Te Kura Pāpāho | School of Media Arts Creative Showcase
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Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
BM1901
Course details
-
Feb 2027Jul 2027**
- Three years
- Full-time or Part-time
- $9,238* per year
- Level 7
- Available for International Students. International Fee Guideline
- Hamilton City Campus
Summary
Students will develop their musical and theatrical voices and grow their skills for a thriving life onstage, behind the curtain, in the recording studio, and in other creative spaces. Students will also develop the ability to think imaginatively and critically, to work as a productive and supportive team member, and to value the importance of creativity in any job or community context.
Music and performing arts students work both separately and together whilst learning technical, theoretical, and professional skills. As they progress through the degree, students will develop expertise in their chosen endorsement. Through elective modules and large-scale projects, students will have further opportunities to specialise in specific areas of their discipline, as well as explore how different and varied skills overlap and inform one another.
This degree has two endorsements, which cover the following broad topics:
- Music (audio production, songwriting, composition, arrangement, performance, music theory, musicianship)
- Performing arts (musical theatre performance, singing, acting, dancing, devising, theatre production)
Music
Along with technical, theoretical, and professional skills, students will explore audio production, composition/songwriting and performance, and develop expertise in one or more of these areas through elective choices and specialisation within the core modules.
Students will grow into innovative musicians with technical, theoretical, and professional abilities honed through a variety of practices.
Music students will work on recording, songwriting, performance, and composition projects throughout their degree. In each of these projects, students will build their knowledge and skills in:
- Audio production (studio and field recording; mixing and engineering)
- Songwriting (lyric and music writing; songwriting ‘in-the-box’)
- Composition (film scoring, arranging, reharmonisation, notation)
- Performance (onstage and studio performance; solo and ensemble; gig management)
- Music theory and musicianship
Through these areas of study, students will develop an understanding of the technologies of how sound is captured, manipulated, and reproduced. They will gain the expertise to create music across a range of genres as standalone works and alongside other media such as video, film, and theatre. Students will also develop a rich understanding of musical interpretation and enhance their practical, creative, and critical skills, enabling them to become professional musicians in a variety of performance settings. There may also be opportunities for students to receive lessons and build technical and artistic capabilities on their chosen instrument or voice. Students are encouraged to participate in musical activities outside Wintec, such as gigging, working in a studio, teaching, and more, as part of their professional development while studying.
Performing arts
Students will develop into creative performing artists with technical, theoretical, and professional abilities refined through a variety of theatre practices.
Performing arts students will work on musicals, plays, musical theatre showcases, cabarets, devised pieces, and more throughout their degree. In each of these projects, students will build their knowledge and skills in:
- Acting techniques
- Singing and the voice (solo and ensemble; voice-over; dialogue; poetry)
- Movement and dance (jazz, ballet, tap, choreography)
- Theatre production (directing; musical direction and composition; choreography; production management)
- Stage management, set design, lighting, and props
Students will have the chance to apply their learning in real musical theatre and performing arts environments and will be guided by leading directors, choreographers, actors, musical directors, and writers. Students will give regular public performances at Wintec and are also encouraged to audition for and participate in community, regional, and national productions as part of their professional development while studying.
What you will learn
In the first year of the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts, students will take three core modules:
- Music and Performing Arts Craft: Develop foundational and specialised skills in the chosen pathway
- Critical Methods: Understand culture, the arts and their relationship to the wider world
- Professional Practice: Learn about and engage with the Music and Performing Arts industries
To complement these modules, students will add two electives of their choice to broaden their creative toolkit. These electives include introductory papers on songwriting, musical theatre repertoire, performance, sound fundamentals, storytelling, moving image, design, photography, and more.
These modules will give students a secure grounding in their discipline's technical, theoretical, and professional skills while also exposing them to broader ideas about the arts and the cultural world around them.
View programme modules
Note: no value in the pre/co-requisite columns means there are no pre/co-requisites for that module.
Table A: Craft and core modules
| Module Code | Module title | Pre-requisites | Co-requisites | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPA510 | Music and Performing Arts 510 | 30 | 5
| ||
| MAPA520 | Music and Performing Arts 520 | MAPA510 | 30 | 5 | |
| MAPA610 | Music and Performing Arts 610 | MAPA520 | 30 | 6 | |
| MAPA620 | Music and Performing Arts 620 | MAPA610 | 30 | 6 | |
| MAPA710 | Music and Performing Arts 710 | MAPA620 | 30 | 7 | |
| MAPA720 | Music and Performing Arts 720 | MAPA710 | |||
| CRIT501 | Critical Methods 1 | 15 | 5 | ||
| CRIT601 | Critical Methods 2 | CRIT501 | 15 | 6 | |
| PROF501 | Professional Practice 1 | 15 | 5 | ||
| PROF601 | Professional Practice 2 | PROF501 | 15 | 6 | |
| PROF702 | Professional Practice 3 | PROF601 | 15 | 7 |
Table B: Project modules
| Module code | Module title | Pre-requisites | Co-requisites | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRTV701 | Research Methods | CRIT601 | 15 | 7 | |
| CRTV702 | Freelance Project | COMM610 & 620 or DSGN610 & 620 or CART610 & 620 or MAPA610 | 15 | 7 | |
| CRTV703 | Capstone Project | COMM710 or DSGN710 or MAPA710 or CART710 | 15 | 7 | |
| CRTV704 | Art Education - Matauranga Toi | COMM610 & 620 or DSGN610 & 620 or CART610 & 620 or MAPA610 | 15 | 7 | |
| CRTV705 | Creative Work Industry Learning | PROF702 or equivalent | 15 | 7 | |
| DFNZ701 | Design Factory Industry Project | 75 credits at level 6 or pre-requisites may be waived at the discretion of the relevant Head of School/Centre Director or designated authority | 30 | 7 | |
| MAPA706 | Music and Performing Arts Freelance Project | MAPA610 and MAPA620 or equivalent | 15 | 7 | |
| MAPA707 | Music and Performing Arts Capstone Project | MAPA710 or equivalent | 15 | 7 |
The 30 credit module DFNZ701: Design Factory 1 can be offered as an option within any Wintec degree programme, wherever the degree programme structures allows such an option. Admission into the Design Factory module is on negotiation with the Centre Director or delegated authority and selection into the module is in line with the Design Factory process.
Table C: Elective modules
| Module code | Module title | Pre-requisites | Co-requisites | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSGN502 | CMS Web Publishing | 15 | 5 | ||
| DSGN503 | Graphic Design Fundamentals | 15 | 5 | ||
| CRTV501 | Creative Special Topic 1 | 15 | 5 | ||
| CRTV502 | Creative Special Topic 2 | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA502 | Sound Fundamentals | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA503 | Lighting Fundamentals | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA504 | Songwriting | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA604 | Songwriting 2 | MAPA504 | 15 | 6 | |
| MAPA505 | Intro to Ensemble Performance | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA506 | Repertoire Studies 1 | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA507 | Performance Studies 1 | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA511 | Music and Performing Arts Special Topic 1 | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA512 | Music and Performing Arts Special Topic 2 | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA611 | Music and Performing Arts Special Topic 3 | 60 credits level 5 | 15 | 6 | |
| MAPA612 | Music and Performing Arts Special Topic 4 | 60 credits level 5 | 15 | 6 | |
| CRTV601 | Creative Special Topic 3 | 60 credits level 5 | 15 | 6 | |
| CRTV602 | Creative Special Topic 4 | 60 credits level 5 | 15 | 6 | |
| COMM502 | Storytelling, Myth and Ritual | 15 | 5 | ||
| PRNT501 | Screen Printing | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA504 | Screen Fundamentals | 15 | 5 | ||
| SCRN503 | Screen Technology One | 15 | 5 | ||
| JOUR505 | Media Law and Context | 15 | 5 | ||
| BMA0G210 | Illustration, Concept Media | DSGN510 or CART510 or DSGN503 or equivalent knowledge or skills | 15 | 6 | |
| DSGN602 | Motion Graphics | DSGN510 or DSGN503 or equivalent knowledge or skills | 15 | 6 | |
| DSGN603 | Type Design | DSGN510 or DSGN503 or equivalent knowledge or skills | 15 | 6 | |
| PHOT501 | Photography Fundamentals | 15 | 5 | ||
| PHOT502 | Photography Tech One | PHOT501 or equivalent knowledge or skills | 15 | 5 | |
| PHOT503 | Darkroom Photography | 15 | 5 | ||
| CART502 | Drawing Fundamentals | 15 | 5 | ||
| CART503 | Painting Fundamentals | 15 | 5 | ||
| MAPA606 | Repertoire Studies 2 | MAPA506 or equivalent proficiency | 15 | 5 | |
| MAPA607 | Performance Studies 1 | MAPA507 or equivalent proficiency | 15 | 5 | |
| CART602 | Eco Creative Practice | 60 credits level 5 including either CRIT501 or PROF501 | 15 | 6 | |
| DFNZ601 | Design Thinking Launchpad | 60 credits at level 6 or equivalent | 15 | 6 | |
| COMM602 | Feature Writing | 15 | 6 | ||
| DSGN604 | Surface Design | DSGN503 or equivalent | 15 | 6 |
Or other modules and packages of learning as agreed to by the designated media arts staff.
Career/further opportunities
- Live sound engineer
- Studio sound engineer
- Mixing engineer
- Mastering engineer
- Songwriter
- Composer
- Musical theatre performer
- Actor
- Session musician
- Gigging musician
- Private instrument teacher
- Secondary school teacher
- Primary school teacher
- Lighting designer
- Stagehand
- Theatre technician
- Event coordinator
- Events management
- DJ
- Sonic artist
- Music arranger
- Orchestrator
- Director
- Musical director
- Choreographer
- Conductor
- Choral director
Graduates will be qualified to work in a range of musical theatre, music, performing arts, media, and creative roles. The jobs above represent some of the many forms of employment that our graduates have gone into across Hamilton and further afield in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad.
Additionally, graduates develop transferable skills and professional attributes that position them for many other jobs, including in the public sector and with other community and education organisations, enabling them to operate collaboratively and creatively within the ever-changing, dynamic creative industries. This allows them to pursue entrepreneurial pathways as well as build portfolio careers, both of which are increasingly prominent in the current employment landscape. It is not uncommon for music graduates to find opportunities for themselves in the performing arts world, for example, as theatre technicians or musical performers, or for performing arts graduates to find work in music fields, for example, as classroom teachers or gigging musicians. Our degree ensures that students are equipped and ready to shift between multiple pathways as their careers unfold and navigate the complexities of the modern work environment.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts are positioned to progress to postgraduate programmes at Wintec, such as the Bachelor of Media Arts with Honours.
Student projects
Look through our graduate publications to see the work students create. In these, you will find short bios and images of student projects from across the media arts disciplines over the years.
Frequently asked questions
What can I expect from the class schedule and workload?
Expect to spend about 20-25 hours a week in classes. This will predominantly take place on campus but may also include directed study time, industry visits, or other forms of professional engagement.
How much time outside of class will I need to spend on study?
Students are expected to do another 15-20 hours of independent learning on top of classes. In total, the mix of class time and independent study should add up to about 40 hours per week.
What opportunities will I get to work on industry projects?
The major assessments are structured around project zones, during which students will work on a large-scale project for up to three weeks. These often simulate industry experience, such as recording in the studio, or work towards a public performance at one of our partner venues like The Meteor Theatre. Students will also undertake extended professional engagement and placement work in their third year.
Undergraduate, semester, pathway, module and cross-disciplinary - what do these words mean?
Undergraduate means any study up to the level of completing a bachelor degree. Our academic year is made up of two main semesters, one from February to June and the other from July to November. We also have a summer semester for some classes. A degree is made up of a mix of compulsory and elective modules. Modules are worth between 15 and 30 credits. A year’s worth of full-time study is 120 credits.
Who will teach me?
You will learn directly from practitioners who are active as musical theatre performers, songwriters, film and multimedia composers, session musicians, directors, musical directors, voice coaches, casting directors, arrangers, and more. Meet the Wintec School of Media Arts team here.
Events
Disclaimers
**If you are thinking about a Semester 2 start, please note that some modules may not be available, which may result in a longer course duration. Contact us here to discuss your options.
Entry criteria
General academic admission
a) Candidates are required to have:
i. NCEA Level 3 comprised of 60 credits at NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including:
(1) 14 credits each at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects; and
(2) Literacy (10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits each in reading and writing); and
(3) Numeracy (10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above); or
ii. A relevant level 4 qualification; or
iii. Equivalent.
b) In exceptional cases, candidates with 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 across four subjects including 12 credits in a Language Rich subject, or equivalent, will be considered.
c) In addition, for admission into the BMusPA Composition and Audio Production endorsements, candidates will:
i. Have gained grade three music theory, or sit a music theory test as determined by the School, and
ii. submit a portfolio of work as specified below, and
iii. If shortlisted, may be required to participate in an interview and/or audition
d) For admission into the BMusPA Performance endorsement, candidates will:
i. Have gained grade 6 Practical Trinity College London, Royal School of Music London, Rock School London, or
ii. Attend an audition to demonstrate equivalent skills and abilities in instrumental performance.
e) In addition, for admission into the BMusPA theatre endorsement, candidates will:
i. submit a portfolio of work, and
ii. If shortlisted, may be required to participate in an interview and/or audition
UE 2020
Applicants who achieved University Entrance through NCEA in 2020 will be assessed under separate NZQA entry requirements that take into account the impacts of COVID-19. Candidates are required to have:
- NCEA Level 3 comprised of 60 credits at NCEA Level 3 or above and 20 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above, including:
- 12 credits each at NCEA Level 3 in three approved subjects; and
- UE Literacy (10 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above made up of 5 credits each in reading and writing); and
- UE Numeracy (10 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above).
Special admission
Domestic applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the General Admission or entry requirements for a programme but whose skills, education or work experience indicate that they have a reasonable chance of success may be eligible for Special Admission. Special admission will be granted at the discretion of the relevant Head of School/Centre Director or designated nominee. Such applicants may be required to successfully complete a foundation, bridging or tertiary introductory programme as a condition of entry into higher level programmes.
Provisional entry
Domestic applicants aged under 20 years who have not met the general academic admission and entry criteria for a programme but who can demonstrate a reasonable chance of success through other educational attainment and/or work or life experience may be eligible for provisional entry at the discretion of the relevant Head of School/Centre Director or designated nominee. Provisional entry places restrictions on re-enrolment to be lifted if the applicant’s performance is deemed satisfactory by the relevant Head of School/Centre Director or designated nominee.
Selection criteria
Selection will be determined on the basis of the candidate’s application and academic performance. An interview and written language test may also be required as part of the selection process.
English language requirements
a) Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 6.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.5; or,
b) Equivalent.
Want to see full details of the entry criteria?
Don't meet the entry criteria?
Pathways
To check what you need to gain direct entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.
Your first day
Are you ready for your first day of class? Check out your start date and where you need to be. You can also find useful information about studying at Wintec on our welcome page.
Are you new to this programme? Book a visit with one of our Kaiāwhina, where you can bring your whānau to get prepared, tour the Campus, and step into your first day with confidence.
Semester 2 2026
Date: Monday 13 July 2026
Time: 1pm
Venue: Gallagher Hub, Events room 1, City Campus
Itinerary:
- Welcome and staff introductions
- Tours, ID cards, and parking
- Lunch
- Class
Returning students
Please check your timetable for your first class details.
Prospectus (course guide)
The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.
Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus
The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on the document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.
Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus
Portfolio
Supporting your application
As part of your application for the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts, you will be invited to an interview and/or audition with members of the teaching team. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about you, for you to learn more about Wintec and the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts, and for you to demonstrate your current skills in music or performing arts. Further details about the supporting material required for your application are below.
What do I need to submit or present alongside my application?
A 300-word personal statement
State why you wish to be accepted into the music and performing arts programme. You could talk about the following: career goals and aspirations, musical experience, industry professionals/mentors, music and performing arts genres that interest you, chosen instrument, or area of musical/performing arts strength (for example, composition, production, instrumental performance, singing, acting, dancing). In addition, please include a CV highlighting relevant music and performing arts experience.
Music portfolio
If you want to study music, you will be asked to present approximately five minutes of music (on a USB or internet link) that demonstrates your abilities in any/all of performance, composition, and production. This can include both cover songs and originals. Please note what your contributions are to the music (for example, songwriter, performer, producer). If presenting a performance, the work can be a simple home recording. Alternatively, you may audition at the interview; please state this clearly on your application.
Performing arts audition
If you want to study performing arts, please prepare a song of your choosing (preferably from a musical theatre context) and a short monologue (minimum 1 minute) from any theatre genre. You may also be asked to demonstrate any dance or movement abilities. The audition process will ideally occur in person; video auditions can be organised in extenuating circumstances where this is not possible. Many performing arts auditions are organised to take place on a single day; in these cases, students will do the movement part of the audition as a group, before meeting with the teaching team individually to present their song and monologue. If students cannot make this day, then a different day will be arranged.
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