Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry)
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$29,760 (2020 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Take an innovative approach by studying music in local and global contexts. You'll study in the centre of Melbourne, exposing you to thriving local scenes, buskers, bars, clubs, theatres and festivals - in the exciting music capital of Australia.
Through your studies you will explore contemporary trends and issues through a combination of practical, project-based work and academic, theoretical study. You will also learn about key music technologies, global music cultures, popular music scenes, music business practice and live music performance.
Beyond the specifics of the music industries, you will also investigate broader cultural, social and historical perspectives by undertaking a sequence of contextual courses.
You'll be ready for a variety of careers within the music industries and the broader creative industries.
Graduates in this degree can expect to work in a diverse range of roles, including artist management, live sound engineering, journalism and teaching.
Details
Course content is delivered by experienced academic staff with many years of industry and research experience. Our on-going teaching staff have first-hand knowledge and experience of music performance, studio recording, international touring, music journalism, event coordination and music business. In addition, the degree employs guest lecturers and sessional tutors from cultural organisations, arts bodies and music business. This enables our students to experience the breadth and depth of employment possibilities in the music industries.
All courses are delivered in English. You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Work placements can be taken in broad ranging, music industry-related organisations. The degree has established industry links with a wide range of professional and community organisations in Australia. We have formal partnerships with the Mushroom Group, a leader in the recording and publishing industries, and Creative Environment Enterprises, a cutting edge organisation in the field of music sustainability. We also draw on the expertise of the peak advisory body for musicians in Melbourne, Music Victoria.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
This degree is studied via a variety of teaching and learning modes, such as lectures, seminars, work integrated learning and problem-solving workshops. The final year involves an industry placement.
Contextual studies
You will study one of five contextual strands as part of your degree. The five contextual strands are: Asian Media and Culture; Cinema Studies; Politics Economies Communication; Literary Studies; Approaches to Popular Culture.
Electives
Music Industry students can also take advantage of a rich choice of electives offered in the School of Media and Communication, as well as from across the University.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) | City Campus |
3 years (6 semesters) full-time
|
3 years (6 semesters) full-time
|
BP047 | 065131G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP047
Career
Graduates are employed in a variety of areas within the music industries and the broader creative industries. Completion of the degree offers you the opportunity to find employment in these industries through industry-based projects and placements.
RMIT students experience a high level of employment upon graduation due to their professional skill level. The course provides a broad overview of the music industries, and our graduates work in areas such as:
- live sound engineering
- studio production
- artist management
- event management
- distribution
- promotion
- performance
- marketing
- journalism
- research
- teaching.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
Personal statement
If you are not currently studying Year 12 you must submit a personal statement outlining:
- reasons for wanting to study this program
- awareness of current music industry issues
- career aspirations
- evidence of any music performance, production or other relevant industry experience. Evidence may include YouTube, Sound Cloud or other website links. For collaborative work, applicants must detail their role, and the role of the collaborator(s).
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of your academic achievement only.
If you are applying to RMIT via VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2020.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian certificate IV or above (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Personal statement
You must submit a personal statement outlining:
- reasons for wanting to study this program
- awareness of current music industry issues
- career aspirations
- evidence of any music performance, production or other relevant industry experience. Evidence may include YouTube, Sound Cloud or other website links. For collaborative work, applicants must detail their role, and the role of the collaborator(s).
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of your academic achievement only.
If you are applying to RMIT via VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Personal statement
You must submit a personal statement outlining:
- reasons for wanting to study this program
- awareness of current music industry issues
- career aspirations
- evidence of any music performance, production or other relevant industry experience. Evidence may include YouTube, Sound Cloud or other website links. For collaborative work, applicants must detail their role, and the role of the collaborator(s).
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of your academic achievement only.
If you are applying to RMIT via VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may satisfy the required English prerequisite by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
If you would like your work and life experience to be considered, you should provide a copy of your curriculum vitae and a supporting statement from your employer.
Personal statement
You must submit a personal statement outlining:
- reasons for wanting to study this program
- awareness of current music industry issues
- career aspirations
- evidence of any music performance, production or other relevant industry experience. Evidence may include YouTube, Sound Cloud or other website links. For collaborative work, applicants must detail their role, and the role of the collaborator(s).
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of your academic achievement only.
If you are applying to RMIT via VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check calculator below).
For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Statement: If you have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent senior secondary school studies more than 12 months ago must include with your application a statement outlining your:
- reasons for wanting to study this program
- awareness of current music industry issues
- career aspirations
- evidence of any music performance, production or other relevant industry experience. Evidence may include YouTube, Sound Cloud or other website links. For collaborative work, applicants must detail their role, and the role of the collaborator(s).
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Pathways for students looking to further their studies in a related field at RMIT from July 2020
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
Pathways for applicants who have completed or are currently enrolled in vocational courses at RMIT
If you have completed or are currently enrolled in RMIT’s Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) and wish to continue your studies in the Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) in 2020 you will be guaranteed entry if you successfully complete and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.
If you successfully gain entry into the Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) you will be granted 144 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1.5 years full-time study).
The Pathways finder above is a guide for students looking to further their studies in a related field at RMIT from July 2020.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$29,760.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$92,160.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.