Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Music Performance
Sunway University · Sunway City, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: #354
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Music Performance is focused on Western art music, with training in practical musicianship, music theory, and academic knowledge. It is a practice-based, creative degree programme in which you would be expected to practice individually, rehearse in ensembles, and perform in both contexts.
During your studies, you will also gain knowledge in music theory, music history, composition, arrangement, music technology and music education. This programme is designed for students with a background in performance and an interest in solo performance, ensemble playing, and music education, preparing graduates for careers as performers, educators, and session musicians.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Build fundamentals in practical musicianship through Principal Study 1 and Principal Study 2.
- Develop ensemble skills via Large Ensemble 1 and Large Ensemble 2.
- Strengthen musicianship with Music Theory & Musicianship 1 and Music Theory & Musicianship 2.
- Study Western art music contexts with Music Cultures of the World and Music History: Renaissance to Classical.
- Gain audio and recording foundations through Applied Audio Technology and Audio Recording & Production.
- Support performance studies with English for the Arts.
- Advance your musicianship with Music Theory & Musicianship 3 and Music Theory & Musicianship 4.
- Continue specialist performance with Principal Study 3 and Principal Study 4.
- Expand repertoire and language-specific performance training through Chamber Music 1 Song and Aria Class: Italian and Chamber Music 2 Song and Aria Class: German.
- Broaden historical understanding with Music History: Romantic to 20th Century.
- Participate in Collaborative Projects and select a Free Elective 1 for further breadth.
- Develop advanced performance skills with Chamber Music 3 Song & Aria Class: French & Malay.
- Build creative musicianship through Composition & Improvisation and Conducting.
- Develop teaching readiness with Music Pedagogy.
- Complete topic-based learning through Topic Study 1 and Topic Study 2.
- Apply learning through Creative Project and Research Project, plus complete Discipline Elective and Free Elective 2.
- Gain professional experience through Internship.
- Complete AI Foundation and Applications.
- Study Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation and Integrity & Anti-Corruption.
- Develop practical communication skills through Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 2.
- Fulfil Community Service for Planetary Health.
- Complete Essentials of Employability, Entrepreneurship Mindset and Skills, and support learning through related university requirements.
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 12 | Applied Audio Technology | 3 | 44 |
| Audio Recording & Production | 4 | |||
| English for the Arts | 4 | |||
| Large Ensemble 1 | 2 | |||
| Large Ensemble 2 | 2 | |||
| Music Cultures of the World | 4 | |||
| Music History: Renaissance to Classical | 4 | |||
| Music Theory & Musicianship 1 | 4 | |||
| Music Theory & Musicianship 2 | 4 | |||
| Principal Study 1 | 3 | |||
| Principal Study 2 | 3 | |||
| MOHE compulsory General Studies subjects (International students) | 1 | |||
| Year 2 | 13 | Music Theory & Musicianship 3 | 4 | 44 |
| Music Theory & Musicianship 4 | 4 | |||
| Music History: Romantic to 20th Century | 4 | |||
| Principal Study 3 | 3 | |||
| Principal Study 4 | 3 | |||
| Chamber Music 1 Song and Aria Class: Italian | 2 | |||
| Chamber Music 2 Song and Aria Class: German | 2 | |||
| Collaborative Projects | 4 | |||
| Communication Skills | 4 | |||
| Elective 1 | 2 | |||
| Elective 2 | 2 | |||
| Entrepreneurial Mindset & Skills | 4 | |||
| Free Elective 1 | 2 | |||
| Year 3 | 14 | Chamber Music 3 Song & Aria Class: French & Malay | 2 | 43 |
| Composition & Improvisation | 4 | |||
| Conducting | 4 | |||
| Music Pedagogy | 4 | |||
| Topic Study 1 | 2 | |||
| Topic Study 2 | 2 | |||
| Creative Project | 4 | |||
| Research Project | 4 | |||
| Elective 3 | 2 | |||
| Free Elective 2 | 2 | |||
| Internship | 4 | |||
| MOHE compulsory General Studies subjects (International students) | 1 | |||
| MOHE compulsory General Studies subjects (International students) | 1 | |||
| MOHE compulsory General Studies subjects (International students) | 1 |
Career outcomes
- You graduate with the performance training and music theory foundation needed to pursue roles as a Performer in the music industry.
- If you want to teach or guide musicians, this degree is structured to help you move into Educator roles through Music Pedagogy.
- You build the skills and repertoire discipline expected for Session musician opportunities by developing consistent ensemble and principal-study performance practice.
- You develop creative and practical capabilities that support work as a Composer, Arranger, or Conductor by combining performance with Composition & Improvisation and Conducting.
- You gain real-world experience through Internship, helping you transition from student performance to professional engagements more confidently.
- You also strengthen collaborative and transferable creative-industry skills through Collaborative Projects, aligning your preparation with how creative teams typically work.
Employability rate
Employability and unemployment rates specific to Malaysia for graduates of this exact music performance bachelor are not published in the sources reviewed, so a verified figure cannot be stated here.
As a practical takeaway, the program’s emphasis on performance, teaching, and internship experience is designed to support steady career readiness for entry pathways in music education and performance roles.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School-leaving qualifications (foreign qualifications) | International applicants may apply with recognised foreign qualifications listed by Sunway University, including STPM (Average C or CGPA 2.0 with a minimum of 2 principals), A-Level (minimum 8 points with minimum Grade D in at least 2 subjects), Australian Matriculation (ATAR 55), Canadian Matriculation (55%), Monash University Foundation Year (55%), Sunway Foundation in Arts (CGPA 2.0), Sunway Foundation in Science Technology (CGPA 2.0), Unified Examination Certificate (maximum 30 points from 5 subjects, all Grade Bs), International Baccalaureate (minimum 24 points excluding bonus points), Sunway Diploma in a related field (CAVG 50% or CGPA 2.0) and APEL.A. |
| Audition (required) | All candidates must pass an audition prior to entry into the programme and must submit 4 videos total: 3 audition pieces and 1 self-introduction video. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Music performance and music theory | This programme includes requirements for Western art music performance via a qualifying audition. Applicants should ensure their prior studies and musical background align with the programme’s principal instrument performance focus. |
Language requirements
For international applicants, English language requirements must be met for admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Music Performance, unless you qualify for an English-medium exemption mentioned by the university. The programme also requires all candidates to pass an audition prior to entry.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 38500 / per year | Estimated Annual Course Fee (Year 2026) for international students: RM 38,500. International students pay fees in RM equivalent; USD shown is indicative. |
Proof of financial resources
You will need to show that you can finance your tuition and living costs for studying in Malaysia. Sunway University’s international admissions process requires payment steps after eligibility is confirmed and includes student pass/visa processing charges handled via EMGS.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your study in Malaysia (as required during student pass/visa processing)
- Enrolment and student pass processing payments are listed in the International application process once eligibility is confirmed
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | April - Summer intake | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | September 30, 2025 | January 30, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | September 30, 2025 | January 30, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | January 29, 2026 | April 29, 2026 | September 24, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | April - Summer intake | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | April - Summer intake | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | September 30, 2025 | January 30, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | September 30, 2025 | January 30, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Official transcripts deadline | September 30, 2025 | January 30, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your documents and plan for the audition
Review the programme entry requirements for international applicants, including the English language evidence and the audition requirement. You must prepare 3 stylistically contrasting audition pieces and 1 self-introduction video, following the submission rules (including recording in one take). Make sure your certified academic documents are ready for upload before you start the application.
Submit the International Student Application Form
Fill out and submit the International Student Application Form on the Sunway University admissions process for international applicants. Attach the required documents listed under International application guidance, including passport copies and certified true copies of qualifications. Keep your application information complete to avoid processing delays.
Complete eligibility steps and make required payments when requested
After your eligibility is confirmed, you will proceed with the listed payments in the international application process. The process includes an enrolment fee and EMGS student pass/visa processing fee. Completing payments promptly helps prevent delays in offer issuance and student pass processing.
Receive your offer letter and proceed with student pass (visa) processing
Successful applicants receive offer letters via email within the stated processing timeframe. You must sign and return the Acceptance of Offer to the International Office and submit any outstanding documents requested in the incomplete record checklist. Student pass approval processing can take several weeks, so plan early ahead of your intake start date.