Overview 2021
Location
Commonwealth Supported places available
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses 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
- Apply music skills and knowledge to creative and scholarly practice
- Identify and define musical problems by applying core theoretical and practical skills to contextual inquiry and creative outcomes
- Apply digital literacy, project management skills, and creative inquiry to produce creative music practice and/or music-related scholarship
- Exercise reflection, awareness and responsibility in developing a practice, in response to diverse professional, social and/or cultural contexts.
Practical experience
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, 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 from the Introductory and Intermediate units in the schedule.
Introductory units
This unit introduces you to the ways in which music and music-making can be shaped by environment. It encourages you to reflect upon the impact of place on musical practices. You will have the opportunity to explore the distinctiveness of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Music festivals, films and genres such as stadium rock and contemporary circus exemplify how music and the visual combine for spectacular effect. In this unit, through the exploration of a diverse range of contemporary and historical musical works, concepts and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit focuses on your major area of musical expression and practice and accommodates a diversity of specialisations. Music Practice is central and crucial to developing the core technical and artistic skills necessary for the creation and realisation of musical…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Building on your initial introduction to the core elements of your music practice, this unit enables you to consolidate the core technical and artistic skills necessary for the creation and realisation of musical works through practical and productive engagement and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This is the second of three units designed to develop key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative musician. You will engage in a variety of learning environments and activities aimed at developing…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for FCA119 Tools, Techniques and Digital Audio
This is the first of three units designed to establish key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative musician. You will engage in a variety of learning environments and activities aimed at establishing…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
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. Students are expected to keep a rehearsal chart 'book'/journal that details the repertoire…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Intermediate units
This is the third unit designed to consolidate key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative practitioner. You will engage in a variety of learning environments aimed at giving you essential literacies through…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit focusses on the interrelationship between music and politics by exploring aspects such as musical activism, propaganda, censorship and the underground. You will investigate the creation, reception and transmission of music from diverse styles, cultures, periods and global perspectives…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
What will it mean to be a musician in the future? How might music continue to evolve and adapt to change? How will audiences of the future access their preferred genre? Who will fund music production and consumption? Will live…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit continues the work of Ensemble Skills 2. In the third semester students consolidate the processes already introduced through the preparation and performance of new repertoire. Students are expected to keep a rehearsal chart 'book'/journal that details the repertoire…
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 3. In the fourth semester students consolidate the processes already introduced through the preparation and performance of new repertoire. Students are expected to keep a rehearsal chart 'book'/journal that details the repertoire…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
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