- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Undergraduate
Programme overview
The GradDipMus programme broadens 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 exploring 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 structure
The GradDipMus borrows courses from the Bachelor of Music and its honours programme to allow you to broaden your knowledge and understanding of both the practical and theoretical elements of music. You can also choose to include courses in subjects beyond music, subject to departmental approval.
- Core courses: 120 points
OR
- Core courses: 90 points
- Elective courses: 30 points
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2024 entry requirements
Programme 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.
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.
Further programme requirements
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.
How much does a Graduate Diploma in Music cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,288.40*
- International students
- NZ$43,243*
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. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
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
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
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.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in the School of Music. Contact our postgraduate adviser by phone or email.
Director of Postgraduate Studies
Dr Olivier Holland
Where could this programme take you?
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.
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
For more, visit our careers webpage.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513