Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Entry is based on either audition into the degree or qualifications for Band 4 or above in HSC Music, or AMEB theory and practical qualifications, or relevant TAFE qualifications. There are also specific entry rules for former or current UNE students.
View full entry requirements- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
If you're looking to build practical skills in music performance and writing while gaining a formal qualification in music, our fully online Diploma in Music is the ideal course for you. It will help you reinforce your experience and allow you to dip your toe into university study without committing to a full degree, while still gaining credit towards a bachelor's degree if you wish to pursue further studies. In a rapidly changing industry, this diploma from UNE can help ensure your career prospects are fit for the future.
Please note that you must pass an online theory exam or be granted an exam waiver to gain entry into this course. Find out more.
Applications for 2026 will close at midday for the following Trimesters:
- Trimester 1: Wednesday 4 February 2026
- Trimester 2: Wednesday 3 June 2026
- Trimester 3: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Why study the Diploma in Music with UNE?
This diploma course will help you build your music performance experience and aural and music technology skills, giving you a practical skillset to help you thrive in the real world of the ever-changing music profession. You'll further develop your abilities in songwriting, composition and music production and come out ready to take your next steps as an industry-ready music professional.
Core units of study include:
- Cross-Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis
- Digital Music and Media Fundamentals
- Encounters in Music
- Foundations in Music and Creative Music Practice
- Music Theory and Analysis
You will also have opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- Collaborative Music Creation
- Composition Structure and Instrumentation
- Early European Music
- Electronic Music Production
- Ensemble Leadership
- Music in the Age of Empires and Nations
- Popular Music
- Songwriting for Contemporary Performance
Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide, so when you choose to study with us, you are in very good hands.
What makes our course different?
The Diploma in Music is the only course of its kind in Australia that has been designed to be delivered fully online, and our teaching staff are highly experienced performers and researchers.
- The teaching of music has been a staple at UNE since 1972, and we are experts in creating graduates ready to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving music industry.
- UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education – more than 80% of our students are online.
- We have an industry partnership with leading music and media company AVID. Our staff include industry-certified trainers in Protools and Sibelius platforms to ensure students have the most up-to-date educational opportunities.
- Choose to study when it suits you. Our degree allows you to fit study around your busy lifestyle, not the other way around, no matter where you are in the world.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
Not Applicable
You can apply for this course if you meet both of the following entry requirements:
- You have intermediate knowledge of music theory and concepts as demonstrated by Band 4 or above in HSC Music (or equivalent) or Grade 4 of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) (or equivalent) or completing the UNE online music theory placement test.
- You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement assessed by the discipline within six months prior to the date of enrolment.
After applying to your course, you must upload documentation and/or register to complete the theory placement test through the music application form.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you meet both of the following entry requirements:
- You have intermediate knowledge of music theory and concepts as demonstrated by higher education qualifications in music or Grade 4 of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) (or equivalent) or completing the UNE online music theory placement test.
- You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement assessed by the discipline within six months prior to the date of enrolment.
Relevant music qualifications include, but are not limited to: Diploma in Music Technology, Diploma in Music Skills.
After applying to your course, you must upload documentation and/or register to complete the theory placement test through the music application form.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Transferring from another UNE course
If you are a former or current UNE student who has previously completed music studies within a UNE qualification, you can apply for this course if you completed both of the following units:
- MUSI140 Fundamentals of Creative Music Practice
- MUSI110 Music Theory and Analysis 1 OR MUSI111 Encounters in Music
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you meet both of the following entry requirements:
You have intermediate knowledge of music theory and concepts as demonstrated by VET study in music or Grade 4 of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) (or equivalent) or completing the UNE online music theory placement test.
- You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement assessed by the discipline within six months prior to the date of enrolment.
Relevant VET music qualifications include, but are not limited to: Diploma of Music (Performance), Diploma of Music (Contemporary Performance), Diploma of Performing Arts (Music), Certificate IV in Music (Performance).
After applying to your course, you must upload documentation and/or register to complete the theory placement test through the music application form.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
- If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience in a music field, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
- You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement assessed by the discipline within six months prior to the date of enrolment.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Theory Placement Test
- You have intermediate knowledge of music theory and concepts as demonstrated by Grade 4 of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) (or equivalent) or completing the UNE online music theory placement test.
- You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement assessed by the discipline within six months prior to the date of enrolment.
After applying to your course, you must upload documentation and/or register to complete the theory placement test or portfolio audition through the music application form.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A Music application form which will include a personal statement. This is separate from your application for admission to this course.
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on AMEB credentials, upload evidence of this so we can assess eligibility.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points.
48 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units: Note: Students complete either MUSI110 or MUSI111 only.- Music Theory and Analysis (MUSI110) – 6 credit points
- Encounters in Music (MUSI111) – 6 credit points
- Cross-Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis (MUSI131) – 6 credit points
- Foundations in Music and Creative Arts Practice (MUSI140) – 6 credit points
- Digital Music and Media Fundamentals (MUSI160) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:- Composition Structure and Instrumentation (MUSI208) – 6 credit points
- Songwriting for Contemporary Performance (MUSI221) – 6 credit points
- Popular Music (MUSI235) – 6 credit points
- Early European Music (MUSI236) – 6 credit points
- Music in the Age of Empires and Nations (MUSI343) – 6 credit points
- Collaborative Music Creation (MUSI240) – 6 credit points
- Ensemble Leadership (MUSI353) – 6 credit points
- Electronic Music Production (MUSI260) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units: Note: Students complete either MUSI110 or MUSI111 only.- Music Theory and Analysis (MUSI110) – 6 credit points
- Encounters in Music (MUSI111) – 6 credit points
- Cross-Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis (MUSI131) – 6 credit points
- Foundations in Music and Creative Arts Practice (MUSI140) – 6 credit points
- Digital Music and Media Fundamentals (MUSI160) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:- Composition Structure and Instrumentation (MUSI208) – 6 credit points
- Songwriting for Contemporary Performance (MUSI221) – 6 credit points
- Popular Music (MUSI235) – 6 credit points
- Early European Music (MUSI236) – 6 credit points
- Music in the Age of Empires and Nations (MUSI343) – 6 credit points
- Collaborative Music Creation (MUSI240) – 6 credit points
- Ensemble Leadership (MUSI353) – 6 credit points
- Electronic Music Production (MUSI260) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $9,504* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $373 |
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
Your career
As a Diploma in Music graduate, you will have a broad background of music skills to pursue further study or to assist with future employment in a range of areas requiring a sound knowledge of music skills. You’ll have a solid, practical foundation to build your career in:
- live performance
- songwriting and composition
- contemporary music production.
When you graduate you will have developed confidence and capabilities in a wide variety of music skills and knowledge, and completed a pathway to further study, including automatic progression to a full bachelor’s degree in Music or Education with UNE.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate a broad knowledge of theoretical and technical music concepts, with some depth in music theory, music technology and performance;
- demonstrate cognitive and communication skills to analyse and apply music theory to a range of situations;
- demonstrate cognitive, creative, communication and technical skills to analyse and plan approaches to music composition and performance;
- transfer and apply theoretical concepts, music technology skills and creative skills to a range of musical environments; and
- demonstrate initiative, judgement, and personal responsibility in decision-making and problem-solving while working both in collaboration with others and independently.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will be able to demonstrate music skills in a range of situations.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will be able to demonstrate musical knowledge and ideas across a variety of online environments.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will be able to solve problems by exercising critical thinking and judgement.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will be able to solve musical problems through gathering, analysing and evaluating information from a range of sources.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will demonstrate the practice of ethical behaviour through independent and group work.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will develop the skills necessary for life-long participation in musical thinking and practice.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and gain experience in collaborative tasks.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
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Why study with us?
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 4 February 2026* | 23 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 3 June 2026* | 22 June 2026 |
| Trimester 3 | 30 September 2026* | 19 October 2026 |
*Early closing date
