- Duration
- Full-time: half-year Part-time: varies
- Next start date
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- 2026 Semester Two – 20 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 60
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Music builds on undergraduate study by allowing you to delve deeper into your selected areas of study.
This is a 60-point programme of focussed study to sharpen your skills and development in preparation for the professional world and possible progression to masters study.
- Programme structure
- Subjects
- Entry requirements
- Fees and scholarships
- Key dates
- Postgraduate adviser
Programme structure
The PGCertMus is a 60-point programme that gives students the opportunity to take a wide range of postgraduate-level courses to support their particular interests and aspirations.
As they seek to expand their knowledge base prior to moving into careers or further postgraduate study, they will be guided by the School’s exceptional teachers and supervisors.
Students will make up the 60-point requirement by choosing from a range of electives including courses in: composition, orchestration, advanced sonic arts, performance, musicology, conducting repertoire and pedagogy.
Please see the University Calendar for more information.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Subjects available in this programme
- Music
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 60 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 3.5
Bachelor of Music
Further programme requirements
Taught 60 points
If you completed your Bachelor of Music more than three years prior to your proposed commencement of the PGCertMus, then you may be required to provide an application portfolio. We will contact you directly if this is required as part of your application.
Other pathways to study
You must have a grade point average of 4.0 or higher overall or in 60 points above stage II.
If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.
As part of your Application for Admission, you will need to submit an application portfolio using SlideRoom.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 60 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 3.5
A Bachelor degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands below 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Taught 60 points
You must have completed a Bachelors degree at a recognised university (or similar institution), with a grade point equivalent of 3.5 or higher overall or in 60 points above stage II.
Your degree should have been in a relevant discipline (arts, creative arts, education, humanities, or performing arts), and it should have included a music component.
You may be required to provide a portfolio as part of the assessment of your application. We will contact you directly if this is required.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.
As part of your Application for Admission, you will need to submit an application portfolio using SlideRoom.
How much does a Postgraduate Certificate in Music cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$5,446.20*
- International students
- NZ$22,486*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $554.40 for full-time study (60 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Postgraduate Adviser
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in the School of Music. Contact our postgraduate adviser by phone or email.
Director of Postgraduate Studies
Dr Olivier Holland
Where could this programme take you?
Postgraduate study in music boosts your potential to build a successful career in music, performing arts or related areas of creative practice, including music education and community music. On completion of the PGCertMus you will be well-grounded in your chosen area and well-placed to both pursue professional goals and confidently engage in further postgraduate study.
Jobs related to this programme
- Performer
- Music educator / teacher
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Digital Media Producer
- Music journalist
- Music producer
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513