Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Music (Musicology) course blends research, theory, and philosophy to investigate the cultural history of music in its various forms, and how music is influenced by culture. Discover the practices, values, and ideas to make educated claims about how different people think and feel about the world. This course will explore the triumphs and challenges of music as a form of cultural identity. You will solidify a foundation in musical literacy, interact with materials that create music, examine how those elements are structured and notated in diverse genres, and develop your skills to identify musical structures by ear.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

120 King St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic:

Have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 qualification (or overseas equivalent as assessed by the Department of Education, including the International Baccalaureate (IB)), in the last 2 years.
Students who have successfully completed the senior level of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (or equivalent (VCAL/VCE(VM)) in the last 2 years; may be eligible for entry into a diploma level course. Students may use the diploma as a pathway into a degree.
Applicants are required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of two contrasting pieces.

International:

Have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 qualification (or overseas equivalent as assessed by the Department of Education, including the International Baccalaureate (IB)), in the last 2 years.
Satisfy minimum standard English requirements.
Applicants are required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of two contrasting pieces.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

This course provides an industry-recognised qualification with multiple career opportunities, such as: Playlist Curator, Ethnomusicology Researcher, Musical Director, Anthropology Researcher, Social & Cultural Policy Consultant, Music Critic/Reviewer, Music Editor, Music Educator, Arts Administrator, Entertainment Manager, Music Journalist.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units23 units

BMPE1

Performance Major 1

Deepen your technique and artistic expression on your chosen instrument or voice through weekly private lessons and a Performance Practice class of masterclasses, workshops and seminars, alongside a weekly Aural Skills class.

Music Specialisation Electives 1 & 2

Choose two modules from AIM's range of music specialisation electives to broaden your skills and explore areas of the industry beyond your major, across streams including Music Business, Composition, Creative Technology, Performance and Acting (Sydney only).

BCIN1

Introduction to Higher Education Studies

Builds the academic skills you'll draw on across your degree, developing written and spoken communication, essay technique, referencing and scholarly research practices.

BMAS1

Music Materials 1

Introduces the core materials of music, including pitch, rhythm and harmony, alongside an introductory overview of musicology as an academic discipline.

BMPE2

Performance Major 2

Builds on Performance Major 1 with more demanding repertoire and a sharper focus on the relationships between content and form, style and genre.

BMCP1

Collaboration Project 1

An industry-focused collaborative project applying theoretical and technical knowledge in a practical context, working with peers.

BAMS1

Arts meets Commerce: an overview of the Arts and Entertainment Industry

Gives a broad grounding in the music business, examining the history, function and key activities of its numerous sectors.

BMAS2

Music Materials 2

Builds directly on Music Materials 1, further developing musicianship skills, aural appreciation and understanding of musical structures.

BMPE3

Performance Major 3

Extends from Performance Major 2, building toward a public recital and developing technical and sight-reading skills further.

BMCP2

Collaboration Project 2

An industry-focused collaborative project applying theoretical and technical knowledge in a practical, cross-disciplinary context.

Scholarship Unit – Musicology

Select one Musicology unit from a diverse range of topics designed to broaden musical knowledge and critical thinking.

Elective

Choose one module from AIM's range of music specialisation electives to broaden skills and explore areas of the industry beyond the major.

BMPE4

Performance Major 4

Continues refining stylistically appropriate performance and further develops technical skill on the student's chosen instrument or voice.

Music Specialisation Module

Choose two modules from AIM's range of music specialisation electives to broaden skills and explore areas of the industry beyond the major.

Scholarship Unit – Musicology

Select one Musicology unit from a diverse range of topics designed to broaden musical knowledge and critical thinking.

Elective

Choose one module from AIM's range of music specialisation electives to broaden skills and explore areas of the industry beyond the major.

BMPE5

Performance Major 5

The penultimate performance unit, preparing students for the Capstone Project with continued development of technique and artistry.

BMCP3

Collaboration Project 3

Builds on earlier collaboration studies, applying theoretical and technical knowledge from across the course in an industry-focused project.

Scholarship Unit – Musicology

Select one Musicology unit from a diverse range of topics designed to broaden musical knowledge and critical thinking.

Elective

Choose one module from AIM's range of music specialisation electives to broaden skills and explore areas of the industry beyond the major.

BMMS8

Capstone Project

In the final trimester, students propose and realise a major work in their specialisation, whether performance, research or another format.

BMCP4

Collaboration Project 4

Builds on earlier collaboration studies, applying theoretical and technical knowledge from across the course in an industry-focused project.

Music Specialisation Elective 6

Choose one module from AIM's range of music specialisation electives to broaden skills and explore areas of the industry beyond the major.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exit points available in the Bachelor of Music (Musicology)?

There are three stages in the Bachelor of Music (Musicology), depending on the depth of study you prefer. You may exit with a Diploma of Music at the end of 3 study periods. International students may exit with the Associate Degree of Music at the end of 6 study periods. Domestic students may exit with the Associate Degree of Music at the end of 4 study periods (full-time accelerated). The Bachelor of Music (Musicology) is awarded upon completion of 9 study periods for international students and 6 study periods for domestic students (2 years full-time accelerated).

What are the tuition fees for domestic and international students?

For domestic students, the indicative annual course fees are $9,126 for Study Period 1, $9,126 for Study Period 2, and $6,084 for Study Period 3, with an indicative total course fee of $75,600. FEE-HELP is available. For international students, the indicative annual course fees are $10,710 for Study Period 1, $10,710 for Study Period 2, and $7,140 for Study Period 3, with an indicative total course fee of $85,680. Fees are indicative only and are subject to change by AIM without notice.

When can I start the Bachelor of Music (Musicology)?

The course has three intake dates per year: February, May, and September. For example, Study Period 2 2026 begins with Orientation Week on 25 May – 29 May, with Week 1 starting 1 Jun – 5 Jun, a Study Break in Week 7 (13 Jul – 17 Jul), and Assessment Week in Week 13 (24 Aug – 28 Aug).

What do the audition requirements involve for this course?

All applicants — both domestic and international — are required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of two contrasting pieces. Further details about auditioning at AIM are available on the AIM website.

Where is the Bachelor of Music (Musicology) taught?

The Bachelor of Music (Musicology) is delivered face to face with some online components across AIM's two campuses: Sydney (located at 66 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000) and Melbourne (located at 120 King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $45,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

Music ProducerRecording Artist / PerformerAudio / Sound EngineerSongwriter and ComposerMusic Director

Key Skills

Live music performance and stagecraftStudio recording, mixing, and masteringMusic composition and arrangementProficiency in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro ToolsSongwriting and lyrical development

Full Course Overview

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Bachelor of Music (Musicology)

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students