University of Sydney Handbooks - 2016 Archive

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Bachelor of Music Studies and Doctor of Medicine

The Bachelor of Music Studies and Doctor of Medicine is intended to give students an opportunity to experience a broad musical education before embarking on medical studies. In this structure the Bachelor of Music Studies functions as a specific pathway to the MD for the highest achieving school leavers. Its structure facilitates creative interdisciplinary links between music, science and medicine at the University of Sydney. The course develops broadly educated musicians who are able to apply their knowledge, skills and attitudes creatively and flexibly.

As a pathway degree in the combined music and medicine program, the course offers students the opportunity to engage with the Faculty of Science and the Sydney Medical School in addition to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The honours year in particular also offers students in the combined degree program the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary and applied music research that will give them a grounding in generic research skills required to undertake more advanced clinical/medical research.

Bachelor of Music Studies Course Structure

The degree is structured to allow students flexibility in their choice of units so they may pursue their own combinations of musical and non-musical disciplines. In the first three years of study students must include 18 junior credit points in designated Faculty of Science units of study, and complete a zero credit point unit of study (SMTP3007) offered by the Sydney Medical School.

Students are advised to take one 6cp unit from each of the following Science areas, in order to support their medical pathway:

Junior Level Physics Units

PHYS1001/1002/1003/1004/1901/1902

Junior Level Chemistry Units

CHEM1101/1901/1903

Junior Level Biology/Molecular Biology and Genetics Units

BIOL1001/1002/1003/1911/1902/1903 or MBLG1001/1901



In the BMusStudies pathway degree, all students take a Principal Study in an instrument, voice, composition or musicology, core units in music skills, studies in analysis, history and culture as well as other units of their own choice.

Part-time study is not available to students in this award course.

Candidates should refer to the Sydney Medical School for information on course structures for the Doctor of Medicine degree.

Principal study is available in the following areas:
  • Brass: Horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba
  • Composition: instrumental/vocal or electroacoustic
  • Contemporary Music Practice
  • Historical Performance: baroque flute, harpsichord, lute, recorder, viola da gamba, baroque trumpet
  • Musicology stream
  • Organ
  • Percussion
  • Piano
  • Strings: cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, violin
  • Voice: classical or jazz
  • Woodwind: bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone.
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Core requirements

Students should complete at least the minimum number of credit points in each area throughout their course, and reach the minimum levels of achievement as outlined in the faculty resolutions.

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Typical enrolment pattern

Students should follow the typical enrolment pattern appropriate to their specialisation. Students are required to ensure the Bachelor of Music Studies is to be completed within three years full-time.