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Bachelor of Contemporary Music

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BContempMus

  • Course code

    3003140

  • Credit points

    288

Overview

See yourself as the next Lady Gaga or Bruno Mars? Does your band dream of emulating the success of music's biggest names? Perhaps you aspire to a career behind the production desk, promoting artists, or staging concerts and tours.

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.

Guided by lecturers who are successful musicians with strong industry connections, the Bachelor of Contemporary Music will prepare you for a 21st century music career. Along with access to our state-of-the-art facilities in either Lismore or Coomera, you can participate in collaborative, practical music-making activities, attend APRA AMCOS songwriters' workshops featuring visiting artists, and access some of Australia’s biggest music events such as Splendour in the Grass and Byron Bay Bluesfest.

This course opens the way to a career as a performer, songwriter, producer, sound engineer, educator, session musician, musical director, promoter or venue manager. Graduates completing the required units can also study our Master of Teaching and teach secondary school music.

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.

Students have the opportunity to undertake professional placements at major local festivals such as Splendour in the Grass and with music organisations and businesses.

There are nine streams in total:

  • Performance (audition stream)
  • Performance (non-audition stream)
  • Songwriting/Composition (audition stream)
  • Songwriting/Composition (non-audition stream)
  • Music Education
  • Sound Production (audition stream)
  • Sound Production (non-audition stream)
  • New Media Arts
  • Screen.

Please note: New Media Arts and Screen streams are not currently available at Coomera. Sound Production (audition stream) is not available at Lismore.

The flexible course structure enables you to choose the pathway most suited to your interests. You can combine elements from different streams to create your own pathway.

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.

Performance, Songwriting/Composition and Sound Production audition streams

These audition streams offer students who are entering the course with high-level abilities the opportunity to work closely with staff and hone their skills in a specialist area. Students in these streams receive extensive one-on-one and/or small group tuition and consultations.

Please note that students wishing to be considered for the audition streams must complete the audition process as part of their application to this course. Information about the audition process is available at scu.edu.au/music. 

Students who achieve at a high level in a non-audition stream can transfer into the audition stream in second year.

Music Education stream

Students who complete the degree with the Music Education stream 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.

Sound Production non-audition stream

The Sound Production non-audition stream develops students' skills in live recording and sound engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, including purpose-built recording and performance spaces. They work closely with performers and songwriters in both live and recording environments.

New Media Arts and Screen streams (Lismore only, not available at Coomera)

Students in the New Media Arts stream and the Screen stream pursue design, film, video and emerging arts practices. There are opportunities for students to collaborate on projects with students studying the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication and the Bachelor of Art and Design.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coomera Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A
Lismore Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units (288 credit points) comprising:
    1. all fourteen (14) units listed in Part A; and
    2. six (6) units from Part B (including at least 2 advanced level units) and 4 elective units; or
    3. one ten (10) unit Recommended Stream from Part C
  2. To be eligible for the award of Diploma of Contemporary Music a candidate shall successfully complete not less than eight (8) units (96 credit points) comprising:
    1. six (6) units listed in Part A and 2 units in Part B or Part C
  3. A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Contemporary Music, may elect to be awarded the Diploma of Contemporary Music following withdrawal from the Bachelor Degree.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

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 Credit points Level of learning Notes

Year 1, Session 1

MUS71005 -  Creative Music Practice I Introductory
MUS71001 -  Musicianship I Introductory
MUS10509 -  Sounds, Styles and Cultures Introductory
MUS71007 -  Specialist Studies I Introductory Note 2

Year 1, Session 2

MUS71006 -  Creative Music Practice II Introductory
MUS71002 -  Musicianship II Introductory
MUS10506 -  Music Industry Landscapes Introductory
MUS71008 -  Specialist Studies II Introductory Note 2

Year 2, Session 1

MUS72010 -  Creative Music Practice III Intermediate
MUS72003 -  Musicianship III Intermediate
MUS72006 -  Specialist Studies III Intermediate Note 2
Elective

Year 2, Session 2

MUS72011 -  Creative Music Practice IV Intermediate
MUS72004 -  Musicianship IV Intermediate
MUS72007 -  Specialist Studies IV Intermediate Note 2
Either MUS10550 -  Screen Sound OR MUS10545 -  Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century Advanced

Year 3, Session 1

MUS73015 -  Creative Music Practice V Advanced
MUS73005 -  Musicianship V Advanced
MUS73009 -  Specialist Studies V Advanced Note 2
MUS10524 -  Studies in Western Art Music Advanced

Year 3, Session 2

MUS73016 -  Creative Music Practice VI Advanced
MUS73010 -  Specialist Studies VI Advanced Note 2
MUS73001 -  The Portfolio Career Musician Advanced
Either MUS10550 -  Screen Sound OR MUS10545 -  Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century OR MUS10525 -  Advanced Studies in Western Art and Contemporary Music Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes

Year 1, Session 1

MUS71005 -  Creative Music Practice I Introductory
MUS71001 -  Musicianship I Introductory
MUS10509 -  Sounds, Styles and Cultures Introductory
MUS71010 -  Instrumental Techniques I Introductory

Year 1, Session 2

MUS71006 -  Creative Music Practice II Introductory
MUS71002 -  Musicianship II Introductory
MUS10506 -  Music Industry Landscapes Introductory
MUS71011 -  Instrumental Techniques II Introductory

Year 2, Session 1

MUS72010 -  Creative Music Practice III Intermediate
MUS72003 -  Musicianship III Intermediate
Part B unit
Part B OR Elective

Year 2, Session 2

MUS72011 -  Creative Music Practice IV Intermediate
MUS72004 -  Musicianship IV Intermediate
Part B unit
Part B OR Elective

Year 3, Session 1

MUS73015 -  Creative Music Practice V Advanced
MUS73005 -  Musicianship V Advanced
Part B unit
Part B OR Elective

Year 3, Session 2

MUS73016 -  Creative Music Practice VI Advanced
MUS73001 -  The Portfolio Career Musician Advanced
Part B unit
Part B OR Elective

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
MUS10506 -  Music Industry Landscapes Introductory
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Year 2, Session 1
MUS71005 -  Creative Music Practice I Introductory
MUS71001 -  Musicianship I Introductory
MUS10509 -  Sounds, Styles and Cultures Introductory
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Year 2, Session 2
MUS71006 -  Creative Music Practice II Introductory
MUS71002 -  Musicianship II Introductory
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Year 3, Session 1
MUS72010 -  Creative Music Practice III Intermediate
MUS72003 -  Musicianship III Intermediate
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Year 3, Session 2
MUS72011 -  Creative Music Practice IV Intermediate
MUS72004 -  Musicianship IV Intermediate
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Year 4, Session 1
MUS73015 -  Creative Music Practice V Advanced
MUS73005 -  Musicianship V Advanced
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective 		Note 1
Year 4, Session 2
MUS73016 -  Creative Music Practice VI Advanced
MUS73001 -  The Portfolio Career Musician Advanced
Option Part B Units
OR
Elective
Note 1

Note 1:

Electives can be any undergraduate unit offered by the University

Note 2:

Enrolment in Specialist Studies I-VI units is restricted and requires UA and CC approval

Note 3:

Only suggested in the music education stream if not doing Specialist Studies I and II

Note 4:

Depending on whether Instrumental Techniques I and II are undertaken as part of the music education stream

Note 5:

Students wishing to gain entry into a graduate music education course should use the 4 electives to complete a second teaching area. At SCU the recommended areas are: English, maths, history or geography. Confirm with the School of Education the specific units required.

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A

MUS71005 Creative Music Practice I Introductory
MUS71006 Creative Music Practice II Introductory
MUS72010 Creative Music Practice III Intermediate
MUS72011 Creative Music Practice IV Intermediate
MUS73015 Creative Music Practice V Advanced
MUS73016 Creative Music Practice VI Advanced
MUS71001 Musicianship I Introductory
MUS71002 Musicianship II Introductory
MUS72003 Musicianship III Intermediate
MUS72004 Musicianship IV Intermediate
MUS73005 Musicianship V Advanced
MUS10509 Sounds, Styles and Cultures Introductory
MUS10506 Music Industry Landscapes Introductory
MUS73001 The Portfolio Career Musician Advanced

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
MUS71010 Instrumental Techniques I Introductory
MUS71011 Instrumental Techniques II Introductory
MUS71003 Sound Production I Introductory
MUS72005 Sound Production II Intermediate
MUS73006 Sound Production III Advanced
MUS10545 Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century Intermediate
MUS10524 Studies in Western Art Music Advanced
MUS10525 Advanced Studies in Western Art and Contemporary Music Advanced
MUS10550 Screen Sound Advanced
MUS71007 Specialist Studies I Introductory Note 2
MUS71008 Specialist Studies II Introductory Note 2
MUS72006 Specialist Studies III Intermediate Note 2
MUS72007 Specialist Studies IV Intermediate Note 2
MUS73009 Specialist Studies V Advanced Note 2
MUS73010 Specialist Studies VI Advanced Note 2
COM00471 Professional Placement Advanced
COM10112 Essential Screen Skills Intermediate
COM10113 Advanced Screen Production Advanced
SOY10114 Independent Project Advanced
COM10627 Digital Media Practices Introductory
COM10110 Visual Communication and Design Introductory

Part C

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
MUS71007 Specialist Studies I Introductory
MUS71008 Specialist Studies II Introductory
MUS72006 Specialist Studies III Intermediate
MUS72007 Specialist Studies IV Intermediate
MUS73009 Specialist Studies V Advanced
MUS73010 Specialist Studies VI Advanced
MUS71010 Instrumental Techniques I Introductory
MUS71011 Instrumental Techniques II Introductory
2 Electives Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
MUS71007 Specialist Studies I Introductory
MUS71008 Specialist Studies II Introductory
MUS72006 Specialist Studies III Intermediate
MUS72007 Specialist Studies IV Intermediate
MUS73009 Specialist Studies V Advanced
MUS73010 Specialist Studies VI Advanced
MUS10524 Studies in Western Art Music Advanced
2 units from the following 3:
MUS10525 Advanced Studies in Western Art and Contemporary Music Advanced
MUS10550 Screen Sound Advanced
MUS10545 Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century Intermediate
1 Elective

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
MUS71010 Instrumental Techniques I Introductory
MUS71011 Instrumental Techniques II Introductory
4 Part B units
4 Electives Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
MUS71010 Instrumental Techniques I Introductory
MUS71011 Instrumental Techniques II Introductory
MUS10550 Screen Sound Advanced
MUS10545 Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century Intermediate
MUS10524 Studies in Western Art Music Advanced
MUS10525 Advanced Studies in Western Art and Contemporary Music Advanced
4 Electives Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
MUS71010 Instrumental Techniques I Introductory Note 3
MUS71011 Instrumental Techniques II Introductory Note 3
MUS10545 Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century Intermediate
MUS10524 Studies in Western Art Music Advanced
MUS10525 Advanced Studies in Western Art and Contemporary Music Advanced
1 or 3 Part B units Note 4
4 Electives Note 5

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
MUS71003 Sound Production I Introductory
MUS72005 Sound Production II Intermediate
MUS73006 Sound Production III Advanced
COM00471 Professional Placement Advanced
2 Part B units
4 Electives Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
COM10627 Digital Media Practices Introductory
COM10110 Visual Communication and Design Introductory
AAD72212 Communication Design Intermediate
AAD73305 Advanced Digital Imaging Advanced
AAD71104 Photography and Digital Imaging Introductory
COM73001 Cyborg, Virus, Algorithm: Concepts for Media Practice Advanced
4 Part B units (including at least 2 Advanced Level Part B units)

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
COM10627 Digital Media Practices Introductory
COM10110 Visual Communication and Design Introductory
COM10112 Essential Screen Skills Intermediate
COM10082 Film Studies Intermediate
COM00456 Animation Theory and Practice Intermediate
MUS10550 Screen Sound Advanced
COM10113 Advanced Screen Production Advanced
1 Part B unit
2 Electives Note 1