Bachelor of Music with Honours
Course details
| NZQF Level | 8 |
|---|
About the course
Enhance your Bachelor of Music with advanced study in your specialist subject area at postgraduate level.
Explore your area of musical interest in more detail and improve your career prospects with a BMus(Hons). Refine your research, writing and analytical skills while expanding your music skills and knowledge. An Honours year will also prepare you for Master's study and beyond.
Study at New Zealand's most prestigious music school and learn from world-class musicians and academics who are leaders in their fields.
If you have a B average or higher in your BMus and want to continue your music studies, then the BMus(Hons) is a good choice for you.
Diverse options
Choose from a range of specialist subject areas according to your academic background, interests and abilities—Classical Performance, Composition/Sonic Arts, Ethnomusicology, Jazz Performance, Musicology or Music Studies. Each subject has its own entry requirements you'll need to have met before enrolling, and some require an audition or portfolio.
Select from a wide range of courses—you might focus on composing film music, solo jazz performance or accompanying, or choose to study music ethnography or history. Music Studies, Musicology, and Ethnomusicology pathways allow you to take a cross-disciplinary approach to your studies and choose complementary courses from outside Music. All subjects allow you to take some Music courses outside your specialist area.
Independent Study Projects
In exceptional circumstances, you can apply to do an Independent Study Project. This option gives you the opportunity to do focused individual work with a supervisor.
Workload and duration
You'll study intensively for one year over two trimesters and complete 120 points. You can also do the BMus(Hons) part time over a maximum of four years. You can start studying in either the first trimester or second trimester of the year.
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
You can estimate your workload by adding up the number of [points] you'll be doing. One point is roughly equal to 10–12 hours' work.
Scholarships
There is a large number of scholarships, prizes and awards available to Music students at all levels. Find out about music scholarships offered or promoted by the School.
You can also look on the University database for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor of Music with a B range average and audition or portfolio (where applicable).
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.