Bachelor of Music Performance and Bachelor of Applied Business (Entertainment Management)

This double degree at Collarts is for people who want to make music and run the business side of it. You graduate with two awards: a Bachelor of Music Performance and a Bachelor of Applied Business (Entertainment Management). It takes four and a half years of full-time study, which is longer than a standard three-year Australian bachelor degree because you are completing the requirements of two courses. Both awards sit at Level 7 on the Australian Qualifications Framework.

What you study

The music performance side covers your instrument or voice, ensemble playing, performance practice, music theory, aural skills and repertoire. You spend real time in rehearsal rooms and on stages, not just in lectures. The entertainment management side covers the business of live music and events: artist and tour management, venue and festival operations, marketing and promotion, contracts, budgeting, and the legal and industrial rules that govern the Australian music industry. Assessment is a mix of practical performance, written work and projects.

How the degree is structured

Like most Australian bachelor degrees, it runs on a semester or trimester calendar. You enrol in units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you need to pass a required total to graduate. The performance units build your skills term by term, and the business units run alongside them. Near the end you complete a capstone project that pulls the two halves together, for example, planning, promoting and performing at an event, or managing a release or tour from start to finish. The exact unit list, credit point values and sequencing are set by Collarts; confirm them on the official course page and the CRICOS register entry for 104512M.

Work-integrated learning

Music and entertainment management is a field where you learn by doing, so expect industry-based projects and placement-style work as part of the course. Collarts has links across the Australian music and events sector, and students often work on real gigs, festivals and releases while they study. Ask the faculty what placement or industry project is guaranteed and how it is assessed.

Who it suits

This suits someone who is serious about performing but does not want to rely on gig income alone, or who wants to work behind the scenes in artist management, bookings or festivals while keeping their own music going. It is also a good fit if you already play in bands, run small events or help promote shows and want formal training in both areas.

International students should note that a Student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available after you finish, depending on your circumstances. English proficiency is required for entry; check the exact score and accepted tests on the official page. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Confirm all entry requirements, unit details and fees directly with Collarts before applying.

• Performing musician or vocalist
• Session or touring musician
• Artist manager or band manager
• Booking agent or promoter
• Live music venue or festival coordinator
• Event producer or production manager
• Music marketing, publicity or social media coordinator
• Record label or publishing assistant
• Tour manager or road crew coordinator
• Entertainment business owner or freelancer

Australian employers in these areas include live music venues, festivals and event companies, booking and talent agencies, record labels, music publishers, artist management firms, community arts organisations and hospitality groups that run live entertainment. Many graduates also build portfolio careers, combining performance work with management or production roles.