Explore trends and issues in music and gain the skills to pursue a career in sound engineering, artist and event management, journalism and more.
AU$35,520 (2024 annual)
Take your love of the music industry to a new level!
Study in the heart of Melbourne, the exciting music capital of Australia and home to thriving local scenes, buskers, bars, clubs, theatres and festivals. You will learn about key music technologies, global music cultures, popular music scenes, music business practice and live music performance.
The Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) is a one-of-a-kind degree that is renowned for its blend of project-based work and academic study. You’ll have opportunities to pursue your own interests, such as creative music-making with Ableton Live, in addition to developing your critical thinking and problem solving skills. In your final year of study, you’ll undertake an internship at a music industry organisation that suits your career aspirations, giving you work experience before you graduate.
Learn from people with first-hand knowledge of performance, touring, journalism and event coordination.
Gain hands-on experience at a record label, touring organisation, radio station or live venue.
Get creative in our Ableton Live music production studio, and hone your skills in our DJ studio.
The ambitions that I carried throughout my undergraduate years were always supported by the staff, who would go above and beyond, and still do, to assist me with anything from references, to editing, to job opportunities.
- Hayden Ryan, Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) graduate and Yuin man from Narooma
We understand the changing dynamic of the music industry, and we know the skills that employers are looking for. You will have the training, practical experience and theoretical knowledge that ensures you are ready for a variety of careers in the music industry and the broader creative arts sector.
In this degree, you will be taught by staff who have many years of industry and research experience.
Our ongoing lecturing staff hold relevant PhD qualifications and have first-hand knowledge of music performance, international touring, music journalism, event coordination and/or the music business. In addition, we invite guest teachers from across the spectrum of cultural organisations, arts bodies, and music businesses. This enables our students to experience the breadth and depth of employment possibilities in the music industry.
You’ll learn through a variety of teaching and learning modes, such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, work integrated learning and problem-solving workshops. There will also be opportunities for hands-on learning through music-making in our Ableton Live music production studio, and DJ studio. The final year of study involves an industry placement where you’ll learn from professionals in a real-world setting.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) staff have established relationships with a broad range of influential music industry organisations, which they draw on for research, teaching and assessment activities.
These organisations include the Mushroom Group (a leader in recording and publishing), Music Victoria (the peak advisory body for industry workers in Melbourne), the Australian Music Vault (which documents Australian music history), The Push (youth music organisation) as well as the Victorian Music Development Office, Australasian Performing Rights Association and Australasian Mechanical Copywrite Owners Society (APRA AMCOS), the Australian Music Centre, and many more.
In the third year of your degree, you will get a taste of music industry work when you undertake your internship. Our students have been placed at commercial record labels Universal Music Australia, Warner Music Australia, and Sony; indie labels Chapter Music and Milk! Records; touring organisations such as Frontier; radio stations such as PBS FM; and at key live music venues/companies such as The Tote, the Corner Hotel, Laundry Bar, Opera Australia, and the Melbourne Theatre Company. Other opportunities have included interning at recording studios, music festivals, management and promotion companies, and many more depending on the student’s field of interest. Many of our interns have progressed into paid roles in these organisations.
The Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) degree provides perspectives on global music industries and global music cultures via our curriculum.
As a student, you can expand on this knowledge though RMIT’s exchange opportunities with our partner universities from across the world: undertake global work, do a semester abroad or choose an overseas study experience. The choice is yours.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
This degree allows you to complete a specialisation (major course of study) in music industry.
You will also complete a minor specialisation in an area of interest, as well as elective subjects. Together, these subjects enable you to have a well-rounded education that equips you with a range of skills and knowledge to embark on the career of your choice in the music industry.
This is the main coursework you will undertake in this degree.
You will study people and practices in the music industry, as well as performance and production techniques. You’ll also have a choice of creative opportunities and workshop-style classes, where you will study topics such as Ableton Live production, social media creation, or music business concepts.
You will study historical and contemporary styles and genres of music; global perspectives about society, culture and industry; and key issues surrounding music in popular culture. As with Year 1, you will have an opportunity to explore your own interests via practical classes.
You will prepare for graduation by exploring the many career pathways in the music industry, and undertaking a major project of your own design. The internship, or work placement, is a key aspect of Year 3. Here you will undertake approximately 60-80 hours of internship activities at music industry organisations. You’ll gain real-world experiences in professional workplaces, and develop networking opportunities for employment.
In addition to your Music Industry major, you will choose a minor specialisation in one of the following streams: Approaches to Popular Culture; Asian Media and Culture; Cinema Studies; Contemporary Politics & Communication; or Literary Studies. Through your minor you will investigate broader cultural, social and historical perspectives.
Choose from a wide range of electives in the School of Media and Communication, from podcasting, to advertising media, to making music videos, to learning how to DJ. You can also select from electives from across the university, from business topics to languages.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
July Entry: Students are required to complete subjects intensively over one summer semester during the first year of the degree (comprising 48 credit points).
Full or part- time study is determined by how many credit points you are enrolled in during the semester. An undergraduate full-time study load is considered to be 48 credit points (approximately three to four subjects) and part-time is considered to be 24 credit points or fewer (approximately two subjects) per semester.
If you need to reduce your study load below 48 credit points in any semester throughout your degree, please discuss your study options with your academic advisor prior to enrolment. This may impact your enrolment structure, program duration and tuition fees
July Entry: The July entry is for eligible applicants with advanced standing only.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
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. This degree provides a broad overview of the music industries, and the type of career this qualification leads to may include:
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
This degree provides current Year 12 applicants with the opportunity to apply for an early conditional offer through RMIT’s Early Offer program. Applications must be submitted by 17 September. To find out more and apply, visit Early Offer program.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent. You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*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 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 admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
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.
If you are applying for July intake, you must have successfully completed tertiary level studies equivalent to the following course to be considered for mid-year entry.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
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.
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.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
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.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.
If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.
Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT
If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.
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.
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.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. 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.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,445 per standard year $555 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $8,948 per standard year $1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $12,720 per standard year $1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,323 per standard year $2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
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.
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.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You 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 2024 is $351.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
For Indigenous students enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts, worth up to $10,000.
For Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) students undertaking an overseas study mobility activity who can demonstrate circumstances impacting their education; worth $5,000.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$35,520.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$112,320.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
