Bachelor of
Music Industry (Major in Songwriting)

February

Full time: 3 years

Part time: flexible

Delivery is face-to-face with classes scheduled on weekdays

For information regarding dates such as enrolment, orientation and study breaks please visit the Academic Calendars page. 

After completing this course, you may wish to apply for a range of employment opportunities in the music (and related) industries. The range of roles in these industries are many and varied, and may include:

• songwriter for your own and other's projects
• composer for film, TV and games
• sound designer
• writer and arranger
• producer/programmer/designer of music and multimedia software packages
• music artist, performer and many more

Related industries may include recording industry, music publishing, live performance, music retail, advertising, radio, film, video and television, music therapy, music education and music media.

Knowledge

Graduates will be able to:

• draw upon a broad and coherent body of knowledge with depth in the principles and concepts underlying practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies, craft, and techniques in the music industry.

Skills

Graduates will be able to:

• review, analyse and consolidate conceptual theories and processes relevant to the music industry and related practice through integrated creative, critical and reflective thought
• utilise cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of a body of knowledge as applicable to creative, technical and business elements of the music industry.
• demonstrate critical engagement with social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to problem solving in the wider music industries.
• produce, evaluate, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments coherently and independently

Application of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will be able to:

• develop research and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes through creative, critical and reflective thinking and practice.
• demonstrate intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values in both creative and academic work.
• apply relevant professional skills and knowledge to produce and realise projects, published / performed works, artefacts in various media, and presentations in creative, technical and business contexts.
• work independently and collaboratively in the technical, business and/or creative areas of the music industry in response to project demands.

Year 12 VTAC applicants must have:

• have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE music & subjects related to composition)
• be able to demonstrate aptitude in composition

Direct entry applicants (Non-Year 12) must:

• be at least 19 years of age by 1 January in the year you commence
• provide evidence of relevant academic or music industry experience and be able to demonstrate the capability to successfully complete the course

All applicants must complete an Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and present a Portfolio.

Interview:

You will be asked a series of questions relating to your suitability for the course. You are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of career goals and an aptitude for the course of study, including any relevant industry experience.

Musicianship Theory Test:

As part of your audition you will be required to complete a music theory test.

Portfolio:

The portfolio can contain any combination of the following: recorded pieces, demo tracks, recommendations, testimonials, statement of results, compositions and any other supporting evidence you believe is relevant to the application.

See below for further information for applicants with:

• recent secondary education
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
• work and life experience
• higher education study

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is based primarily on completion of Year 12 undertaken at school, TAFE or other VET or higher education provider (this includes both Australian or overseas equivalent) that was completed (or will be) in the current year or within the previous two years.

You can apply to study with us through VTAC and must also:

• have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE Audio Production / music subjects)
• be able to demonstrate aptitude in audio production
• have successfully completed the Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and presented a Portfolio

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

Applicants who have completed a VET course of study in Audio Production or similar at a public TAFE or other VET provider either recently or some time ago are welcome to apply. Applicants seeking to enrol at Box Hill Institute after completing VET study at another education provider or applicants changing to a different course at Box Hill Institute can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). All applications for RPL are assessed on an individual basis and are granted for subjects where the content and learning outcomes has been demonstrated through your completion of subjects in your prior course.

You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also:

• have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE Audio Production / music subjects)
• be able to demonstrate aptitude in audio production
• have successfully completed the Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and presented a Portfolio

Applicants with work and life experience

Applicants with work and life experience have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. applicants who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Experience could include a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education. This includes mature-age entry, professional experience, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped them to prepare for tertiary education or are relevant to Audio Production.

You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also:

• have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE Audio Production/music subjects)
• be able to demonstrate aptitude in audio production
• have successfully completed the Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and presented a Portfolio

Applicants with Higher Education study

Applicants who have completed some of a higher education course, either at non-university higher education providers or university some time ago or recently, are welcome to apply. Applicants seeking to transfer to Box Hill Institute from another education provider or applicants changing to a different course at Box Hill Institute can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL). All applications for RPL are assessed on an individual basis and are granted for subjects where the content and learning outcomes has been demonstrated through your completion of subjects in your prior course.

You can apply to study with us through direct entry and must also:

• have successfully completed VCE (or equivalent) with a study score of at least 20 in English (additional consideration will be given for achievement in VCE Audio Production / music subjects)
• be able to demonstrate aptitude in Audio Production
• have successfully completed the Interview, Musicianship Theory Test and presented a Portfolio

PRE-TRAINING REVIEW

To assist prospective students to determine whether a course is suitable and appropriate for the individual needs, Box Hill Institute will assess all students’ language, literacy and numeracy and digital literacy by asking you to undertake a self-assessment review prior to the enrolment.

A course advisor will discuss the outcomes of the review and make recommendations about whether the course is suitable for you, and identify additional support where required.

VTAC application and direct entry available

Applicants completing secondary education (Year 12) or equivalent must: 

• complete a VTAC application 
• book an interview 

All other applicants must:

• book an interview 

Recognition of Prior Learning is available.

Successful completion will enable you to apply for entry to honours, postgraduate diploma and master’s courses at your chosen university

This course is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the qualification is aligned with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 7 and Box Hill Institute Graduate Attributes.

Retain Course Items are purchased once by the student prior to commencing. Those items then become the property of the student. Fees listed are at 2021 rates and may increase annually over the duration of delivery. The student tuition fees listed are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. For more information please contact our Course Advisors on 1300 BOX HILL.

• 6 common core units
• 8 major units
• 12 elective units

Associate degree in Music Industry is an exit point after two years of full time study and the Diploma in Music Industry is an exit point after 1 year of full time study.