New bachelor backs Gold Coast musicians

The expansion of UC’s ten-year partnership with TAFE Queensland into the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Contemporary Music Practice) (ARB403) is about supporting local artists, keeping the music scene thriving and equipping emerging talent with the tools and skills to make their mark on the music industry.

UC Vice-Chancellor and President, The Honourable Bill Shorten said the partnership with TAFE Queensland is the benchmark for tertiary harmonisation.

“UC and TAFE Queensland have been at the forefront of the growth of Australia’s creative industry for the past decade, working together to provide learning opportunities and career outcomes for students with a keen interest in the arts.

“Today, UC and TAFE Queensland jointly deliver a suite of programs across Creative Industries, Digital Design and the Built Environment, supporting a robust pathway between vocational training and higher education. The introduction of a music degree to this offering notches up our commitment to growing Australia’s creative industries.

“This is the future of higher education and we will be looking at further ways to strengthen our partnership and expand our collective degree level education in other disciplines with TAFE Queensland.”

TAFE Queensland Gold Coast General Manager, Karen Dickinson said the new music degree supports the organisation’s commitment to nurturing local talent and helping artists shine.

“The partnership with UC means we can offer local artists the tertiary education, support and opportunities they need to grow, collaborate, and make their mark on the music scene,” she said.

“It also provides a smooth pathway for current students to continue their studies, build on skills gained through our diploma programs and move seamlessly into a university degree.”

Ms Dickinson said the Bachelor degree isn’t just about notes and theory, it’s about creating confident, connected and industry-ready musicians who can confidently hit the stage and thrive.

“The Coomera Creative campus is a lively community of local musicians and creatives guided by award-winning teachers. With professional studios, live performance spaces, hands-on learning and strong ties to the Gold Coast music scene, the campus is a hub where talent meets opportunity,” she said.

Professor Julian Knowles, Executive Dean of Arts and Design at UC and former Chair of Queensland music industry association, QMusic, said the UC music degree would provide a much-needed pathway to degree-level study on the Gold Coast.

“As a long-time musician and industry worker, I’ve known the Gold Coast has always been a hot bed of music industry talent with global impact. This partnership gives students access to high-quality, industry-ready Bachelor qualifications that will accelerate their careers on their doorstep.”

Enrolments for first-year and second-year students holding a relevant diploma are now open.