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Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The GradDipMus programme will broaden your knowledge and skills in music on a general level.

You will have the chance to explore your specific area of interest and learn more about other areas of the discipline. You will build upon your professional industry experience or studies in another field through critical analysis, independent thought and exploration of the social, cultural and academic contexts of music.

The GradDipMus is a solid introduction to postgraduate study in music, opening up a pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma in Music, and onto the Master of Music.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

The GradDipMus helps to advance your theoretical and conceptual understanding of music and performance practices, and can open up a future in academia and research, allowing you to contribute to influential projects in music and wider arts community.

Further Study Options

The GradDipMus is a solid introduction to postgraduate study in music, opening up a pathway to the

PGDipMus - Postgraduate Diploma in Music

MMus - Master of Music

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

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in the field of music, such as the Bachelor of Music, at a recognised university (or similar institution). If your undergraduate degree is in another field, you must demonstrate a level of musical competency appropriate for this degree.

Further Programme Entry Requirements

You may need to supply an audition portfolio as part of your application to aid in the assessment of your musical competency. If this is required, we will contact you by email.

English language requirements

You will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency if you are:

  • An international applicant whose first language is not English
  • A domestic applicant under 20 years of age whose first language is not English.

You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no bands less than 5.5. See alternative English language requirements. 

Other Pathways to Study

  • If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
  • If you don’t meet the requirements but have significant industry experience, you may be considered based on your previous academic history and a curriculum vitae covering your music education and experience. Selection will depend on whether your practice/employment is deemed to demonstrate a level of competence equivalent to that of a undergraduate qualification in music. An interview may be required, and we will notify you if this is needed.

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

Other Important Dates

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

Regulations

Preamble

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

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this programme, a student needs to have:

either

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music

or

b completed the requirements for an equivalent degree approved by Senate or its representative

or

c attained a level of competence approved by Senate or its representative as equivalent to that specified in a or b above and appropriate for the proposed programme for this graduate diploma.

Duration and Total Points Value

2 A student enrolled for this graduate diploma must follow a programme equivalent to two full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 120 points.

Structure and Content

3 Of the 120 points required for this graduate diploma, a student must pass:

either

a 120 points in courses from the subjects or majors listed in the Bachelor of Music Schedule, including at least 90 points above Stage II

or

b (i) at least 90 points in courses above Stage II from the subjects or majors listed in the Bachelor of Music Schedule

and

(ii) up to 30 points from courses available for any other degree at this University, with the approval of the relevant Heads of Departments and the Head of School of Music.

4 A dissertation may not be included in the Graduate Diploma in Music.

5 Cross-credits will not be granted towards the Graduate Diploma in Music.

6 A student admitted to this programme 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

7 In any course that includes performance work of a practical nature, a student needs to comply with the requirements for that course as specified by the Head of School of Music.

Variations

8 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

9 These regulations have been amended with effect from 1 January 2024.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • At least 90 points from Courses from the Bachelor of Music Schedule, and
  • 0 to 30 points from Other Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Courses from the Bachelor of Music Schedule

Complete at least 90 points from the following:

Selected courses must include at least 90 points at level 300 or higher.

Other Courses

Select between 0 and 30 points from University of Auckland.

Selected courses must be approved by the relevant Heads of Departments and the Head of School of Music.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map