How to apply to the Bachelor of Music (Honours)

Applications for entry into the Honours program for Music are considered in October, for entry into the program in Semester 1 the following year.

Before applying students should contact Dr Alec Hunter, Honours Convenor, for information regarding the program and advice on developing a proposal.

E alexander.hunter@anu.edu.au 

Current ANU students

You will need to submit a Thesis Supervisor Confirmation Form.  For more information, please visit the How to apply for CASS Honours page.

Selection process

Applications for entry to the School of Music Honours program are assessed on:

  • prior academic achievement
  • the merit of the submitted Honours Proposal
  • as required, a performance audition*.

Students wishing to specialise in Performance who have not completed MUSI3301 Music Performance 5 and MUSI3302 Music Performance 6 with at least a distinction average prior to commencing the Honours program will need to audition.

Honours Proposal guidelines

A research topic, providing the specific focus of your Honours program, is required in each stream. Depending on the chosen stream outcomes of your research topic are presented in both written and creative form. In the Performance stream, your recitals should represent aspects of your research. Similarly in the Composition, Arranging and Sound Design stream, your compositions or other creative work should also represent aspects of your research. In both cases, the creative results of your research are accompanied by a written exegesis that explores the creative components of your program as part of the research process. In the Musicology, Ethnomusicology and Music Curatorship stream, your research will be presented in the form of a written thesis.

Application for the Honours program requires the submission of a topic proposal of between 350 and 500 words. Your proposal provide a clear sense of the research topic, and demonstrate some understanding of relevant literature, theoretical frameworks and methodologies. A strong proposal would include:

  • a topic title
  • a discussion of the aims of the research topic
  • a brief consideration of existing relevant literature and other sources
  • a consideration of relevant theoretical frameworks
  • an outline of relevant methodologies
  • a discussion of particular requirements of the project (required resources etc.).

Entry requirements

Entry requires the completion of a Bachelor of Music degree with distinction average in 36 units of courses in the discipline cognate with the Honours specialisation; written permission of the Honours Convenor; and written agreement of a staff member to supervise the sub-thesis.

Program details

Program: HMUSI
1 year full-time
48 units

Updated:  24 January 2019/Responsible Officer:  Head of School/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications