Diploma of Music

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Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
Term 1, 2026
Study mode
On Campus, Online
Course code
CC41
First-year fee
$9,312 (Indicative) (CSP)
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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Music degree students in a studio practicing as a band

Overview

Designed to develop your musical knowledge and skills that will prepare you for a career in music, the Diploma of Music allows you to focus on a broad range of music styles including western art music, jazz or contemporary music. You'll have the opportunity to develop your solo music performance skills and receive specialist training in vocal or instrumental performance, composition or singer/songwriting from highly specialised music staff with the option to articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Music.

This exciting course will expose you to a variety of learning experiences including performance tuition to develop your solo performance skills and academic study in the interpretation and understanding of music. This means that you will be supported throughout your study and undertake one-on-one instrumental tuition with highly qualified regional conservatorium staff either through video tuition as an online student or on-campus at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM), at CQU Mackay.

During your course, you will learn foundational aspects of the language of music from western art-music tradition to contemporary popular music styles and examine the role of prominent performers, composers, lyricists, and music producers in the development of these styles. In your first term, you will engage in practical music studies focusing on foundational level repertoire and technical work in your chosen instrument, voice or composition.  In your second term, you will build on your knowledge and technical skills further through a combination of theoretical and technical learning activities.

To gain entry into this course you will be required to audition. It is recommended that students have achieved at least an intermediate level of performance skills on their particular instrument or voice, or intermediate compositional skill before auditioning for entry to this course.

The Diploma of Music is available to study online and is supported through CQU's Regional Conservatorium partnerships with Murray Conservatorium (Albury), Riverina Conservatorium (Wagga Wagga), Mitchell Conservatorium (Bathurst, Lachlan, Lithgow), and at our Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, at CQU Mackay.

Study Experience

Discover more about your Diploma of Music, offering flexible study options and seamless pathways to showcase your talent. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Authentic Learning Experiences
  • Industry Relevant
  • Real-world Learning Facilities
  • Seamless Pathways
  • Study Full-time or Part-time

Career Opportunities

Completion of the Diploma of Music will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in roles such as a:

  • professional musician
  • studio teacher.

You may also pursue a music-related role in arts administration, communication or creative industries.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete eight units (48 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (8 units)

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Course Planner

To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.

Browse course planners

Additional Information

If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

Student and Course Profiles

View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2025 via our Institute Profile. 

Institute Profile

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage. 

Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in November each year.

Commonwealth Supported Places

This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

HECS-HELP Loan

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. 

Learn more about paying for university.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. 

Explore other study costs.

We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.

Explore scholarships.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Follow These Steps

  1. 1
    Check you meet the course requirements
  2. 2
    Get a Unique Student Identifier

Extra Admission Information

Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU. 

Applying for 2026

Applications for Term 1, 2026 open on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.

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