Music graduates earn a median $25,658 Across 1,080 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor of Music with Honours at the University of Otago is an intensive, research-led one-year programme for graduates who wish to deepen their practical, compositional and academic expertise in music. It suits students aiming for advanced study or careers in performance, composition, research, teaching and music industry roles.
The Bachelor of Music with Honours is a concentrated programme combining advanced practical study, specialised coursework and an independent research or creative project. Students normally take advanced modules in one or more of the following areas: performance (solo and ensemble), composition, musicology and music history, music analysis, ethnomusicology, and music technology. Core elements typically include research methods for music, a supervised honours dissertation or a substantial creative portfolio (such as a major recital or a composition portfolio), and seminars in advanced topics tailored to the student’s specialism.
Teaching methods include one-to-one tuition, small-group seminars, workshops, ensemble rehearsal, supervised research and regular public performance or presentation. Assessment is a mixture of practical examinations, written assignments, analytical essays, seminar presentations and the honours thesis or final project.
Admission to the honours year normally requires completion of a relevant undergraduate music degree (for example a Bachelor of Music) or equivalent prior study with a strong academic record in advanced-level music courses. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated high achievement in their final-year undergraduate work and in the areas they wish to pursue at honours level. For performance or composition specialisms, applicants may also need to submit a recorded audition or portfolio and attend an interview. If English is not your first language, you will need to meet the University’s English proficiency requirements.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Music with Honours progress into a range of careers in music and related fields. Common paths include professional performance, composition, conducting, classroom and tertiary music teaching (often followed by teaching certification), arts administration and festival programming, music production and recording, and community music work. Many honours graduates continue to postgraduate study (Master’s and doctoral programmes) to pursue academic and research careers in musicology, composition, ethnomusicology or music technology. The honours year enhances prospects for roles that require advanced analytical, research and creative skills.
University of Otago has a long tradition of music teaching and research within a lively cultural city environment. The School of Performing Arts and the Music programme provide experienced academic staff and specialist tutors across performance, composition and research disciplines. Students benefit from access to practice rooms, ensembles, performance opportunities and music technology resources, plus regular masterclasses and visiting artists. Studying in Dunedin offers close engagement with a vibrant local music scene and opportunities to collaborate with other arts organisations and cultural institutions in the region.
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