Applications for study in 2027 are now open. 

Please navigate to the UCT applications page for further details on how to apply. https://uct.ac.za/students/applications/key-dates 

All applicants for the BMus and Diploma in Music are required to attend an audition as well. Details of the audition process will be made available by mid-May 2026.

 

The South African College of Music offers both degree and diploma programmes in a diverse range of musical styles: African Music, Classical, Jazz, Opera and Music Technology. In addition students can specialise in Musicology and Composition.

The General BMus is intended to provide broad musical training at degree level.

 

The College boasts several ensembles:

African Music: UCT Ibuyambo Orchestra; World Music Ensemble

Classical: UCT Symphony Orchestra; UCT Symphonic Wind Ensemble; UCT String Ensemble; Ergonomix Percussion Ensemble; Various Chamber Music ensembles

Jazz: UCT Big Band; Jazz Ensembles (8 small jazz ensembles); UCT Jazz Voices

Opera: Students gain practical experience through professional performances, including those at the Baxter and Artscape Theatres.

 

Tertiary music study will prepare you for a variety of career opportunities in music. Popular choices amongst our graduates are:

Performance; Teaching and Lecturing; Arrangement and Composition; Academic Research and Publishing; Arts Administration.

Other typical professional routes include:

Music Therapy; Broadcasting; Entertainment Law; Music Journalism; Recording Industry; Radio / TV / Digital Media; Civil Service

 

Admission Requirements and further information can be found in the Faculty of Humanities Student Handbooks

Diploma in Music Performance (DMP)

3 years - HU021

MUZ

Bachelor of Music (BMus)

4 years - HB010

MUZ
World MusicMUZ14GeneralMUZ33
African MusicMUZ02African Music PerformanceMUZ44
ClassicalMUZ12Classical PerformanceMUZ42
Jazz StudiesMUZ07Jazz StudiesMUZ07
OperaMUZ23OperaMUZ23
  Classical CompositionMUZ45
  Music TechnologyMUZ41
    

 

African and World Music

African and World Music

The African and World Music Programmes engage performers, composers, researchers and students in a quest for innovative African musical performance culture - sensitive to Africa’s musical heritage yet contemporary in its outlook.
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Classical Composition

Composition at UCT offers a progressive and in-depth pathway for students aspiring to develop their creative voice in classical composition.
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Classical Music

UCT’s exceptional Classical Music programme produces polished classical musicians of the highest artistic calibre, with successful careers as soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral players.
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Jazz

The South African College of Music is home to the continent’s top Jazz training programme, having produced some of the country’s top jazz artists who have gone on to garner enormous international success.
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Music technology

Music technology investigates the interface between technology and sound. SACM is equipped with a state-of-the-art music technology studio and excellent facilities for student composers.
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Opera UCT

The purpose of Opera UCT is to produce accomplished and passionate singing-actors poised for the opera profession, through high quality teaching, coaching, preparation and performance opportunities.
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