UCSI Radio
Overview
Versatility is the hallmark of the Institute's contemporary music programme and students acquire the definitive hands-on experience in myriad aspects of music from pop to rock, blues and jazz. As a contemporary music student, you will develop the aesthetic vision and the analytical bent to navigate the ever-evolving professional music environment.... You will interact with faculty who are leading performers, composers, arrangers and producers in the music industry. And when the time comes to make your mark, you won’t just adapt to change– you’ll drive it.
* This programme received a 100% graduate employability score in the Ministry of Higher Education’s Graduate Employability 2022. (Source: ge.mohe.gov.my/)
Assessments
Vary from course to course including:
- Written exams.
- Practical performance.
- Recital / master class attendance.
- Project-based coursework.
Candidates may be admitted into the music degree programs by one of these 2 paths:
A. Complete and pass all courses with a minimum of Grade C in the Foundation in Music program at UCSI University,
OR
B. Meet BOTH academic and music requirements below:
Academic Requirements
Candidates must meet either of the following requirements:
STPM
At least 2 principal passes with minimum CGPA of 2.0
A Level
minimum 2 D’s
UEC
At least B grade in 5 subjects
UCSI Foundation Year / Foundation programs from other higher learning institutions / National Matriculation/ Pre-U2 Singapore/ Diploma (Level 4 KKM)
Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.0
High/Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) / Canadian Grade 12 – title following various districts in Canada / Canadian Pre-University (CPU) / Canadian International Matriculation (CIMP)/ SAM / AUSMAT / SACE / TEE / HSC (NSW) / NTCE / WACE
Pass with a minimum of 60%
Or, Other equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian government
AND, Passed the music audition
Music Audition Requirements
Performance Audition (Auditions are conducted at least 1 month before the start of the semester)
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Memorization is strongly encouraged for scholarship application
- 3 contemporary pieces of contrasting styles (preferably contemporary styles: jazz, pop, rock, Latin, popular styles, etc.)
- The performance must demonstrate ability to improvise in the given style
- String/woodwind/voice majors are required to bring along their own piano accompanist or request for one from the Institute. In this case, a fee will be charged. Contemporary music candidates may choose to use minus-one recordings to accompany their audition. Please bring your own laptop, tablet or other similar audio-playback device. The Institute will prepare a 1/8 – 1/8-inch audio connection.
- Composition majors are required to submit a portfolio of compositions and pass the audition on a major instrument
Aural Diagnostic Test
- Sight singing; repeating a rhythmic phrase from memory; singing in intervals, scale & trials.
Sample Questions (Click Here)
Theory Diagnostic Test
- Topics include intervals; scales and key signatures; triads & 7th chords and its inversions; roman numeral or lead sheet symbols analysis; time signatures, grouping of notes & rests and cadences.
Sample Questions (Click Here)
English Language Requirements
For Local Students
MUET
Band 3SPM English Language
Grade B+SPM English Language 1119/O-Level/IGCSE
Grade CUEC English Language
Grade A2- In the event that the English language requirements are not met, applicants will be required to take the Basic English and English Foundation for in-sessional academic enhancement concurrently with the programme.
For International Students
Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
(B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced C2 Proficiency, Linguaskill Online)
154Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
(OET)(Conventional/Online)
200IELTS
Band 5.0TOEFL IBT
40TOEFL ESSENTIALS (ONLINE)
7.5PTE Academic / Academic (online)
47MUET
Band 3.5- Applicants who have an academic qualification from a higher learning institution which uses the English Language as a medium of instruction may be granted an exemption from the University English Language requirements.
- Choir 1-5 or Orchestra 1-5
- Modern Band 1-2
- Recital Attendance 1-5
- Masterclass Attendance 1-5
- Music Theory 1-3
- Aural Skills 1-3
- Writing in Music
- Malaysian Music
- Music Research Methodology
- Rock Music History
- Jazz Music History
- Music and Popular Culture
- Principles of Teaching
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Live Sound
- Music Production Techniques
- Introduction to Music Marketing
- Music Business in Malaysia
- Short Semester Major Instrument
- Major Instrument 1-4
- Minor Instrument 1-2 or Class Piano 1-2
- Final Year Performance 1-2 or Final Year Research Project 1-2
- Internship
- World Music
- Music and Film
- Film Scoring
- Song Writing
- Jingle Writing
- Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
- Introduction to Mass Therapy
- Music and the Brain
- Psychology of Music
- Electronic Music Production
- Minor Instrument 3-4
- Modern Band 3-4
- English Diction
- French Diction
- German Diction
- Italian Diction
- Materials and Techniques of Twentieth-Century
- Analysis
- Counterpoint
- Instrumentation
- Piano Pedagogy 1-2
- Vocal Pedagogy
- Vocal Literature 1-2
- Conducting Skills
- Keyboard Skills
- Opera Workshop
- String Pedagogy
- Performance Practices
- Music History 1-2
- Piano Literature 1-2
- Vocal Literature 1-2
- Non Music Electives
- Introduction to Mass Communication
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- Introduction to Psychology
- Fundamentals of Marketing
- Fundamentals of Management
- Basic Entrepreneurship
- Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisations
(Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban)
- U1 - Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3
(Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 3)
All students:
- U1 - Philosophy and Contemporary Issues
(Falsafah dan Isu Semasa) - U2 - University Life
- U4 - Extra-Curricular Learning Experience 1-3
Performing
Teaching
Composing / arranging
Music Technology
Music Business
Local Students
Approximate Total Fees:
RM 98,060
International Students
Approximate Total Fees:
RM 122,130
Note:
- This is an estimated fee, as different countries have different visa processing charges and administrative fees. For more information, kindly refer to your region’s counselor for the detailed fee breakdown.
- In accordance with the Malaysian government tax regulation, effective 1st July 2025, a 6% service tax will be imposed on non-Malaysian citizens.
