Undergraduate Certificate in Song Writing
Duration: 6 months full-time
Delivery: On campus
Credit points: 24
Available to: Domestic (FEE-HELP) available
IELTS: 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
Tuition Fee: $10,500 (FEE-HELP available)
AQF: Level 5
Enquiry Form
Where this will take me
The certificate in Song Writing provides an introduction to the skills and knowledge that students need to succeed as songwriters in music media, publishing, streaming or in live performance. It equips students to advance into undergraduate study at a tertiary level. These units can be used as credit for the equivalent semester 1 units in the Associate and or Bachelor of Music at Excelsia College.
Course program
MUDA111 Vocal Technique
This unit introduces students to a sound basic vocal technique through one-to-one lessons, via online platforms such as Zoom or Skype. Lessons will be with our internationally-recognised tutors who have experience teaching with these platforms. Technical reliability is essential to students’ confidence and willingness to stretch themselves musically. This unit provides students with the foundations on which they can keep building their technique in the future. Students will have a 60-minute lesson per week with a tutor and in addition take part in a seminar each week that teaches best practice for live streaming performance and self-recording. Students will be encouraged to apply the ideas introduced in this unit to their own song writing projects.
MUDA101 Keyboard
This unit introduces students to basic practical keyboard skills needed to support their musical development. In the weekly keyboard class students will explore improvisation and harmony over basic chord charts. In addition, we extend their technical skills with the one-to-one 30-minute lessons, via online platforms such as Zoom or Skype. Lessons will be with our internationally-recognised tutors who have experience teaching with these platforms. Students will be encouraged to apply the ideas introduced in this unit to their own song writing projects.
MUDA141 Aural and Harmony
This unit explores foundational skills in theory and aural relevant to contemporary song writing. A basic knowledge of scales, intervals, keys, rhythms, and harmonies from both functional and stylistic perspectives is essential for a professional musician’s understanding of the music they perform, compose and arrange. Building on learning undertaken in the Keyboard unit, students will undertake practical exercises involving singing and improvisation, improving their familiarity and confidence with basic aspects of music notation in the process. Students will be encouraged to apply the ideas introduced in this unit to their own song writing projects.
MUDA155 Song Production
In this unit students apply ideas and skills they are learning in the other units to their own song writing projects. This unit provides an overview of all the essential components of song writing, including lyrics, melody, harmony and song structure. In addition students will be introduced to ways in which music is produced and manipulated digitally. They will get a chance to experiment with self-recording and producing their original songs in a high quality demo. Tutors will advise students of where and how they can begin to use digital platforms to distribute their original music.
Entry requirements
Educational prerequisites
Completion of a higher school certificate or relevant equivalent work experience to meet the admission requirements for an undergraduate program of study. Applicants must submit a recording of themselves performing an original song plus a 300-word biography detailing experience in performing or writing music.
English language proficiency
Minimum English language of IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
Artistic and academic skill assessment
Applicants must submit a recording of themselves performing an original song, as well as submit a 300-word biography detailing their experience in performing or writing music.
More degrees you might be interested in:
Bachelor of Music (Worship)
Duration: 3 years full-time/6 years part-time
Credit Points: 144 credit points
CRICOS CODE: 109057M
Delivery: On campus
Available to: Domestic students (FEE-HELP available) and international students
English: IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
Tuition Fee for international students: $10,517 semester/$63,100 total tuition fee
AQF: Level 7
Associate Degree of Music (Worship)
Duration: 2 years full-time/4 years part-time
Credit Points: 96 credit points
CRICOS CODE: 109435A
Delivery: On campus
Available to: Domestic students (FEE-HELP available) and international students
English: IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
Tuition Fee for international students: $10,545.75 semester/$42,183 total tuition fee
AQF: Level 6
Enquiry form
Course overview
The Bachelor of Music (Worship) degree is a new course embedded within the existing Bachelor of Music (see course page for further details). Students gain the technical, artistic and analytical training required to become professional musicians, with the course diverging in its emphasis on theological preparation for a future in Christian ministry. The addition of specific units such as Worship Music in Practice, Worship Music Placement and Theology of Worship equip students with a deeper understanding of biblical directives and theological approaches to worship through music and how to apply this in diverse church settings. Students explore central themes underpinning personal and corporate worship expression in both Old and New Testament. These include God as Creator and Father, tabernacle/temple worship, the figure of King David, the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church.
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Students also apply learnings into music production with a live/digital launch of an EP of original worship music relevant to individual and congregational worship contexts. This industry relevant training encompasses all aspects of pre- and post-production.
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Additionally, the course features placement within a congregational setting* under the mentorship of college staff and a church ministry team. Students are given a context for mentoring, practical skill development, ensemble skills, planning, song writing and worship leading, linking with existing or new campus ministry initiatives at Excelsia College, such as Gathering and/or Praise and Worship meetings and events. Graduates will complete the course, prepared to lead worship ministry teams both on campus and in local churches.
* Broader worship music settings available
Where this will take me
The Bachelor of Music (Worship) prepares students for future roles in music & Christian ministry contexts. It is grounded in the understanding that professional musicians will commonly engage in ‘portfolio’ careers requiring versatile, flexible, and adaptable skills including multi-instrumental performing, composing, arranging, producing, ensemble directing, teaching, and researching. Future graduates are expected to secure employment as:
- Worship music leaders
- Worship music songwriters
- Performers (accompanists, chamber musicians, band members, session musicians)
- Composers and arrangers
- Conductors and musical directors (in school and church settings)
- Audio engineers (studio and live sound)
- Teachers (in both private and co-curricular school settings)
- Music critics, journalists and publicists
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Course program
Year 1 units
Y1 Semester 1
Performance I
Large Ensemble Studies I
Small Ensemble Studies I
Harmony and Aural I
Contemporary & Popular Music History
Functional Keyboard
Formation I (Creative Arts)
Y1 Semester 2
Performance II
Large Ensemble Studies II
Harmony and Aural II
Early Music History
Production and Live Audio
Formation II (Creative Arts)
Year 2 units
Y2 Semester 1
Worship Music in Practice I
Harmony & Aural III
Romantics & Modernists
Digital Music Production
Elective x 1
Y2 Semester 2
Worship Music in Practice II
Large Ensemble III
Harmony & Aural IV
Theology of Worship
Year 3 units
Y3 Semester 1
Worship Music Placement I
Large Ensemble Studies IV
Music Direction I
Ethnomusicology
Advanced Harmony
Elective x 1
Y3 Semester 2
Worship Music Placement II
Small Ensemble II
Musical Direction II
Formation IV
Elective x 1
Elective units
Electives Units
Second Instrument Study
Song Writing
Small Ensemble Studies
Large Ensemble Studies
Business in the Performing Arts
Music Pedagogy
For detailed descriptions of course units, please download the Music brochure.
Academic staff for music
Lecturer, Large Ensemble (Choral), Musical Direction
Tutor, Conductor
Dr Sadaharu Muramatsu
Entry requirements
Artistic and academic skill assessment
Audition:
Applicant should prepare to present 2 pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
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Interview:
Conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
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Musical knowledge:
In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced strand in theory units.
Australian applicants with recent secondary education (school leavers)
Educational Prerequisites
- NSW Higher School Certificate or its interstate or overseas equivalent, or
- Attainment of tertiary qualification, or satisfactory completion of at least one year’s full-time load in a tertiary course.
Other applicants
Applicants with work and life experience
Applicants must demonstrate that they have been involved in some form of high level music making for at least 3 years. This could include professional music making, community music making, worship leading.
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Applicants with higher education
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Applicants with VET or TAFE studies
- Audition: Applicant should prepare to present (2) pieces demonstrating their skill on their major instrument (including voice).
- Interview: conducted concurrently with the audition. Applicants will discuss their previous musical experience, personal motivation and aspirations.
- Musical knowledge: In the audition students will be assessed on their current musical knowledge and this will determine whether they go into a beginner or advanced stream in theory units.
Credit and recognition of prior learning (RPL)
If the applicant is successful they will be issued an offer letter and a written agreement. Students will need to respond to the offer within 6 weeks. This is done online and a confirmation will be emailed back to the applicant. At this point, applicants are welcome to apply for Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you are eligible for credit or RPL, you may be exempt from completing some units and you may be able to finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
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Please refer to the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy reference.
Download the Student Selection and Admission Policy and Procedure.
More degrees you might be interested in:
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Duration: 3 years full-time/6 years part-time
Delivery: On campus
Credit points: 144 credit points (24 units of 6 credit points each)
CRICOS CODE: 106164K
IELTS: 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
AQF: Level 7
Tuition Fee: International students: $8,200 semester/$49,200 in total
Domestic (FEE-HELP)
This course has been accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Enquiry form
Course overview
Excelsia College’s Bachelor of Business (Accounting) is a three-year undergraduate qualification comprising discipline and professional studies. The course is a 144 credit points course undertaking 8 units per year (6 credit points per unit) from year 1 to year 3 across two semesters per year. There are both Core Units and Electives in this course.
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Reasons to study this program:
• Development of both knowledge and skills to be an ethical and responsible accounting professional
• A breadth of electives in management and entrepreneurship to choose from
• Authentic curriculum where lessons can be immediately applied
• Study alongside students from other cultures
Year 1: Setting the Context for becoming a Professional Accountant
In Year 1, students are first introduced to the principles of accounting and management especially the technical skills required to prepare financial statements. Other business-related disciplines include economics and business law which set the framework for good business practice in commerce.
The unique learning experience with Excelsia College will also be introduced as students are required to study two Integrative Studies units: Life Calling and Purpose and Reading and Applying the Christian Story.
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Year 2: Specialisation in Accounting
In Year 2, students will advance their knowledge in accounting and business by studying the specialised fields such as Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Taxation Law. They will broaden their business skills by learning finance in business and the technological advancement driven by the innovative business information systems.
To allow students to be an all-rounder professional, they have to choose two electives from a range of related business subjects such as: Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Marketing Research, Organisational Behaviour, Project Management, Family Business Management and Social Entrepreneurship.
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Year 3: Becoming a responsible and accountable Professional
In Year 3, Excelsia will focus on developing accounting students to be  responsible and accountable professionals by introducing courses such as Audit and Assurance, Ethics and Corporate Governance and Current Issues in Accounting.
In addition, students will further develop their technical accounting skills by learning more complex accounting processes such as preparation of cashflow statements and business forecasts.
Alternate electives such as Organisational Change and Development, Supply Chain and Operations Management, Services Marketing and, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation are also on offer.
Where this will take me
Graduates of the Bachelor in Business (Accounting) may find entry level employment as an accountant, business analyst, auditor, financial advisor and taxation consultant among other career paths.
Upon graduation, such prospective students will have acquired a mix of a broad range of business/accounting knowledge and skills, and more specialist capabilities that will equip them to be innovative, effective and ethical.
Course program
First Year
Accounting Principles
This unit introduces accounting with a focus on the following:
- • accounting equation
- • terms and definitions.
Economics for Managers
This unit covers basic economic theories to assist managers to make sound decisions. A broad view on macro-economics will be discussed including economical tools such as supply and demand curves.
Management Principles
This unit provides a good overview of general management by introducing the various tools and theoretical principles used to make sound decisions.Â
Formation 1
The formation units of study recognise that the spiritual, emotional and professional development of a person are closely interlinked. This unit allows students to explore their personal world view and cultural context as well as understand the context of Christianity and the Bible within Western culture.
Introduction to Business Law
This unit provides an introduction to various Australian laws and regulations that govern the business world, e.g. the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
Financial Accounting
This unit focuses on the aspects of financial accounting, from accounts payable and accounts receivable to preparation of financial statements.
Business Data Analysis
This unit introduces all the key tools and formulae to analyse a range of business data and information for effective decision-making. Â
Business Finance
This unit will provide students with a good understanding of how companies fund their operations, whether through equity finance (shares) or debt finance (loans).
Second Year
Management Accounting
This unit provides students with a good overview of internal accounting processes as required by senior executives and management. Some of the tools learned are budgeting, cost accounting and activity-based costing.Â
Company Law
This unit extends a student’s knowledge from a basic understanding of the Australian business laws to a more detailed study on various regulations on a company such as contract law, tort, and director duties. Â
Formation 2
This unit provides students with an introduction to a resilience model for spiritual and holistic wellbeing. In the development of mature identity, it explores an ethical approach to current issues and character formation, and encourages the student to explore the integration of these into the professional context. Â
Business Information Systems
This unit explores the dynamic of technological advancement in the digital world and how that affects the business in data and information management.
There is special focus on internal control using the five components of the Committee of Sponsoring Organization (COSO) of the Treadway Commission frameworks.Â
Financial Analysis
Extending their learning from business data analysis, students will be given a range of financial analytical tools to examine financial reports for making sound business decisions.
Taxation
Taxation is an important skill for students to learn to become a professional accountant. In this unit, students will learn the basic calculations of various Australian tax regulations including the underlying theories and governing laws.
Electives (Second Year)
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing Management
• Marketing Communications
• Organisational Behaviour
• Project Management
• Cross-Cultural Management
• Management of Small to Medium Enterprises
• Family Business Management
Third Year
Audit and Assurance
Audit is an integral part of accounting as financial statements of large and listed companies must be reviewed by an auditor. Students will be required to learn all the key concepts with regards to auditing, assurance and associated risk management. Â
Ethics and Corporate Governance
Students are introduced to the importance of being ethical and professional in the discharge of their accounting work. Topics
covered include:
• corporate and social responsibility
• sustainable accounting
• fraud detection
• internal control.
Advanced Financial Accounting
Students will advance their skills in financial accounting by learning complex issues such as:
• lease accounting
• intangibles assets
• earnings per share
• positive accounting theories.
Advanced Taxation
Students will advance their skills in taxation by learning complex issues such as:
• capital gains tax
• goods and services tax
• dividend and calculation of franking credits
• withholding tax.
Advanced Management Accounting
Students will advance their skills in management accounting by learning complex issues such as:
• transfer pricing
• dashboard reporting
• balanced scorecard
• performance management
• strategic alignment.
Current Issues in Accounting (Capstone)
Students will keep up-to-date on all accounting related issues that are affecting specific industries or the business world at large.
Current developments on accounting standards (e.g. lease) will also be discussed and explored.
Electives (Third Year)
• Employment Relations
• Performance Management
• Marketing Research
• Services Marketing
• Organisational Change and Development
• Supply Chain and Operations Management
• Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
• Social Entrepreneurship
Entry Requirements
Educational Prerequisites
In order to be admitted into the Bachelor of Management and Entrepreneurship, Applicants will be required to provide evidence of completion of the NSW Higher School Certificate or its interstate or overseas equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must provide: certified documentary evidence that their secondary schooling, or tertiary studies of at least one year, were conducted in the English language; or evidence of English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.Â
For test score equivalencies for alternative tests visit the International Students page.
Applicants with Higher Education
Applicants who have completed a higher education qualification (associate degree, bachelor degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma) in any discipline are be eligible for admission.
Applicants with Vet or Tafe Studies
Applicants who have completed senior secondary studies or equivalent qualification with a vocational education training (VET) or TAFE provider within the last two years are eligible for admission.
Applicants with Work and Experience
Applicants who do not have a NSW Higher School Certificate (or equivalent) or completed their secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken or completed vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then can apply for admission using work and life experience.
‘Experience’ could include a combination of factors which demonstrate readiness for higher education, including mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience.Â
For more information please visit the Future Students information page.
Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If the applicant is successful they will be issued an offer letter and a written agreement. Students will need to respond to the offer within 6 weeks. This is done online and a confirmation will be emailed back to the applicant. At this point, applicants are welcome to apply for Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you are eligible for credit or RPL, you may be exempt from completing some units and you may be able to finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
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Please refer to the Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy reference.
Download the Student Selection and Admission Policy and Procedure.
More degrees you might be interested in:
Enquiry form
Bachelor of Music
Duration: 3 years full-time/6 years part-time
Credit Points: 144 credit points
Delivery: On campus
CRICOS Code: 057959G
Available to: Domestic (FEE-HELP) and International
English: IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
Tuition Fee for international students: $11,073.2 semester/$66,439 total tuition fee
AQF: Level 7
Associate Degree of Music
Duration: 2 years full-time/4 years part-time
Credit Points: 96 credit points
Delivery: On campus
CRICOS Code: 075645J
Available to: Domestic (FEE-HELP) and International
English: IELTS 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
Tuition Fee for International students: $11,073.2 semester/$44,292.67 total tuition fee
AQF: Level 6
Course overview
The Bachelor of Music provides you with the technical, artistic and analytical training required to become a professional musician. The course features private tuition for voice and instrument studies and extensive performance and studio experiences.
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The course is offered with three strands of specialisation, allowing you to take classes unique to your chosen career path:Â
Three Strands
Classical
This strand provides musicians with the high-level training in performance, musicianship, ensemble work, musicality and breadth of musical knowledge required for a life in classical music. Students are exposed to a wide range of music across history as well as one-on-one tuition on their instrument with exceptional tutors. Students can continue their journey into the world of classical music.
Contemporary
This strand prepares musicians for a career in the ever-changing world of contemporary music. Artistic, technical, practical and musicianship skills are honed to create a well-rounded musician prepared for the diverse work lives led by industry professionals. Whether students want to pursue their dream as a singer/songwriter or start their own band, this strand will help to take them there.
Jazz
This strand offers multiple experiences in improvisation, ensemble work, arrangement, and performance designed to prepare students for the highly skilled world of jazz musicianship. Students are encouraged to partake in multiple performance opportunities and workshops to help them think on their feet and engage with the dynamics of the jazz ethos.
What do our students say?
‘Studying the Bachelor of Music at Excelsia College has taught me many things about myself as a person, artist and student. The classes allow me to expand my musical knowledge and to gain more experience and wisdom from the excellent tutors that help encourage and push me to the best of my abilities.
Studying music here has helped boost my confidence as a performer in the most humbling way, and also allows my faith as a Christian to not be compromised but encouraged to use it, to engage with my art.’
Janelle Magtibay
Music Student
Where this will take me
The Bachelor of Music is predicated on the understanding that professional musicians will commonly engage in ‘portfolio’ careers requiring versatile, flexible and adaptable skills including performing, composing, arranging, producing, directing, teaching, and researching. Using these skills (and, in some cases, with further study) our current graduates have secured, and future graduates are expected to secure, employment as:
- Performers (accompanists, chamber musicians, band members, session musicians)
- Composers and arrangers
- Conductors and musical directors (in school and church settings)
- Artist managers and agents
- Arts administrators, promoters, fundraisers and event planners
- Audio engineers (studio and live sound)
- Teachers (in both private and public school and non-school settings)
- Music critics, journalists and publicists
Course program
Year 1 units
Y1 Semester 1
Performance I
Large Ensemble Studies I
Small Ensemble Studies I
Harmony and Aural I
Contemporary and Popular Music History
Functional Keyboard
Formation I (Creative Arts)
Y1 Semester 2
Performance II
Large Ensemble Studies II
Harmony and Aural II
Early Music History
Production and Live Audio
Formation II (Creative Arts)
Year 2 units
Y2 Semester 1
Performance III
Harmony and Aural III
Romantics and Modernists
Digital Music Production
* Elective x 1
Y2 Semester 2
Performance IV
Large Ensemble Studies III
Harmony and Aural IV
Formation III (Creative Arts)
Year 3 units (for bachelor degree only)
Y3 Semester 1
Performance V
Large Ensemble Studies IV
Musical Direction I
Ethnomusicology
Advanced Harmony
* Elective x 1
Y3 Semester 2
Performance VI
Small Ensemble Studies II
Musical Direction II
Formation IV
* Elective x 1
Elective units
Elective units
Second Instrument Study
Song Writing
Small Ensemble Studies
Large Ensemble Studies
Business in the Performing Arts
Music Pedagogy
For detailed descriptions of course units, please download the Music brochure.
Academic staff for music
Lecturer, Large Ensemble (Choral), Musical Direction
Tutor, Conductor