Course details

Summary

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, Sonic Arts 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 or Composition/Sonic Arts 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.

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.

All available subjects

• Composition/Sonic Arts
• Performance

Entry criteria

• A Bachelor of Music
• To submit an acceptable portfolio of compositions and sound-based works
• To pass an audition
• To be accepted by the director of NZSM as being capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

Other English Language requirements:

• IELTS: minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0
• TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing
• Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58).