Learn the art of recording and producing music

Learn how to record, mix, produce, synthesise, compose, and code for a range of music.

Whether you aim to work in commercial studios or produce professional music from your home studio, you’ll learn to produce release-ready music. Learn the fundamentals of room acoustics, studio design and monitoring, microphones, editing, and mixing techniques.

You can specialise in either advanced stereo mixing and mastering, or audio production for film.

National Music Centre

Opening in 2027, the National Music Centre will be a vibrant and innovative hub celebrating music, creativity, and connection in the heart of our city.

Bringing together Te Kōkī students, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra musicians, and industry leaders, the Centre will enable some of the best music education and performance experiences in the world.

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Choose your study path

You can study Audio Production and Recording as a major or minor subject in a Bachelor of Popular Music.

Combine your BPM with another degree

You can combine your Bachelor of Popular Music (BPM) with another degree, which means you can complete two undergraduate degrees in a shorter time than if you’d do one degree and then another. This is called a conjoint degree, and an example is Bachelor of Popular Music/Bachelor of Arts (BPM/BA).

Popular pairings with a BPM include:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Law
  • Bachelor of Music.

Having a conjoint degree can help you find specialised jobs and prepare for changes in your career by giving you a broader range of knowledge and connecting you with a wider professional network.

Degree support and advice

We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.

If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.

If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.

Two students with laptops are being helped by a third person

Study options

Find out how you can study Audio Production and Recording at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Tohu Paetahi Pao o te Marea

Bachelor of Popular Music—BPM

UNDERGRADUATEBACHELOR'S DEGREE
Immerse yourself in a world of sound, expression, and innovation. Combine critical study and creative practice in New Zealand’s most flexible music degree.
Duration
3 years
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington · Flexible
Level of study
Undergraduate
Points
360
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027

If you already have a degree

If you already have a degree, you can study this subject without having to complete a three-year qualification. 

Tohu Puuoro

Graduate Diploma in Music—GDipMus

POSTGRADUATEGRADUATE DIPLOMA
Transition into music or explore new musical areas. Discover new musical interests, gain new skills, and prepare for more postgraduate study.
Duration
1 year
Location
Kelburn campus, Wellington · Flexible
Level of study
Postgraduate
Points
120
Workload
Full or part-time
Type
Coursework · Daytime
2027 – Trimester 1
Apply by
14 Feb 2027
Start study
22 Feb 2027
2027 – Trimester 2
Apply by
15 Jun 2027
Start study
5 Jul 2027

Future careers

A degree with an Audio Production and Recording major can lead to many careers, including working in the music industry as a:

  • producer
  • recording engineer
  • mixing engineer
  • mastering engineer
  • sound designer for film.

You may also find work in:

  • education
  • research
  • journalism
  • policy and government
  • museums and other cultural institutions.

FHSS Internship

The FHSS Internship course run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop practical workplace experience.

Find out more

More career information

Find out more about careers in music.

The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

Scholarships for Music

  • Worth: $1,000 Closing: 15 November, 2026

    This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.

  • Worth: $10,000 Closing: 15 November, 2026

    The scholarship is to assist in the education and training of undergraduate classical piano students at the New Zealand School of Music at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.

  • Worth: $5,000 NZD (subject to funds available) Closing: 30 November, 2026

    The Clare Galambos-Winter Scholarships were established to support students in the New Zealand School of Music who demonstrate exceptional talent in violin performance.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.

Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Other scholarships

We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.

We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.

Scholarships for Music

  • Worth: $1,000 Closing: 15 November, 2026

    This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.

  • Worth: $40,000 Closing: 15 November, 2026

    The scholarship is to assist in the education and training of international classical piano undergraduate students at the New Zealand School of Music.

  • Worth: $1,000 Closing: 31 March, 2027

    This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.

Postgraduate study

If you choose to continue postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.

If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could go on to an Honours degree. And if you want to do independent research, you could also study for a Master’s or a PhD.

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Get help to manage your finances

We can help you:

  • budget your money
  • manage your student loan or allowance
  • work out your accommodation payment schedule.

If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.

You may be eligible for government or community support, too.

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Wellington Global Exchange

If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.

Wellington Global Exchange
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Study Abroad and Exchange Programme

If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here. 

Study Abroad and Exchange

Discover your career pathway with Tahatū