Cape Breton University
Cape Breton University

1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

Bachelor of Arts Community Studies - Music

4-Year Bachelor's Degree

Program Summary

Students can build their skills for a solid foundation in music and carve their own path, wherever the tempo takes them. Cape Breton University's BACS music major is the only undergraduate program in Canada to focus on traditional and tradition-based popular music, with particular emphasis on Cape Breton’s rich music traditions.

Students learn about music career options, develop a career network and gain valuable work experience through courses such as Understanding the Music Industry, and Arts Entrepreneurship, as well as Cape Breton University's Archival Internship and work placements.

Cape Breton University's music offerings focus on three broad areas: Atlantic Canadian cultures and traditions; popular music; and the study of global traditions (e.g., West African, Eastern European, etc.) through ethnomusicology and folklore approaches.

Cape Breton University's program options offer a variety of courses, including courses in performance, music theory and composition, genre surveys and histories, issues (e.g., protest, cultural tourism), research methods and business.

*Please note: Cape Breton is implementing a Tuition Deposit Policy. The Tuition Deposit Policy will take effect for all applicants starting with the January 2024 application. Students who receive an offer to study at Cape Breton University will be required to make a nonrefundable tuition deposit of a minimum of $2,500 to confirm their seat in the program. If a student does not confirm their seat, CBU cannot guarantee a spot will be available at registration time.

Academic Background

Minimum Level of Education Completed

Grade 12 / High School

Minimum GPA

65%

Minimum Language Test Scores

Reading

6

Writing

6

Listening

6

Speaking

6

Reading

50

Writing

50

Listening

50

Speaking

50

Literacy

105

Conversation

105

Comprehension

105

Production

105

Program Intakes

Open date

October 15, 2025

Submission deadline

April 15, 2026

Open date

May 1, 2026

Submission deadline

November 1, 2026

Open date

November 12, 2026

Submission deadline

March 15, 2027

Cost and Duration

4-Year Bachelor's Degree

Program Level

4 year bachelor's degree

Program Length

$20635 CAD

Cost of Living

$80 CAD

Application fee

$18090 CAD / First Year

Gross Tuition

Other Fees

International Medical Plan Fees: $1,283 per year
Ancillary Fees: $764.30 per year