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Course Overview
The Bachelor of Music (Specialisation) is designed to provide specialist training in jazz and popular music, music technology, contemporary and general music studies. Students are involved in a comprehensive conservatoire style environment with expectations of high standards of performance, musicianship and scholarship. A rigorous performance schedule in various University, community and professional settings is one of the strengths of this program, as is the development of individual skill in a supportive, collaborative environment. A range of adjunct courses and electives allows students to pursue additional studies in music, or add other allied skills and knowledge in areas of professional and personal interest such as other creative arts and arts administration, events management, education, multimedia design, business and professional communication to their study programs.
Career Information
The Bachelor of Music is ideal for students considering a career in the music industry as a professional musician, recording or sound engineer, performing or recording artist or composer. Other career options include primary, secondary and tertiary teaching, private studio work, and music related careers in arts administration, communication or creative industries businesses.
| Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | Each unit at this level, typically requires 144 hours of student commitment over a period of 12 weeks. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BMus |
| AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
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Domestic Availability
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Term 2 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 2 - 2017Please note that the Creative Music Technology major is no longer available to new students.
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Term 1 - 2017Please note that the Creative Music Technology major is no longer available to new students.
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Term 2 - 2016
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Term 1 - 2016
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Term 2 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 2 - 2014
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Term 1 - 2014
International Availability
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Term 2 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2023
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 2 - 2017Please note that the Creative Music Technology major is no longer available to new students.
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Term 1 - 2017Please note that the Creative Music Technology major is no longer available to new students.
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Term 2 - 2016
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Term 1 - 2016
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Term 2 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 2 - 2014
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Term 1 - 2014
Domestic students - Prerequisites: audition and interview
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | Not applicable |
| Accreditation |
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Residential School Requirements
No Residential School for this course.
Practicum/Work Placement
| Not applicable |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2024 | 84 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2021 | 94 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Conduct Policy and Procedure, and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating respect for cultural diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in the creative and performing arts practice environment.
Examples are:
- Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate for professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer feedback or criticism.
- Interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in a calm and composed manner in difficult to deal with situations in the creative and performing arts practice environment.
- Demonstrating appropriate behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional or performance setting.
Examples are:
- Complying with university and workplace policy around the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
- Complying with the relevant workplace policies and practices including relevant OHS legislative requirements pertaining to creative and performing arts practice in music performance environments.
Examples are:
- Verbally communicating your creative and performing arts knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
- Actively participating in discussion and course activities with appropriate use and command of language to the context.
- Using appropriate facial expressions; eye contact, being mindful of space boundaries, and a range of body movements and gestures.
- Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course.
- Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
- Competently using written music notation, as required, to convey detailed information and knowledge relating to music performance and practice.
- Accessing a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading and responding as required to emails, and completing relevant assessments for the course.
- Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
- Using a variety of computer programs suitable to your course of study.
Examples are:
- Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
- Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and performing professional skills within reasonable set time-frames.
- Producing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
- Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in a professional setting.
- Demonstrating competency in applying basic mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to various music learning activities involving written and aural music notation.
- Demonstrating effective use of basic mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to operate sound for music performance environments.
Examples are:
- Safely performing in a variety of music performance contexts including on stage as a performer or off stage as part of the technical support team.
- Working in a team-based performing arts environment where verbal and non-verbal communication are essential to realisation of a wide range of music performances.
- Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
Examples are:
- Actively participating in sustained and intensive rehearsals and performances involving creative and performing arts skills that may occur in time-frames outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends. These creative and performing arts skills may include music instrumental and vocal performance.
- Actively participating in intensive rehearsals and performances involving creative and performing arts skills with sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
- Performing with the required physical and mental energy and endurance in the learning activities of the course, as well as during set time-frames during intensive rehearsal and performance periods.
Examples are:
- Using a variety of gross motor skills in various creative and performing arts performance activities that include music instrumental and vocal performance.
- Demonstrating and performing a variety of gross motor skills in a range of creative and performing arts performances that include music instrumental and vocal performance, consistently in a safe manner to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
- Using a variety of fine motor skills in various creative and performing arts performance activities that include music instrumental and vocal performance.
- Demonstrating and performing a variety of fine motor skills in various creative and performing arts performances that include music instrumental and vocal performance, consistently in a safe manner to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
- 1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musical styles
- 2. Develop and evaluate musical, cultural, and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
- 3. Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise musical works, performances, improvisations and other forms of creative expression
- 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
- 5. Work independently and collaboratively in music in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as performer, composer, producer, improviser, critic and manager
- 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in music
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- 1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musical styles
- 2. Develop and evaluate musical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
- 3. Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise musical works, performances, improvisations and other forms of creative expression
- 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
- 5. Work independently and collaboratively in music in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as performer, composer, producer, improviser, critic and manager
- 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in music
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- 1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musical styles
- 2. Develop and evaluate musical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
- 3. Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise musical works, performances, improvisations and other forms of creative expression
- 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
- 5. Work independently and collaboratively in music in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as performer, composer, producer, improviser, critic and manager
- 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in music
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- 1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musical styles
- 2. Develop and evaluate musical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
- 3. Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise musical works, performances, improvisations and other forms of creative expression
- 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with music and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
- 5. Work independently and collaboratively in music in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as performer, composer, producer, improviser, critic and manager
- 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in music
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- Complete the core structure
- Complete 1 major
| Number of units: 2 | Total credit points: 12 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MUSC11405 | Language of Modern Music 1 | |
| MUSC11406 | Language of Modern Music 2 | |
| Number of units: 22 | Total credit points: 132 |
|---|
Plus 8 electives from anywhere in CQUniversity
| Number of units: 22 | Total credit points: 132 |
|---|
Plus 6 electives from anywhere in CQUniversity
| Number of units: 22 | Total credit points: 132 |
|---|
Plus 4 electives from anywhere in CQUniversity
| Number of units: 22 | Total credit points: 132 |
|---|
Plus 8 electives from anywhere in CQUniversity
Credit Transfer
Students will be assessed for credit transfer on a case-by-case basis and will be required to nominate the CQU units they wish to be considered for exemption from. Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies, equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course, have been successfully completed. Students should examine the unit synopses in this handbook to determine the units for which they may be eligible to claim exemption.
Students may only gain credit transfer for up to 67% of the overall course.
Please note that study undertaken more than 10 years ago is not normally considered unless the applicant can supply certified documents showing that they have been continually using the required skills in the work force. Generally only TAFE diploma level or above is recognised for credit at tertiary level.
Refer to the Credit Transfer website at https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses-and-programs/credit-transfer-and-rpl/credit-transfers for further details on the guidelines and application process.
Course Planners
For Course Planners please refer to the following website http://www.cqu.edu.au/student-life/new-students/planners-and-profiles