Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education for 2010

Course overview

Music education in secondary schools often extends beyond the classroom to include choirs, instrumental ensembles, and school productions. Participation in musical activities can improve a student's academic performance, strengthen school community ties and further develop personal and interpersonal skills. This double degree combines studies of music with teaching theory and practice, and qualify as music professionals and secondary teachers. The education studies provide an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education, curriculum studies and teaching practice. Students gain an understanding of the nature of education, classroom teaching and practice in schools, and the relationship between education and society. Students also gain valuable classroom experience by completing a minimum of 80 days of professional placement, undertaken throughout the course.

The studies in music introduce students to the fundamentals of music within a practical, theoretical, critical, historical and contextual framework. Students develop skills in musical performance and musicology, and complete two major study sequences in music - one of performance, and one of musicology, composition or ethnomusicology or an approved combination of more than one of these areas.

The Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) requires the successful completion of units totalling 216 credit points. The study equivalent to achieve 216 credit points would normally be 4.5 years of full time study; however this course has been structured to allow completion in just 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time. This is made possible by the incorporation of a 12 credit point study overload in Music in the third year and a 12 credit point study overload in the final year of the course.

Major study area description

Duration, campus, fees and application information

Career outlook

Following registration with VIT graduate may work as secondary school teachers within state and independent schools, or in a range of performing arts-based careers including music teacher, musician, and performing artist. Graduates wishing to teach interstate or overseas are advised to check registration requirements with local authorities.

Single degree options

• Bachelor of Music