Diploma of Music
Important: Please be advised that AC is currently only accepting expressions of interest for the HE Diploma of Music, and delivery will be considered based on those enquiries. Please contact our Future Students team to submit your expression of interest or discuss any questions you may have.
The Diploma of Music is a practical course, preparing students for the music industry in solo and ensemble performance, theory, music business, composition and recording. The Diploma of Music is an eight-subject award and can be completed in one year.
Course Description
The Diploma of Music introduce students at a foundation level to the sources and content in the discipline area of music and provide training which emphasises vocational application. Graduates will have writing and research skills and be able to demonstrate an ability to apply a body of knowledge in a range of professional and entertainment contexts. The course draws on AC’s established expertise in the discipline areas of music.
Graduates of the Diploma of Music are uniquely trained in the pursuit of a portfolio career to hold positions of responsibility and leadership in congregational music-making contexts but may also find employment in a range of professional music and entertainment contexts, not-for-profit and mission-focused organisations, community service-orientated positions, and positions that require research skills and critical thinking.
Course Structure
The course structure is based on two semesters (each of 13 weeks duration).
- 5 Core Subjects (50 credit points)
- 3 Elective Subjects (30 credit points)
To qualify for award of Diploma of Music, a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of at least 80 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core subjects.
Subjects
Core / 5 Subjects (50 Credit Points)
- EXP001 Professional Practice
- MUS010 Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Technology
- MUS030 Music Performance
- WOR001 Introduction to Worship Ministry
- ACA001 Faith & Purpose
Elective / 3 Subjects (30 Credit Points)
Any three MUS or WOR subjects at AQF Level 5 or above. Suggested subjects:
Entry Requirements
Academic
Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)
Applicants admitted on the basis of their recent secondary education must demonstrate the completion of NSW Higher School Certificate or International Baccalaureate (or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result) for admission into this course.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study
Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification must demonstrate the completion of an AQF Level 3 Certificate III or higher by an authorised institution or registered training organisation for admission into this course.
Applicants seeking admission on the basis of a Certificate III qualification may be required to attend a pre-admission interview or submit a statement of intent. Please refer to the application for admission for further details.
Applicants with Higher Education Study
Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a complete or partially complete higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion or partial completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
If you are under the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply to a prescribed program of non-award study on the basis of provisional entry, and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of this course.
If you are over the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply for admission into this course on the basis of provisional entry, and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate.
Language
Overseas students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. Such students admitted into our programs must attain an overall IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.0 (with no score below 5.5 in any of the four skills areas). IELTS (or equivalent) is not required for applicants who have undertaken five years of required higher education study (or equivalent) in English from an approved country or who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification awarded in English under the Australian Qualification Framework by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.
Essential Requirements
Applicants will undertake a musical audition with the Program Director (or delegated representative) to determine instrumental/vocal competence. Applicants may attend a live audition or submit a recording for assessment. The Program Director (or delegated representative) will consider all other results (for example: ATAR, TAFE, GPA, STAT test) in assessing instrumental/vocal competence.
Study Modes
Delivery Mode*: Face-to-Face (Campus class), Online Live (Zoom class), Online Recorded
Locations**: Adelaide, Sydney, Online
Duration: 1 year full-time/Up to 4 years part-time
Intakes: Semester 1, Semester 2
* Our study modes are flexible so you can mix-and-match different modes throughout your course to fit your needs. For example, a face-to-face student can choose to attend some classes online or an online student may choose to take some subjects face-to-face.
** Some subjects may only be available in certain study modes each semester. Please check the timetable for the most up-to-date information. Face-to-face classes can be delivered weekly or via intensives, where the subject is delivered in a block over consecutive weekdays and/or weekends. Some subjects must be completed face-to-face to meet professional accreditation requirements.
Fees & Timetable
A complete Fee Schedule for all Alphacrucis programs and courses can be found in our Fees Information section.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.
Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
Demonstrated:
- general understanding of key issues, recent scholarship and practices within chosen discipline area of music, consistent with a Christian worldview;
- technical and theoretical understanding of research principles and methods, and knowledge of research approaches used in the discipline area of music.
Skills:
Demonstrated ability to:
- identify, analyse and synthesise theoretical knowledge in the discipline area of music;
- examine an instrument/vocal problem using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area of music;
- analyse and synthesise ideas and theories from other disciplines related to the discipline area of music;
- communicate effectively and creatively ideas and perspectives to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts.
Application of Knowledge and Skills:
Demonstrated ability to:
- apply specialised theoretical knowledge, and creative and technical skills to a range of musical contexts, including composition and performance;
- articulate questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skills developed within the discipline area of music to develop appropriate solutions;
- work independently, responsibly and with the level expected in a broad range of professional and entertainment contexts;
- collaborate in team projects to make a positive contribution toward social issues;
- undertake self-reflection and evaluation of performance for the purpose of vocational development.
Career Opportunities
After graduating from this course, you will be uniquely trained in the pursuit of a portfolio career to hold positions of responsibility and leadership in congregational music-making contexts but may also find employment in a range of professional music and entertainment contexts, not-for-profit and mission-focused organisations, community service-orientated positions, and positions that require research skills and critical thinking.
Alumni Story
“I absolutely adore AC. I have learned more than I could ever expect, and I have been inspired and challenged on a whole different level. What I love most is that the environment is so friendly, I feel at home. It’s amazing to wake up in the morning knowing that I’ll be going to a place where I can pursue my passion, a place where I know I’m appreciated and loved.”
Gretchen Johnson, Music Graduate
Student Services
For more information on the suite of student support services available, please see our Student Services section.