Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry)
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
ATAR 71.20
Duration
Full-time 3 yearsLocation
Melbourne CityFees
AU$30,720 (2021 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 subjects.
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
The curriculum you cover in this degree is delivered by experienced academic staff with many years of industry and research experience. Our ongoing teaching staff have first-hand knowledge and experience of music performance, studio recording, international touring, music journalism, event coordination and music business. You will also hear from guest lecturers and sessional tutors from cultural organisations, arts bodies and music business. This allows you to experience the breadth and depth of employment possibilities in the music industries.
You will also undertake real-world projects with industry partners, and have the opportunity to get your own projects off the ground. Partnered projects have included podcasts for the Australian Music Vault, industry research for Creative Victoria, and an on-campus music festival with Mushroom Records.
All subjects 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.
Students have undertaken internships in organisations including Universal and Sony record labels, indie labels Chapter and Milk!, and venues such as The Tote, Laundry Bar and the Melbourne Theatre Company. Many interns have progressed into paid roles in these organisations.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Full- or part-time study is determined by how many credit points you are enrolled in during the semester. An undergraduate study load is considered part-time if you are enrolled in 24 credit points or fewer (approximately two subjects).
Once you are enrolled into this degree you can choose to switch to a part-time study load. This may impact your program duration and tuition fees. Please discuss your study options with your program manager prior to enrolment.
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 full time
6 years part time
|
3 years full time
|
BP047 | 065131G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP047
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan BP047 - 3200333181
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan BP047 - 3200333183
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
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
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification).
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent studies.
Rankings and adjustment factors
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.
Adjustment factors include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments.
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.
Selection criteria by applicant type
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:
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.
Adjustment factors 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 Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level 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.
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 your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
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:
- Advanced Diploma: 81
- Diploma: 72
- Certificate IV: 54
Personal statement
You are encouraged to 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 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.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, 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
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 may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
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.
- 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 your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
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.
Personal statement
You are encouraged to 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 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.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, 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
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 may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
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.
- 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 your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
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.
Personal statement
You are encouraged to 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 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.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with 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
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 may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Regional adjustments
- RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level 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.
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.
- 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 your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Additional information
*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 RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
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.
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
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.
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
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,950 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- 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.
Paying your fees and applying for refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
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?
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 commencing their program in 2021. 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.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2021 for commencing students
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2021 |
|---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture |
$3,950 per standard year $493 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 |
$7,950 per standard year |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture |
$14,500 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 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 2021 is $313.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2021 is AU$30,720.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$95,040.
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.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.