- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
The PGDipMus is a 120-point programme of focussed study to hone your skills and development in preparation for the professional world. Whether you are a performer, composer or musicology student, you will focus exclusively on your area of specialisation and further develop the required intellectual and creative skills to thrive in the industry.
- Programme structure
- Subjects
- Entry requirements
- Fees and scholarships
- Key dates
- Postgraduate adviser
Programme structure
The structure of your PGDipMus depends on your area of interest. Through a combination of taught courses and a final performance, dissertation or portfolio submission, your musical knowledge and aptitude develops, with the aim of preparing you to enter the industry.
You can choose to take supporting courses in areas such as historical performance practice, advanced analysis and theory, improvisation, choral studies or music education, and undertake supervised research in a topic of interest.
You may also choose to include courses in subjects beyond music, following discussions with the relevant School advisers.
Courses from the BMus(Hons) schedule: At least 90 points
Other postgraduate courses: Up to 30 points (with approval)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Subjects available in this programme
2025 entry requirements
Programme requirements
You must have completed a Bachelor of Music (BMus) at the University of Auckland in the same field of study as you intend to undertake within the PGDipMus with a GPA of 4.0. You must have completed your degree within two years of starting the PGDipMus.
If you did not, then your application will be subject to the qualitative assessment of a portfolio applicable to the area of study being applied for within the PGDipMus.
Alternatively, you must have completed an undergraduate music degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in the same discipline as the major you are applying for with a GPE of 4.0. You must also submit a portfolio applicable to your area of study.
Further programme requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.
You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.
Other pathways to study
You must have completed the Bachelor of Music with a GPA of 4.0 or higher 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.
How much does a Postgraduate Diploma in Music cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$44,972*
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 $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 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.
Dr Millie Locke
Email: millie.locke@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
Postgraduate study in music boosts your potential to build a successful performance or composition career. It also helps to secure a future in academia and research, contributing to influential projects in music and the wider arts community.
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.
For more, visit our careers webpage.
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