The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and recently recognized as North America’s most international university. Since 1915, our motto, Tuum Est (It is Yours), has been a declaration of our commitment to attracting and supporting those who have the drive to shape a better world. As a result, UBC students, faculty and staff continue to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo, placing us at the forefront of discovery, learning and engagement. UBC encourages bold thinking, curiosity and initiative, so you can realize your greatest potential.Since 1915, our motto, Tuum Est (It is Yours), has been a declaration of our commitment to attracting and supporting those who have the drive to shape a better world. As a result, UBC students, faculty and staff continue to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo, placing us at the forefront of discovery, learning and engagement. UBC encourages bold thinking, curiosity and initiative, so you can realize your greatest potential. |
Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) | The School of Music admits undergraduate students to four different majors in the Bachelor of Music (B.Mus): General Studies, Music Education, Composition, and Music Scholarship. B.Mus. applicants who meet higher standards of performing ability may audition for acceptance into the majors in Advanced Performance. |
Bachelor of Arts in Music (B.A.) | The B.A. in Music is a four-year program offered in the Faculty of Arts for students interested in music but not intending to pursue music performance professionally or who do not meet the special admission requirements for the School of Music’s Bachelor of Music degree. |
Dual Degrees | The Dual Degree in Music and Education allows students to complete both the B.Mus. (major: GSSM) and the B.Ed. (major: Music) within five years. Technically these are credentials for teaching at the Secondary level as a music specialist, but graduates are also well qualified to teach music at the Elementary level. |
Double Majors | Interested students should explore the full list of Arts majors available within Faculty of Arts. For successful completion of the B.A. major, students usually must take at least 42 credits in a field or specialization, of which 30 must be in courses numbered 300 or above; in addition, they must fulfill all the requirements set by the Faculty of Arts department or program. |
Music Education | Students interested in becoming music educators have the option of doing the dual degree in Music and Education or completing the B.Ed degree once they have obtained their B.Mus or B.A. |
Diplomas | The Diploma is a specialized undergraduate program in Music Performance or Collaborative Piano in which applicants have previous post-secondary music study. |
Master of Arts (M.A.) | The M.A. program, offered in the fields of ethnomusicology, historical musicology, and music theory, is designed to acquaint the student with methods of scholarly research. It provides broad general training in addition to opportunities for specialized research in particular areas of inquiry. |
Master of Music (M.Mus.) | The Master of Music (M.Mus.) degree in performance and composition is offered to applicants who have achieved necessary levels of attainment and productivity at the undergraduate level, and who give reasonable promise of further significant accomplishment. |
Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) | The Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) program is designed for performers and composers who have already reached a high level of proficiency and artistry in their fields and who may wish to teach at the university level. This program offers an opportunity to bring creative and performance achievement to a high level while enriching individual backgrounds with cognitive studies. |
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) | The Ph.D. program admits superior candidates for scholarly studies in musicology — historical or ethnographic studies and theoretical studies, with individual programs subject to explicit orientation and certification in one of these two major directions. The program is designed to provide thorough training in the techniques and applications of musical research and analysis. |
Music Education | |
M.Ed. | A degree often chosen by the busy professional teacher wishing to become more well informed on aspects of music education. Core courses focus on music education, curriculum, and research methods, and additional courses are selected by the student in consultation with the graduate advisor. No thesis is required. |
M.A. | A degree typically chosen by students interested in pursuing research as well as teaching. Core courses focus on music education, curriculum, and research methods, and additional courses are selected by the student in consultation with the graduate advisor. A thesis on a topic chosen by the student is required. |
Ph.D. | A degree of varying length depending on the student’s interests, and typically involving at least one year of residence at the university. Core courses focus on music education, curriculum, and research methods, plus additional courses selected by the student in consultation with the graduate advisor. A dissertation on a topic chosen by the student is required. |
NON-DEGREE EDUCATION | Whether you’re a high school student or a long-time amateur, the School of Music has programs for you. We offer private lessons, symposiums, masterclasses, and more led by distinguished guest faculty from across North America, from opera superstar Ben Heppner to Oscar- and Pulitzer-winning composer John Corigliano. |
International students