Bachelor Programme
Music: Composition
Music: Composition at UBC Vancouver is a four-year Bachelor of Music major for students who have already shown ability in composing, with composition study in every year (MUSC 107 to 407) alongside private lessons, ensembles and the BMus core in music history, theory and technology. Students have their works performed by student and faculty ensembles, can use the School's electronic music studio, and must compose and have performed at least 45 minutes of music to graduate; co-op is available. Admission is by application and audition: students apply to UBC and complete the BMus supplemental application, audition and submit a composition portfolio of original scores.
University
University of British Columbia
Country
Canada
Level
Bachelor
Field
Music
Duration
4 years
Language
English
Campus
Vancouver
Degree
Bachelor of Music (BMus), Major in Composition
Intake
September
Application Deadline
January 15, 2027 for the UBC application and the BMus supplemental application and fee (international scholars: November 15, 2026); letters of reference by January 20, 2027; auditions January 30 to February 7, 2027 (video auditions due January 27, 2027); composition portfolio due early January 2027 (date to be confirmed)
Tuition Information
2026/27 first-year tuition: CAD 48,779.80 per year for international students (Music rate, CAD 1,434.70 per credit x 34 credits) and CAD 7,027.46 for Canadian students (CAD 206.69 per credit x 34 credits). Fees for students starting in 2027/28 have not yet been published. Tuition only; student fees, health insurance and housing are extra.
Admission Requirements
- Apply to UBC with the BMus as first or second choice, complete the BMus supplemental application and fee, send two letters of reference, audition on an instrument and submit a composition portfolio (portfolio deadline to be confirmed, early January 2027)
- Students must also meet the General Studies performance standard; it is possible to switch into Composition after one year in another BMus major
- BC high school: English Studies 12 (or English First Peoples 12)
- IB: no specific courses beyond UBC's general admission requirements; an audition (plus a portfolio for composition) and letters of reference are required (Music)
- English language proof, if required, is due February 15, 2027 (see English Language Requirements below)
English Language Requirements
International applicants must satisfy UBC's English Language Admission Standard.
IELTS Academic
6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
90 overall
PTE Academic
65 overall
Duolingo English Test
125 overall
CAEL
70 overall
Cambridge English
180