Duration
Full-time: half-year Part-time: varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2025 Semester Two – 21 July
Available locations
City
Points
60
Programme type
Postgraduate

Programme overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Music builds on undergraduate study by allowing you to delve deeper into your selected areas of study.

This is a 60-point programme of focussed study to sharpen your skills and development in preparation for the professional world and possible progression to masters study.

Programme structure

The PGCertMus is a 60-point programme that gives students the opportunity to take a wide range of postgraduate-level courses to support their particular interests and aspirations.

As they seek to expand their knowledge base prior to moving into careers or further postgraduate study, they will be guided by the School’s exceptional teachers and supervisors.

Students will make up the 60-point requirement by choosing from a range of electives including courses in: composition, orchestration, advanced sonic arts, performance, musicology, conducting repertoire and pedagogy.

Please see the University Calendar for more information.

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Subjects available in this programme

  • Music
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme 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.

  • Study option
    Taught 60 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 3.5

    Bachelor of Music

Further programme requirements

Taught 60 points

You must have a grade point average of 3.5 of higher overall or in 60 points above stage II.

If you completed your Bachelor of Music more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the PGCertMus, then you may be required to provide an application portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.

Other pathways to study

Alternatively if you have relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission into the Postgraduate Certificate in Music.

As part of your Application for Admission, you will need to submit an application portfolio using SlideRoom.

Programme 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.

  • Study option
    Taught 60 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.5

    A Bachelor degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

Further programme requirements

Taught 60 points

You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 3.5 or higher overall or in 60 points above stage II.

Your degree should have been in a relevant discipline (arts, creative arts, education, humanities, or performing arts), and it should have included a music component.

You may be required to provide a portfolio as part of the assessment of your application. We will contact you directly if this is required.

Other pathways to study

Alternatively if you have relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission into the Postgraduate Certificate in Music.

As part of your Application for Admission, you will need to submit an application portfolio using SlideRoom.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Postgraduate Certificate in Music cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$5,446.20*
International students
NZ$22,486*

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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $554.40 for full-time study (60 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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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
Semester Two 2025
4 July 2025

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Postgraduate Adviser

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

Postgraduate study in music boosts your potential to build a successful career in music, performing arts or related areas of creative practice, including music education and community music. On completion of the PGCertMus you will be well-grounded in your chosen area and well-placed to both pursue professional goals and confidently engage in further postgraduate study.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Performer
  • Music educator / teacher
  • Broadcaster
  • Composer
  • Digital Media Producer
  • Music journalist
  • Music producer

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.

Key Information for Students

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0800 61 62 63
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