Diploma in Music
A unique, fully online music course. Get ready to learn from experienced musicians and researchers. Study music online and cover theory and analysis—and build practical skills in musical performance.
About the Course
This program provides students with music training in an online environment. Students build their music performance, aural and music technology skills, with options for further developing their skills in songwriting, composition, performance, music production and knowledge of the historical, cultural and theoretical background of music genres. Graduates of the program will have developed confidence in a wide variety of music skills and knowledge. On completion of the degree, pathways to further study include progression to a bachelor level program in Music or Education.
Course Entry Requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this diploma!
Gain entry through single subjects, regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Single subjects
Start with subjects
Enrol and pass subjects from this diploma. You can get access to HELP loans if you’re eligible. This enrolment option is only available through Open Universities Australia.
We’ll recommend the next available subjects for you when you enrol.
Enrol in single subjectsContinue to the Diploma in Music
Enter the degree with full credits from your subjects. You’ll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
Students must complete the two designated Open Access subjects, with minimum GPA 4.0, in order to gain admission into the Diploma in Music and continue with the remaining subjects.
To be admitted to the Diploma in Music you need to complete two of the following subjects and achieve a minimum GPA of 4.0:
- MUSI110 Music Theory and Analysis 1 OR MUSI111 Encounters in Music
- MUSI131 Introduction to Cross Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis
- MUSI140 Fundamentals of Creative Music Practice
- MUSI160 Digital Music and Media Fundamentals
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements
The 4.0 GPA requirement equates to a minimum of a Pass in two subjects.
Be aware that if you fail a subject it is included in your GPA calculation and means you will need to achieve higher grades to obtain admission to the degree.
For this reason, we recommend students consider their study load and academic skills before attempting a subject
Students will be required to successfully complete 2 subjects from the list below with a minimum GPA of 4.0 to be eligible for admission to the Diploma in Music.
- MUSI110 Music Theory and Analysis 1 OR MUSI111 Encounters in Music
- MUSI131 Introduction to Cross Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis
- MUSI140 Fundamentals of Creative Music Practice
- MUSI160 Digital Music and Media Fundamentals
At least one of the following criteria must be met:
- English is the applicant's first language; or
- Satisfactory completion, within five years of the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the primary official language or co-official language and in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an AQF award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR); or
- A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent; or
- An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band less than 5.5; or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 213 in the computer-based test; or at least 79 in the internet-based test with no less than 22 in the written component; or a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 57 with no skill less than 50; or
Satisfactory completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program:
- at the University of New England English Language Centre; or
- an equivalent EAP program at an Australian university NEAS-accredited English Language Centre (subject to certification from the university concerned that satisfactory completion of that university's EAP program would entitle the applicant to be accepted into a comparable award-bearing program at that university); or
- at a non-university NEAS-accredited English Language Provider that has a formal agreement with UNE under which it provides an equivalent EAP Program; or
- a NEAS-accredited TAFE NSW EAP Program.
Students admitted to the degree with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this degree may be eligible for advanced standing. For more information on Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning, please visit:
UNE Advanced Standing
Course Structure
Recommended study pattern
Core Units
Students must complete 24 credit points from the following units
- MUSI110 Music Theory and Analysis 1 (6CP)*
- MUSI111 Encounters in Music (6CP)*
- MUSI131 Introduction to Cross Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis (6CP)
- MUSI140 Fundamentals of Creative Music Practice (6CP)
- MUSI160 Digital Music and Media Fundamentals (6CP)
**Note: Students complete either MUSI110 or MUSI111 only.
Listed Units
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:
- MUSI208 Composition Structure and Instrumentation (6CP)
- MUSI221 Song writing for Contemporary Performance (6CP)
- MUSI235 Popular Music (6CP)
- MUSI236 Medieval and Early Modern Music (6CP)
- MUSI237 Music in the Age of Empires and Nations (6CP)
- MUSI240 Collaborative Music Creation (6CP)
- MUSI353 Ensemble Leadership (6CP)
- MUSI260 Electronic Music Production (6CP)
To access the course rules and plans go to the UNE Course Handbook.
Award requirements
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass subjects to value of 48 credit points (8 subjects).
- 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.
