Applications for study in 2026 are now closed, and the audition process has been completed. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider late applications. For those interested in studying in 2027, please visit the UCT applications webpage. Applications will open in April 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 Music | MUZ14 | General | MUZ33 |
| African Music | MUZ02 | African Music Performance | MUZ44 |
| Classical | MUZ12 | Classical Performance | MUZ42 |
| Jazz Studies | MUZ07 | Jazz Studies | MUZ07 |
| Opera | MUZ23 | Opera | MUZ23 |
| Classical Composition | MUZ45 | ||
| Music Technology | MUZ41 | ||
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 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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