- Where you can study
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Wellington campus
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International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Specialise in Music Technology for your Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey
You’ll study musical interface and interaction development, electronics, and concepts for developing new musical interfaces.
Once we know you have the basics, you will be designing and building your own instruments and applications.
Master microphone techniques and sound design. Learn how to operate leading industry equipment, work with musicians to capture great recordings, and mixing and mastering techniques to produce professional quality recordings.
You’ll also learn live light and sound skills, including how to operate small and large scale PAs, and design and qualification advanced lighting and projection rigs. We’ll teach you about all aspects of live, venue-based industry requirements.
Engage critically with the music industry, considering the philosophy, politics and economics of commercial music, and how it can be disrupted through new models.
Further study
Extend your study with postgraduate research in the Bachelor of Commercial Music (Honours) or a Master of Commercial Music.
A Bachelor of Commercial Music in Music Technology is a good fit if you:
- want hands-on experience in world-class production facilities
- like experimenting with music gear and new technology
- want to be able to record and produce music like a pro.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
More information: ‘Creative Arts qualification guides’.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Core courses for the Bachelor of Commercial Music
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Commercial Music core courses
Music Technology courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 133185 Explorations in Sound and Recording 15 credits
This course will introduce students to a practical knowledge of sound and apply this to recording studio environments. Applications include analogue and digital signal processing, microphone workings and placement, monitoring, and planning and operating music systems.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133186 Introduction to Music Technology 15 credits
This course will introduce students to a range of music hardware and software, and apply this knowledge to design and develop new musical instruments, controllers and experiences.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133281 Sound Synthesis and Effects 15 credits
In this course students develop practical skills in physical computing and digital signal processing to design and build interactive music technologies. Students combine hardware and software to develop creative ideas into working prototypes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133288 Live Music Technologies 15 credits
In this course students extend their knowledge and understanding of the principals of live sound. Students apply these principles to the setup, operation, and management of a live sound experience.
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 Making Music Machines 15 credits
In this course students design and build mechatronic music systems and new musical instruments that use physical movement to generate sound. Students integrate electronics, programming, and mechanical actuation to develop and refine creative ideas into working prototypes.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133389 Advanced Recording and Mixing 15 credits
In this course students develop skills in advanced sound and music technologies that relate to studio 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 detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for the Bachelor of Commercial Music, outside of university admission regulations.
We recommend you join us for a consultation if you’re applying for Music Technology major, to make sure it’s right for you.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $8,420
- International students: $42,110
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Recent developments in digital technologies and online platforms offer new and exciting entrepreneurial and employment careers in the music industry. You could work in sound design and audio production for films, TV, games, apps and digital platforms.
Many graduates find work freelance or find jobs in software and hardware development, sound engineering live and in studios, as well as lighting design, and stage and production design.
International students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Related study options
Bachelor of Commercial Music (Honours) – BCommMus(Hons)
Refine your specialist music skills with postgraduate study in Commercial Music. Singer, DJ, lighting tech, or tour manager—whatever your jam, we’ll help you get further.
Master of Commercial Music – MCommMus
Pursue commercial music research pathways, supported through connections and partnerships with industry and the sector. Our Master of Commercial Music spans music production and recording, performance, song writing and composition for games and screen-based media, publishing, promotion and management, music technology, sound design, experimental practices, and much more.
Music Industry – Bachelor of Commercial Music
Seek out and develop new ways to work in the commercial music industry. Learn artist development, management and distribution, and how to stage live events and tours.
Music Practice – Bachelor of Commercial Music
Study musicianship and performance in the popular genre of your choice — whether you’re a singer, DJ, or in a band. Music Practice will give you the skills and confidence to take risks and make it in the music industry.
Mātauranga Toi Māori – Bachelor of Commercial Music
Study creative arts and help shape a future where te ao Māori is at the forefront of Aotearoa creative industries. A first for Aotearoa tertiary education, the Mātauranga Toi Māori major engages te ao Māori in any of our creative disciplines in commercial music.
Without Specialisation – Bachelor of Commercial Music
Radical shifts are happening in the global music industry. Learn how to perform, promote and produce the music of tomorrow, from leading New Zealand artists and industry specialists, in the Bachelor of Commercial Music.
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