Study how music is made, experienced, and valued
Get a broad education in music. This exciting subject combines critical perspectives on music history, performance, and composition, and draws on academic approaches from a wide range of disciplines.
If you're a performer, the historical, theoretical, and critical music study helps you understand what you’re performing, and make your individual and group rehearsals more efficient. If you're a composer, your study helps you place your work in context, opens your eyes to a wider musical repertoire, and improves your technical skills.
Collaborate in class with a diverse group of students, from classical performers to singer-songwriters to ethnomusicologists. Graduate with skills in critical thinking, listening, research, analysis, writing, and communication that are valuable in many careers.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of scholarship and study. Our Department of Music was established in 1946 and became Te Kōkī—New Zealand School of Music in 2006. Our academic staff include top professional musicians and singers, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise.
As the cultural capital, Wellington is home to many of Aotearoa New Zealand's most acclaimed performers, composers, teachers, scholars, and arts organisations.
National Music Centre
Opening in 2027, the National Music Centre will be a vibrant and innovative hub celebrating music, creativity, and connection in the heart of our city.
Bringing together Te Kōkī students, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra musicians, and industry leaders, the Centre will enable some of the best music education and performance experiences in the world.
Choose your study path
You can study Music Studies as a major in a Bachelor of Music (BMus).
Study a double major
You can choose to study a double major by combining Music Studies with another music major. For example, Music Studies goes well with Performance, Instrumental/Vocal Composition, or Popular Music.
Study a conjoint degree
You can combine your BMus with another degree as a conjoint degree, which means you can complete two undergraduate degrees in a shorter time than if you did one degree and then another. An example is a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts (BMus/BA).
Other popular pairings with a BMus include:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Law
- Bachelor of Popular Music.
Conjoint degrees involve a more intense study schedule, so it’s a good idea to talk to a student adviser to create a plan that suits you.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Music Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Music Studies graduates move into diverse roles. You can apply your analytical and critical thinking skills in the creative sector or in other fields.
Recent graduates have worked for organisations like:
Become a music teacher
Completing a postgraduate qualification in secondary teaching (limited entry) and at least one other subject at Bachelor’s level may lead to roles as a secondary school Music teacher.
More career information
Find out more about careers in music.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Music
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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Applicants must be school leavers of Māori and Pasifika descent intending to enrol fulltime in an undergraduate degree within the New Zealand School of Music and experiencing financial hardship.
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This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Music
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This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
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The Fisher Trumpet Scholarship aims to support undergraduate music students at NZSM, Victoria University of Wellington who demonstrate excellence in trumpet performance.
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The Scholarship exists to attract and support cellists of outstanding ability and potential to study cello performance at NZSM, and to engage each recipient with the life, artistry, and legacy of Greta Ostova.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could go on to an Honours degree. And if you want to do independent research, you could also study for a Master’s or a PhD.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.