Qualification Regulations
Part I
These regulations are to be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates.
Part II
Admission
1. Admission to the Degree of Bachelor of Commercial Music requires that the candidate will meet the University admission requirements as specified.
2. Admission to the Music Practice major will be by selection on the basis of an audition.
Qualification requirements
3. Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Commercial Music shall follow a flexible programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling 360 credits, comprising:
(a) at least 300 credits selected from the Schedule to the degree;
(b) not more than 150 credits at 100 level;
(c) at least 105 credits at 300 level; and including
(d) the core courses as specified in Schedule A;
(e) any compulsory courses specified in the Schedule to the degree;
(f) attending studios, workshops, tutorials, and events as required.
Specialisations
4. Candidates must complete the requirements of one major as specified in Schedule B to the Qualification.
5. Majors available for the Bachelor of Commercial Music are: Music Industry, Music Practice and Music Technology.
6. Candidates may complete a minor by passing at least 60 credits from the schedule for one of the Bachelor of Commercial Music majors, including:
(a) at least 45 credits above 100 level; and
(b) at least 15 credits at 300 level.
(c) any compulsory courses identified for the minor in Schedule B for the degree.
7. Minors available for the Bachelor of Commercial Music are: Music Industry, Music Practice, and Music Technology.
8. Notwithstanding Regulation 7, candidates may include a minor from any undergraduate degree within the university for which recognised minors are specified.
9. Where a minor is from another undergraduate degree the regulations of that qualification for the minor will apply.
10. No course may be credited to both a major and a minor.
Completion requirements
11. Any timeframes for completion as outlined in the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates will apply.
12. Candidates may be graduated when they meet the Admission, Qualification and Academic requirements within the prescribed timeframes. Candidates who do not meet the requirements for graduation may, subject to the approval of Academic Board, be awarded an alternative qualification should they meet the relevant qualification requirements.
Unsatisfactory academic progress
13. The general Unsatisfactory Academic Progress regulations will apply.
Schedule for the Bachelor of Commercial Music
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Key terms for course planning
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Schedule A: Core courses
Compulsory courses (Choose 165 credits from)
Course code: 133152 Music Media 1 15 credits
This course explores and develops creative and technical knowledge of industry standard content production tools and environments used in the production of music related media. Students explore basic music media analysis and apply theoretical concepts to the production of online music and video content.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133153 Music Project 1 30 credits
In this course students apply creative and practical skills to develop live experiences and works for the music industry. As well as develop technical expertise, students will explore social, cultural and economic trends associated within the production and dissemination of music in New Zealand and internationally. Multidisciplinary teams will apply creative narrative skills to develop, manage, produce and iterate musical content, technical production, and promotion.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133154 Music, People, Places 15 credits
An introduction to the people, places, and scholarship of the contemporary music industries. Through the analysis of various issues, trends, and cultural and social contexts, this course supports and encourages students to critically explore the challenges and opportunities of local and global music industries, building awareness of the contemporary commercial music landscape.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133253 Music Project 2 30 credits
In this course students apply technical skills and new creative approaches for the development of strategic, sophisticated and unique experiences and works in the music industry. In addition to developing new technical skills, students will apply and critique social, cultural and economic roles and trends associated with the dissemination of unique musical experiences through their creative practice. Multidisciplinary teams will explore innovative creative narrative and communication skills to develop, manage, produce, and iterate musical content, technical production and promotion.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133256 Music Media 2 15 credits
This course explores and applies technical and creative knowledge of industry standard content development tools and environments used in the production of music related media. Students explore advanced music media analysis tools and apply theoretical concepts, via a range of new and emerging technologies, to the production of interdisciplinary music, video, and multi-media content.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133257 Music and Ethics 15 credits
Students will analyse a range of philosophical and critical perspectives on the ethics, social roles, and cultural responsibilities of music and its associated communities. Through exploring theoretical positions to develop tools for the analysis of their own practices, students develop a robust critical understanding of the intersections of music, ethical conduct, and professional practice as these inform their own positionality within creative communities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133350 Major Project Pre-Production 15 credits
In this course students generate and evaluate innovative concepts for a music major project and carry out detailed investigation into planning and resourcing requirements along with analysis of cultural, social and economic values of the proposed project. Students work individually and as a team in and across major specialisms to agree the scope and roles of the proposed project.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133355 Music, Politics, Economies 15 credits
Students explore theoretical approaches to music's intersections with politics and economies to inform an advanced understanding of music as a cultural industry. Students employ strategies of critical reflection, collaboration, and praxis to analyse their situatedness within the social, legal, and industrial landscapes of the contemporary music industries, and engage with the symbiotic relationship between politics and the economy as it shapes their own experiences and professional outlooks.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133356 Graduate Portfolio Development 15 credits
In this course students prepare for progression to postgraduate study or transition to industry in the development of an online portfolio managing processes advantageous to their graduate progression. Students also develop creative and organisational approaches to devising a range of strategies in developing professional networks and progression opportunities.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selection (Choose 15 credits from)
Any 100-level Music (133 prefix) course
Schedule B: Specialisations
Majors (Choose 120 credits from)
Music Industry (120 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 133167 Music Entrepreneurship 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to the various aspects of the music industry from a New Zealand perspective. Students gain a basic understanding of how to develop and manage music industry projects in a range of settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133168 Music Artist Development 15 credits
In this course students will be introduced to the concept of artist development from the perspective of management, record labels and music publishers, including their role in discovering, aligning and project-managing artists. Students will also examine these concepts in relation to content and asset creation, digital music distribution, considering issues of quality and product development practices and strategy in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133260 Music Audience Development 15 credits
In this course students will be introduced to the concept of audience development from the perspective of promotion companies, record labels and music management. Students will examine the music industry in relation to its audience by exploring the marketing and promoting of artists, music brands and other music related content. The course will also examine these concepts as applied to traditional media, digital music marketing and analytics, considering issues of quality and amplification strategies in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133267 Music Entrepreneurship 2 15 credits
Students explore how to commercialise products and services in the music industries. Students will be taken through the processes involved in bringing these products and services to market, such as identifying a target audience, promotions, pricing and release strategies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133360 Music Business Development 15 credits
In this course students will explore a number of key concepts and debates concerning music copyright, publishing, metadata, business structure, cashflow and finance. Students will gain an applied understanding of music rights, ownership, exploitation and monetisation. The course explores a range of contemporary challenges currently facing the music industry in New Zealand and internationally, and examines new and emerging music industry models.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133365 Music Entrepreneurship 3 15 credits
In this course students engage with the music industries via supervised real-world projects.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133368 Music Industry Major Project 30 credits
In this course students realise an ambitious major project by means of self-directed study under academic supervision and professional mentorship appropriate to their music industry major specialism. Students are required to work individually and in teams in and across majors displaying high levels of organisation demonstrating the culmination of creative, technical, critical and professional skills gained throughout the degree.
View full course detailsMusic Practice (120 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 133175 Music Practice 1 15 credits
In this course students engage in the development of their musical practice. Through a variety of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students will be supported to achieve technical and artistic skills. Musical materials will be appropriate to a range of popular music practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133176 Music Production and Composition 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to production and composition techniques used in the creation of popular music. Students apply songwriting and production techniques as they gain practical knowledge of using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and creative methodologies for commercial and experimental outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133275 Music Practice 2 15 credits
In this course students engage in intermediate level study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups students are supported to gain a professional level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be appropriate to various musical disciplines representing a wide range of popular genres.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133276 Music Production and Composition 2 15 credits
In this course students further develop production and composition techniques to support linear and non-linear musical outcomes. Students compose, arrange and record original sound and music works using a range of tools, technologies, systems, architectures and technical frameworks used for various media platforms.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133375 Music Practice 3 15 credits
In this course students engage in advanced study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students are supported in achieving an advanced level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be delivered and appropriate to the students musical discipline and chosen genre(s).
View full course detailsCourse code: 133376 Music Production and Composition 3 15 credits
In this course students develop musical understandings beyond conventional popular music forms. Students gain theoretical and critical concepts and techniques key to process and experimentation notating musical ideas through a diverse range of graphic and natural scores. Students extend their musical awareness by actively listening and responding in small improvisation groups supported by seminar discussions.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133378 Music Practice Major Project 30 credits
In this course students work to produce and realise an ambitious major project by means of self-directed study under academic supervision and professional mentorship appropriate to their music practice major specialism. Students are required to work individually and in teams in and across majors displaying high levels of organisation, demonstrating and applying the culmination of technical, creative, critical and professional skills gained throughout the degree.
View full course detailsMusic Technology (120 credits)
Compulsory courses
Course code: 133185 Music and Sound Engineering 1 15 credits
In this course students gain a theoretical understanding of the key concepts, techniques and principles of sound. Technical and practical knowledge of sound are applied in studio and live environments to recording and mixing. Practical applications include analogue and digital signal processing, microphone workings and placement, monitoring, and planning and operating live music systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133186 Musical Interface and Interaction 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to design and representation techniques for musical interaction. Students develop an understanding of how performers and consumers interact with a range of music hardware and software, and apply this knowledge to design and develop new musical instruments, controllers, web and mobile music interfaces and experiences.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133281 Musical Interface and Interaction 2 15 credits
In this course students gain practical experiences working with physical computing and DSP to develop a range of new music technologies. Students are also supported in practical workshops to interface with a range of input and output devices with microcontrollers, to develop creative ideas and designs into working prototypes. Students combine software development with hardware and electronics and rapid prototyping tools.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133288 Music and Sound Engineering 2 15 credits
In this course students extend their theoretical knowledge and understanding of the principals of sound and recording technologies and develop their technical and practical knowledge in studio techniques. Students develop recording skills in digital multi-track recording, complex microphone techniques, as well as skills in pre-production and post-production.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133388 Music Technology Major Project 30 credits
In this course students realise an ambitious major project by means of self-directed study under academic supervision and professional mentorship appropriate to their music technology major specialism. Students are required to work individually and in teams in and across majors displaying high levels of organisation demonstrating the culmination of creative, technical, critical and professional skills gained throughout the degree.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133381 Musical Interface and Interaction 3 15 credits
In this course students extend their theoretical and technical knowledge of working with electronics and software programming to develop advanced new music technologies. Students are supported in practical development workshops to transform their creative ideas into prototype products.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133389 Advanced Sound and Music Technologies 15 credits
In this course students develop skills in advanced sound and music technologies that relate to both studio and live performance settings. Students explore the creative potentials of advanced industry standard hardware and software by applying practical and theoretical skills in a range of relevant musical contexts. Both commercial and experimental applications are explored via inter-disciplinary group projects.
View full course detailsMinors (Choose 60 credits from)
Music Industry (60 credits)
Compulsory course
Course code: 133267 Music Entrepreneurship 2 15 credits
Students explore how to commercialise products and services in the music industries. Students will be taken through the processes involved in bringing these products and services to market, such as identifying a target audience, promotions, pricing and release strategies.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selections
Course code: 133167 Music Entrepreneurship 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to the various aspects of the music industry from a New Zealand perspective. Students gain a basic understanding of how to develop and manage music industry projects in a range of settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133168 Music Artist Development 15 credits
In this course students will be introduced to the concept of artist development from the perspective of management, record labels and music publishers, including their role in discovering, aligning and project-managing artists. Students will also examine these concepts in relation to content and asset creation, digital music distribution, considering issues of quality and product development practices and strategy in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133260 Music Audience Development 15 credits
In this course students will be introduced to the concept of audience development from the perspective of promotion companies, record labels and music management. Students will examine the music industry in relation to its audience by exploring the marketing and promoting of artists, music brands and other music related content. The course will also examine these concepts as applied to traditional media, digital music marketing and analytics, considering issues of quality and amplification strategies in New Zealand and internationally.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133360 Music Business Development 15 credits
In this course students will explore a number of key concepts and debates concerning music copyright, publishing, metadata, business structure, cashflow and finance. Students will gain an applied understanding of music rights, ownership, exploitation and monetisation. The course explores a range of contemporary challenges currently facing the music industry in New Zealand and internationally, and examines new and emerging music industry models.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133365 Music Entrepreneurship 3 15 credits
In this course students engage with the music industries via supervised real-world projects.
View full course detailsMusic Practice (60 credits)
Compulsory course
Course code: 133276 Music Production and Composition 2 15 credits
In this course students further develop production and composition techniques to support linear and non-linear musical outcomes. Students compose, arrange and record original sound and music works using a range of tools, technologies, systems, architectures and technical frameworks used for various media platforms.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selections
Course code: 133175 Music Practice 1 15 credits
In this course students engage in the development of their musical practice. Through a variety of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students will be supported to achieve technical and artistic skills. Musical materials will be appropriate to a range of popular music practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133176 Music Production and Composition 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to production and composition techniques used in the creation of popular music. Students apply songwriting and production techniques as they gain practical knowledge of using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and creative methodologies for commercial and experimental outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133275 Music Practice 2 15 credits
In this course students engage in intermediate level study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups students are supported to gain a professional level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be appropriate to various musical disciplines representing a wide range of popular genres.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133277 Electronic Music 15 credits
In this course students develop a knowledge and understanding of the techniques used in the production and performance of electronic music, including synthesis, and the use of relevant software and analogue and digital hardware. Students are supported in the development of commercial and experimental outcomes via practical, creative and technical approaches.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133375 Music Practice 3 15 credits
In this course students engage in advanced study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students are supported in achieving an advanced level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be delivered and appropriate to the students musical discipline and chosen genre(s).
View full course detailsCourse code: 133376 Music Production and Composition 3 15 credits
In this course students develop musical understandings beyond conventional popular music forms. Students gain theoretical and critical concepts and techniques key to process and experimentation notating musical ideas through a diverse range of graphic and natural scores. Students extend their musical awareness by actively listening and responding in small improvisation groups supported by seminar discussions.
View full course detailsMusic Technology (60 credits)
Compulsory course selections
Course code: 133185 Music and Sound Engineering 1 15 credits
In this course students gain a theoretical understanding of the key concepts, techniques and principles of sound. Technical and practical knowledge of sound are applied in studio and live environments to recording and mixing. Practical applications include analogue and digital signal processing, microphone workings and placement, monitoring, and planning and operating live music systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133186 Musical Interface and Interaction 1 15 credits
In this course students are introduced to design and representation techniques for musical interaction. Students develop an understanding of how performers and consumers interact with a range of music hardware and software, and apply this knowledge to design and develop new musical instruments, controllers, web and mobile music interfaces and experiences.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133281 Musical Interface and Interaction 2 15 credits
In this course students gain practical experiences working with physical computing and DSP to develop a range of new music technologies. Students are also supported in practical workshops to interface with a range of input and output devices with microcontrollers, to develop creative ideas and designs into working prototypes. Students combine software development with hardware and electronics and rapid prototyping tools.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133288 Music and Sound Engineering 2 15 credits
In this course students extend their theoretical knowledge and understanding of the principals of sound and recording technologies and develop their technical and practical knowledge in studio techniques. Students develop recording skills in digital multi-track recording, complex microphone techniques, as well as skills in pre-production and post-production.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133381 Musical Interface and Interaction 3 15 credits
In this course students extend their theoretical and technical knowledge of working with electronics and software programming to develop advanced new music technologies. Students are supported in practical development workshops to transform their creative ideas into prototype products.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133389 Advanced Sound and Music Technologies 15 credits
In this course students develop skills in advanced sound and music technologies that relate to both studio and live performance settings. Students explore the creative potentials of advanced industry standard hardware and software by applying practical and theoretical skills in a range of relevant musical contexts. Both commercial and experimental applications are explored via inter-disciplinary group projects.
View full course detailsSchedule C: Elective courses
Any other courses offered by the University and may include (Choose no more than 60 credits from)
Course code: 133178 Introduction to Ableton Live 15 credits
Students will learn techniques for music production on the Albeton Live digital audio workstation and relevant music technologies. Students will gain basic technical and theoretical skills in music production via Ableton Live, as well as practical understanding of how Ableton Live is used in a range of musical applications and contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133179 Vocal Performance and Production 15 credits
Learn the fundamentals of vocal techniques and production skills relevant to a broad range of styles. Students explore the basic anatomy of the voice, vocal health, and live skills alongside studio techniques and etiquette. The course does not require an audition or existing vocal training, and comprises lectures as well as practical group-based vocal and production workshops.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133190 Music Special Topic 15 credits
This course focuses on a particular aspect or aspects of music. Offerings change from year to year and the course may not be offered in a particular year.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133191 Contemporary Music Project 1A 15 credits
Students will be introduced to producing a creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches relevant to music.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133192 Contemporary Music Project 1B 15 credits
Students will be introduced to producing a creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches relevant to music.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133277 Electronic Music 15 credits
In this course students develop a knowledge and understanding of the techniques used in the production and performance of electronic music, including synthesis, and the use of relevant software and analogue and digital hardware. Students are supported in the development of commercial and experimental outcomes via practical, creative and technical approaches.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133287 Applied Lighting and Visuals for Music 15 credits
In this course students develop advanced skills in lighting and audio-visual technologies for a broad range of creative musical applications. Students apply a theoretical understanding of the relationship between sound and image via the creative lighting and interactive visual technologies. Students are supported in the development of commercial and experimental audiovisual outcomes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133290 Music Special Topic 15 credits
This course focuses on a particular aspect or aspects of music. Offerings change from year to year and the course may not be offered in a particular year.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133291 Contemporary Music Project 2A 15 credits
Students will produce an applied creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches relevant to music.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133292 Contemporary Music Project 2B 15 credits
Students will produce an applied creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches relevant to music.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133390 Music Special Topic 15 credits
This course focuses on a particular aspect or aspects of music. Offerings change from year to year and the course may not be offered in a particular year.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133391 Contemporary Music Project 3A 15 credits
Students will produce an advanced creative work that develops an understanding of creative, technical and conceptual approaches relevant to music.
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