Overview

Within this Composition programme at University of Canterbury you could compose pieces for orchestras, create film or video game soundtracks, write lyrics, arrange electronic soundscape compositions, or produce your next EDM hit.

What will my study involve?

Study a broad range of courses with opportunities to engage with music technologies, notated composition, song writing, recording techniques, computer music, and collaborative projects.

Create your own music in genres and musical cultures of your choice.

Opportunity to take part in performances and collaborative projects.

Career opportunities

Composition studies will give you significant hands-on experience writing music for instruments, voice, computers, and working with performers and improvisors.

Career pathways could include:

sound design

film composition

song writing

recording.

Get more details

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition Studio

Composition in Context

Current Trends in Composition

Techniques of Song Writing

Composer's Toolbox

Song Writing in Practice

Orchestration and Arranging

Check out the full curriculum

Visit programme website

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 120 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-07-07 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-13 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Christchurch, New Zealand

Disciplines

Music Composition View 9 other Bachelors in Music Composition in New Zealand

Explore more key information

Visit programme website

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To enrol in the degree, you will need:

University Entrance (or equivalent). UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Undergraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Canterbury and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Make sure you meet all requirements

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

39500 NZD / year

≈ 39500 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8466 NZD / year

≈ 8466 NZD / year

Additional Details

The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.

Living costs

Christchurch

New Zealand

1300 - 2000 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Composition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

What will my study involve?

Career opportunities

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Christchurch

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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