Overview 2020
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
The award permits a year of dedicated pre-Bachelor of Music study, for students wishing to improve their performance/composition and musical literacy skills for entry into the BMus.
Course objectives
The Diploma is designed for students who are interested in broadening and/or deepening their understanding of the music discipline and developing knowledge, skills and techniques in either one or more areas of interest: ensemble skills, music history, music literacy skills, audio design and music technology.
The course aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain experiences and awareness of the discipline of music and its place in modern society. The structure of the award provides students with choices designed to improve their skills in one or more areas of interest, i.e. ensemble skills, composition, music history, music literacy skills, audio design and music technology.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate developing facility in one or more areas of music through practical and specialist musical and/or written expression
- Critically define and analyse problems associated with one or more areas of music activity
- Contextualise the conceptual framework of their own and others' artistic practice by situating their practice with reference to past and present musical styles.
- Communicating through a range of modes, relative to context and audience;
- Exercise self-reflection, judgement and responsibility in developing artistic practice and individual learning, in response to diverse professional, social and/or cultural contexts.
Practical experience
Choose your path
The Diploma of Music gives students options to focus on a wide range of Music practice, from performance, to music technology. Explore practical industry units such as:
FCA114 - The Music Business - Students are introduced to business practices relevant to musical enterprise. Students will be prepared to navigate physical and digital markets and revenue streams for products and services in the Australian and International music industries.
FCJ120 - Recording and Live Sound - This unit introduces students to specialist knowledge in recording and sound reinforcement techniques. Students will explore the practical application of sound reinforcement and recording technology in context of key artists, genres and technical developments.
FCA206 - Arranging for Popular Music - This unit introduces students to arranging for small to medium ensembles in a popular music context. Students will apply musical knowledge acquired in Practical Popular Music Theory 1 and 2 to produce arrangements of new and/or existing work.
One-on-one tuition
Music students experience one-on-one tuition in many streams and build strong working relationships with staff, students and industry. Be a part of Tasmanian’s intimate and internationally recognised creative community. From 2020, music students will be based in the University of Tasmania's newest building, the Hedberg, this will give students access to some of the worlds most cutting edge spaces and technology, attracting international talent and expertise to the space.
Work with festival and industry leaders
Students have the opportunity to take part in internationally acclaimed festivals such as Mona Foma, Dark Mofo and Festival of Voices. Students, hear from and work with professional musicians through partnerships with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists. Many staff still play active roles in the music industry, giving students unique access to our thriving Tasmanian music scene.
Career outcomes
Diverse opportunities
While the majority of graduates enter jobs related to music, these careers are incredibly diverse and often completely new. Musicians by and large are entrepreneurial. Create new forms of music and artistic expression, collaborate across industries to solve problems, or inspire and engage the next generation of musicians.
Further study
Open your options with further study, students who successfully complete the Diploma of Music may progress to the Bachelor of Music.
Course structure
The Diploma of Music requires the completion of 100 credit points comprising;
- between 25 and 100 credit points of Introductory (100) level units;
- a maximum of 75 credit points of Intermediate (200) level units;
- a maximum of 50 credit points of Advanced (300) level units.
Introductory units
Complete a minimum of 25 credit points and up to a maximum of 100 credit points from the following Introductory level units:
This unit is the second of two units aimed at providing an intensive course of study in music performance, designed to build your technical skills and musical expression. A wide range of styles and idioms will be included. Regular, detailed…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Provides a course of vocal, instrumental or compositional study, covering both technique and repertoire. Composition students will be guided in the development of an individual style of composition in a variety of musical genres. A program of study will be…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit students will develop the technical skills and aesthetic judgement necessary for the realisation of musical work within their specialisation (Stream). Students will engage in a range of activities and learning environments appropriate to their Stream. These include:…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
In this unit students will develop the technical skills and aesthetic judgement necessary for the realisation of musical work within their specialisation (Stream).Students will engage in a range of activities and learning environments appropriate to their Stream. These include:Individual lessonsClasses…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to specialist writing styles and conventions relevant to their creative practice. This unit will prepare students to engage in music analysis, criticism, and research, as well as writing for other professional contexts. These may include:music criticism…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces students to business practices relevant to musical enterprise. This unit will prepare students to navigate physical and digital markets and revenue streams for products and services in the Australian and International music industries. This unit will also…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit focuses on music and its relationship with culture, power and religion in Europe from the fifteenth century to the end of the nineteenth century. The unit aims to provide students with opportunities to increase their knowledge of major…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The purpose of the unit is to develop musicianship through the study of jazz and contemporary music theory, notation, and aural skills. Students will engage in a variety of activities aimed at contextualising the theoretical and practical aspects of music…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit builds on the skills and understanding gained in Contemporary Techniques 1. It is the second in a sequence of units that develop essential musicianship skills through the study of jazz and contemporary music theory, notation, and aural skills.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Music Materials 1 introduces students to the materials of tonal music through the study of diatonic harmony, reading skills and aural skills. Students will develop fluency in notation and principles of pitch and rhythmic organisation through reading and written exercises.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Music Materials 1 continues study of the materials of tonal music through the study of diatonic and introduces chromatic harmony through reading, written exercises and aural skills. The study of musical forms will be introduced through analysis of works in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to applied music theory in context of popular music styles. Students will become familiar with fundamental concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony through practical demonstration of their relationship to relevant works and genres.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit further develops students' understanding of applied music theory in context of popular music styles. Students will continue to explore concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony through practical demonstration of their relationship to relevant works and genres.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit begins the development of students’ professional practice in the independent music industries. Students will engage in project-based learning activities pertaining to the performance, recording, promotion, and distribution of original musical works. The unit introduces students to fundamental concepts…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit builds on the understanding gained in FCI101 Music Industry Project 1. This unit continues the development of students’ professional practice in the independent music industries. Students will engage in project-based learning activities pertaining to the performance, recording, promotion,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to the skills required for successful performance in ensemble music. The content focuses on the building of ensemble expertise and development of an effective methodology for the preparation and practice required to facilitate professional behaviour and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit continues the work of Ensemble Skills 1. In the second semester students consolidate the processes already introduced through the preparation and performance of new repertoire. Conservatorium students are expected to keep a rehearsal chart 'book'/journal that details the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to specialist knowledge in recording and sound reinforcement techniques. Students will explore the practical application of sound reinforcement and recording technology in context of key artists, genres and technical developments. Students will analyse, synthesise and apply…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Intermediate units
Complete up to a maximum of 75 credit points of Intermediate units
This unit builds on the skills and understanding gained in Contemporary Techniques 2. It is the third in a sequence of units that develop essential musicianship skills through the study of jazz and contemporary music theory, notation, and aural skills.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit builds on the skills and understanding gained in Contemporary Techniques 3. It is the fourth in a sequence of units that develop essential musicianship skills through the study of jazz and contemporary music theory, notation, and aural skills.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to arranging for small to medium ensembles in a popular music context. Students will apply musical knowledge acquired in Practical Popular Music Theory 1 and 2 to produce arrangements of new and/or existing work. Students will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit further develops students' understanding of arranging for small to medium ensembles in a popular music context. Students will continue to explore and apply idiomatic approaches to voice leading, instrumentation, rhythm, harmony, melody and structure to produce arrangements of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit continues the work begun in the first year of study. In the second year students consolidate the processes already introduced through the preparation and performance of new repertoire. Conservatorium students are expected to keep a rehearsal chart 'book'/journal…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit continues the work of the earlier Ensemble Skills units. In the second year students consolidate the processes already introduced through the research, practice, preparation and performance of new repertoire. Conservatorium students are expected to keep a rehearsal chart…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit builds on the skills and understanding gained in FCI102 Music Industry Project 2. This unit continues the development of students’ professional practice in the independent music industries. Students will engage in project-based learning activities pertaining to the performance,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit builds on the skills and understanding gained in FCI201 Music Industry Project 3. This unit continues the development of students’ professional practice in the independent music industries. Students will engage in project-based learning activities pertaining to the performance,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The Recording Musician is a unit designed to empower the musician in order to generate maximum effectiveness in the recording environment. In this unit you will define and develop a complex set of skills that are essential for today’s recording…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit requires the student to draw extensively on the knowledge and skill base established in Recording and Sound Reinforcement and requires the students to focus on the development of industry-standard project-based applications of advanced audio post-production techniques for TV,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces students to creative strategies for producing new musical work with digital technology. Using Ableton Live, students will work through a series of strategies and processes for creating, developing, finishing and performing new work.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit further develops students understanding of recording technique and introduces specialist knowledge in mixing and mastering. Students will explore all stages of recording production from conception to delivery of a final product to market. Students will be introduced to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Music Materials 3 continues study of the materials of music through the study of harmony and form of the 19th-century through reading skills, analysis of works in the literature, and aural skills. Students will advance their understanding of the correlation…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Music Materials 4 continues study of the materials of music through the study of harmony and form of the 20th and 21st centuries, through reading skills, analysis of works in the literature, and aural skills. Students will advance their understanding…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
From David Bowie to Bruno Mars, Eurovision to K-Pop, Afro to Hip-Hop, are more rapid and fluid forms of global connectivity shaping our cultural identity, or do we make culture, identity, and meaning somehow through popular music?This unit explores our…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Advanced units
Complete up to 50 credit points of Advanced units.
This unit provides students with an overview of the developmental characteristics of learners and music learning in a one-to-one or small group instrumental/vocal setting. Students develop an understanding of a range of teaching, learning and assessment theories and methodologies relevant…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Provides students with an ability to convey the mechanics of beat patterns, expressive facial, hand and body gestures. The unit focuses on score study, preparation and the interpretive skills necessary for score analysis and conveyance. It also provides students with…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Music Industry Projects 3A is devoted to developing students' professional practice in the independent music industries. Students will engage in project based learning activities around the commercial performance, recording, promotion and distribution of original musical works. This unit sees students…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Music Industry Projects 3B is devoted to developing students' professional practice in the independent music industries. Students will engage in project based learning activities around the commercial performance, recording, promotion and distribution of original musical works. This unit sees students…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Ever wonder why that tune gets stuck in your head, or when you listen to your favourite song your foot starts tapping, or why it’s easier to remember the words of a song when you sing the tune? What’s the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants
This course does not use ATAR as part of the assessment process.
To be eligible for an offer, domestic applicants from all educational backgrounds must:
- Meet the University’s General Entry Requirements based on your prior studies and experience; and
- If applying from within Tasmania, successfully complete an audition and interview in person on-campus in Hobart; or
- If applying from interstate, successfully complete an audition by submitting a private internet link, USB, CD or DVD of your audition repertoire in lieu of a live audition in Hobart, and interview over the phone/internet.
Learn more about the audition process in the Audition Information Guide (PDF 2.1MB) or call 1300 363 864 or enquire online.
We recommend pre-tertiary TASC subjects in music at the senior secondary level or equivalent, but this is not a prerequisite for admission. AMEB qualification of Grade 7 (performance) and Grade 5 (theory) may be advantageous in some specialisations, but not a prerequisite for admission.
Special consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
International applicants
Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.
Credit transfer
You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit points) in this degree if you:
- Have successfully completed relevant units through the University Connections Program (UCP).
- Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from TAFE or another institution; Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
- Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.
Articulation to
Bachelor of Music - up to a maximum of 100 credit points of credit may be awarded to the Bachelor of Music based on the completion of the Diploma of Music.
Alternative entry pathways
If you do not meet the General Entrance Requirements, there are alternate entry pathways to the Diploma of Music:
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your alternative entry pathway.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries