sound performance.
- Identify your creative direction.
Year 2
-
Develop unique crossover musical skills.
-
Creative performance and/or music and sound production.
-
Intensive project-based program.
-
Develop your focus as an artist or creative producer.
-
Be mentored by staff and industry professionals.
-
Electives available across other disciplines.
Year 3
- Public performances and creative production industry showcases
- Learn to promote yourself and organise events
- Collaborate on projects with other creative artists, producers and industry organisations
- Music industry structure and current issues
- Engage in real-world learning projects
- Personalise your studies through elective units.
Study overseas
Study overseas while earning credit towards your QUT creative industries degree with one of our worldwide exchange partners.
Overseas study can be for one or two semesters (or during the semester break) and the units you take can be in a creative or non-creative discipline area, depending on how they match with your QUT course. Saving your electives for exchange will allow you the most flexibility.
- ATAR/selection rank threshold
- 70.00
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2024.
Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?
- Course code
- KK34
- QTAC code
- 421512
- CRICOS code
- 056185A
-
- Kelvin Grove
-
- Kelvin Grove
- 3 years full-time
- 3 years full-time
- February
- February
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
Year 12 early offer scheme
If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.
Offer guarantee
If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
VET guarantee
If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.
Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2023
Admission was based on additional entry requirements only.
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Other admission options
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
I completed secondary school in Australia
- ATAR/selection rank
- 70.00
Offer guarantee
If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 70.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
VET guarantee
If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PTE Academic | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
IELTS Academic / IELTS One Skills Retake | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
TOEFL iBT / Paper | 79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2025 fees
2025: CSP fees available from September
Additional Costs
There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. Find out more about additional course requirements and costs.
2025 fees
2025: Available from July
Additional Costs
There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. Find out more about additional course requirements and costs.
2024 fees
2024: CSP $12,100 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Additional Costs
There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. Find out more about additional course requirements and costs.
2024 fees
2024: $34,300 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Additional Costs
There are requirements that you will need to meet as a student in this course. Find out more about additional course requirements and costs.
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)
QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
QUT Real World International Scholarship
A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
Keep up to date
QUT courses for you
Like to save your courses?
Please enter your first name and email so we can save your courses for you