Postgraduate Diploma in Music

Summary

Build on the skills you gained in your Bachelor of Music with advanced study in composition, sonic arts or performance.

Take your music skills to the next level and focus entirely on creative coursework with the PGDipMus. The one-year Diploma programme will build on your abilities in Composition, Digital Music and Audio Production, or Performance, and is also designed to prepare you for the Master of Musical Arts and Doctor of Musical Arts.

Study at New Zealand's most prestigious music school and learn from world-class musicians and academics who are leaders in their fields.

If you have a Bachelor of Music majoring in Performance, Composition, or Digital Music and Audio Production, and want to continue your studies, then the PGDipMus is a good choice for you. If you have a different degree but can show you have the required skill level in these subjects, you may also be considered. Each subject has its own entry requirements you'll need to have met before enrolling, and you'll need to do an audition or submit a portfolio.

Diverse options

Select from a wide range of courses. If you are studying Performance you might focus on solo jazz or classical performance, ensemble or orchestral performance, or study opera. You can also choose to do a supervised practical project on an approved performance topic of your choice.

Or if you are a Composition student you could work on orchestration, composing music for film and advanced recording and post-production techniques, study jazz arranging, or explore software development for sonic arts. You'll complete a supervised project and produce a portfolio of compositions and/or sound-based works.

Independent Study Projects

In exceptional circumstances, you can apply to do an Independent Study Project. This option gives you the opportunity to do focused individual work with a supervisor.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Duration and workload

You’ll study intensively for one year over two trimesters and complete 120 points. You can also do the PGDipMus part time, usually over two years. You can start studying in either the first trimester or second trimester of the year.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you have other commitments.

Scholarships

There are a large number of scholarships, prizes, and awards available to music students at all levels. Find out about scholarships offered or promoted by the School.

You can also look on the University database for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.