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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The PGDipMus is a 120-point programme of focused study during which you'll hone your skills and prepare yourself for the professional world. Whether you're a performer, composer or musicology student, you will focus exclusively on your area of specialisation and further develop the required intellectual and creative skills to thrive in the industry.

Programme Structure

The structure of your PGDipMus depends on your area of interest. You'll complete a combination of taught courses and a final performance, dissertation or portfolio submission. Your musical knowledge and aptitude will develop, preparing you to enter the industry.

You can choose to take supporting courses in areas such as historical performance practice, advanced analysis and theory, improvisation, choral studies or music education. You'll also undertake supervised research in a topic of interest.

You may also choose to include courses in subjects beyond music, following discussions with the relevant School advisers.

Courses from the BMus(Hons) schedule: At least 90 points

Other postgraduate courses: Up to 30 points (with approval)

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Postgraduate study in music boosts your potential to build a successful performance or composition career. It can also help to secure a future in academia and research, contributing to influential projects in music and the wider arts community.

Further Study Options

MMus - Master of Music

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

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Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (120 point) - 4.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Music

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

You must have completed a Bachelor of Music (BMus) at the University of Auckland in the same field of study as you intend to undertake within the PGDipMus with a GPA of 4.0. 

You must have completed your degree within two years of starting the PGDipMus. If you did not, then your application will be subject to the qualitative assessment of a portfolio applicable to the area of study being applied for within the PGDipMus.

English language requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Other Pathways to Study

Alternatively, you must have completed an undergraduate music degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in the same discipline as the major you are applying for with a GPE of 4.0. You must also submit a portfolio applicable to your area of study

or

completed a Bachelor of Music from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this postgraduate diploma are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this postgraduate diploma, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

2 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student admitted to this postgraduate diploma must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

5 The total enrolment for this postgraduate diploma must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

6 Of the 120 points required for this postgraduate diploma, a student must pass:

a 120 points from courses listed in the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule for which the student has passed the prerequisite courses

or

b (i) at least 90 points from courses listed in the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule for which the student has passed the prerequisite courses

and

(ii) up to 30 points from courses available for any other Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelors Honours degree at this University, with the approval of the Programme Director.

7 The programme for each student must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Practical Professional and Practicum Requirements

9 In any course that includes performance work of a practical nature a student must comply with the requirements for that course as specified by the Programme Director.

Research Component

10 a A dissertation, when included in the programme, is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The dissertation topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation must be completed and submitted as specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Distinction

11 This postgraduate diploma may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Postgraduate Diplomas.

Variations

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

13 These regulations have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • At least 90 points from Courses from the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule, and
  • 0 to 30 points from Other Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelors Honours Degrees Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Courses from the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule

Complete at least 90 points from the following:

Other Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelors Honours Degrees Courses

Complete 0 to 30 points from the following:

Selected courses must be approved by the Programme Director.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

*Selection of courses from other Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelors Honours Degree Schedules must be approved by the Programme Director.

Degree Plan for the Postgraduate Diploma in Music

Year 1
Semester One

MUS 743

Advanced Music Research

15 Points

Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule

Elective Course from the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule

30 Points

Choose a Skills course from MUS 707, 710, 720, 737, 747, 767, 770, 780

Elective Course

15 Points

Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule

OR

Other Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelors Honours Degree Schedules*
ACADINT A01
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two

Elective Course from the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule

30 Points

Choose a Capstone course from MUS 711, 729, 738, 742, 768

Elective Course from the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule

15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Bachelor of Music (Honours) Schedule

OR

Other Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelors Honours Degree Schedules*

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

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