Key facts

Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on either audition into the degree or submit 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
Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 8 units (48 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student sits on sofa studying on laptop

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.

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:

  • Music Theory and Analysis
  • Encounters in Music
  • Cross-Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis
  • Fundamentals of Creative Music Practice
  • Digital Music and Media Fundamentals

You will also have opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge in areas such as:

  • Composition Structure and Instrumentation
  • Songwriting for Contemporary Performance
  • Popular Music
  • Early European Music
  • Music in the Age of Empires and Nations
  • Collaborative Music Creation
  • Ensemble Leadership
  • Electronic Music Production

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

Auditions

Please note, you are required to complete an online theory exam as part of the entry requirements to this course. For more information, visit our Study Music page or apply to audition. Applications for 2024 will close at midday for the following trimesters:

  • Trimester 1: Wednesday 7 February 2024
  • Trimester 2: Wednesday 5 June 2024
  • Trimester 3: Wednesday 2 October 2024

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.

Guaranteed ATAR

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.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

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.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

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.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

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.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

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.

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit points from the following units:

48 credit points

Complete 24 credit points from the following units: Note: Students complete either MUSI110 or MUSI111 only.
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:

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

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$8,928*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

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.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Your career

Career outcomes

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.
Other career information

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

The Diploma in Music enables students to develop an understanding of, and proficiency in, a variety of music skills including performance, aural and music technology.
  1. demonstrate a broad knowledge of theoretical and technical music concepts, with some depth in music theory, music technology and performance;
  2. demonstrate cognitive and communication skills to analyse and apply music theory to a range of situations;
  3. demonstrate cognitive, creative, communication and technical skills to analyse and plan approaches to music composition and performance;
  4. transfer and apply theoretical concepts, music technology skills and creative skills to a range of musical environments; and
  5. 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.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
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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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Why study with us?

When people ask me why I study at UNE I tell them that it's high quality, it's flexible, and it's convenient.

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

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.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 17 February 2024*26 February 2024
Trimester 25 June 2024*24 June 2024
Trimester 32 October 2024*21 October 2024

*Early closing date

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.