Bachelors of Music / Arts(Political Science)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland is perfect for students who want to combine their passion for music with a curiosity about how the world works. If you love performing, composing, or exploring music theory, while also wanting to understand politics, society, and public policy, this dual degree gives you the skills to do both.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll begin by building a solid foundation in both music and political science. Music units like Musicianship 1 and Performance Practice 1 develop your technical skills and musical understanding, while political science courses such as Introduction to Political Ideas and Introduction to Australian Politics introduce you to governance and political thinking. This year helps you balance creative practice with analytical skills.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll dive into more specialised topics. Music courses like Composition and Arrangement 1 or Ensemble Performance 1 focus on creative expression and teamwork, while political science units such as Political Problems and Public Policy and Comparative Politics deepen your understanding of societal and political challenges. You’ll start applying theory to practical projects in both fields.

Year 3:
This year is about advanced skills and connecting your studies across disciplines. Music units like Music Analysis or Applied Performance 2 refine your technical and interpretive abilities, while political science courses such as Political Thought: Machiavelli to Modernity and Ethics and Public Policy help you critically evaluate complex issues. You’ll combine creative and analytical thinking to tackle diverse challenges.

Year 4:
Your final year emphasises independent work and specialised study. You might complete a major music project—like a recital or composition portfolio—alongside higher-level political science electives or a capstone research project. By graduation, you’ll have the creative, analytical, and research skills to pursue a wide range of career paths.

Focus areas

Music performance, composition, political analysis, public policy, interdisciplinary problem-solving

Learning outcomes

Advanced musicianship, critical thinking, research and analysis, ethical reasoning, policy evaluation, creative and analytical problem-solving

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This dual degree prepares you for careers in music, arts administration, cultural policy, public service, research, and consulting, combining creative talent with analytical expertise.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Queensland is globally recognised for its music programs and social sciences, giving graduates strong employability in both creative and policy-focused roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland, you’ll gain hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom. From performing in ensembles to composing, recording, and analysing music, you’ll develop practical skills while also exploring politics and society through research, discussions, and case studies. UQ’s facilities and expert guidance ensure you’re learning in a professional, real-world context:

One-on-one tuition and mentorship: Receive personalised guidance from experienced music tutors to sharpen your performance and technical skills, whether you play an instrument or sing.
Ensemble performances & workshops: Participate in chamber groups, contemporary ensembles, and workshops that teach teamwork, collaboration, and live performance experience.
Masterclasses with visiting artists: Learn directly from internationally recognised performers and composers, gaining insights into professional music careers.
Work placements & industry connections: Opportunities to intern or collaborate with organisations like the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Musica Viva, Queensland Music Festival, and 4MBS Classic FM, giving you a taste of real industry practice.
Music technology & recording: Explore composition, production, and recording using cutting-edge digital audio workstations and immersive sound systems.
Performance opportunities & tours: Take part in regular concerts, cultural tours, and community events to broaden your experience and confidence on stage.
Political science application: Engage in interactive research, discussions, and projects that link theory with real-world political and social issues.
Library & research support: Access UQ’s extensive library resources and digital tools to support both your music and political science studies, with spaces for collaboration and independent study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland gives you a unique mix of creative and analytical skills that set you apart. You’ll be ready for a wide range of careers where music, arts, and policy intersect, such as professional musician, arts administrator, cultural policy adviser, or consultant in government and community organisations:

Personalised career support: UQ’s Employability Hub offers one-on-one career coaching, networking events, and guidance for internships, helping you connect with employers in both music and policy fields.
Strong graduate outcomes: Graduates have gone on to rewarding roles in performance, arts management, consulting, and policy, with starting salaries typically between AUD $55,000–$70,000 depending on the sector.
Industry connections: Collaborate with organisations like the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Musica Viva, Queensland Music Festival, and 4MBS Classic FM, or engage with research centres in political science, giving you hands-on experience and professional exposure.
Long-term value: This dual degree equips you with both artistic credibility and analytical expertise, recognised nationally and internationally, making you versatile and employable across multiple sectors.
Graduate pathways: Alumni have built careers in professional performance, arts administration, cultural policy, research, consulting, and government advisory roles.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’d like to take your learning further, this dual degree opens doors to postgraduate programs like a Master of Music, Master of Public Policy, or Master of Arts (Cultural Policy). You could also pursue research-focused pathways, including honours or a PhD in music, political science, or interdisciplinary studies, helping you specialise further or step into leadership roles in creative and policy sectors.