Key facts

Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in an area related to music technology or completion of a UNE online music technology test. A Personal Statement is also required.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 8 units (48 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
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Are you interested in getting the practical, hands-on experience you need to keep up with the technology of today's music industry? If the answer is yes, our fully online Diploma in Music Technology is designed to give you future-fit skills in music technology, whether you are a musician, artist, performer or music educator. The creation, recording and live performance of music all rely on technology and the skills of the people behind it. This diploma course will provide the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of music technology and to update your knowledge on the latest innovations in the constantly-evolving music industry.

Please note that you must pass an online technology exam or be granted an exam waiver to gain entry into this course. Find out more.

Why study the Diploma in Music Technology with UNE?

The music industry is evolving and expanding faster than ever, which makes it crucial to keep up to date with the latest advances in music technology. Our Diploma in Music Technology has been designed to give you skills and knowledge that can be instantly applied in the real world, and make you resilient to the changing demands of today’s music industry.

You will learn from experienced musicians, performers and innovators, who are recognised for their achievements both in Australia and internationally. Core areas of study include:

  • Digital Music and Media Fundamentals
  • Fundamentals of Creative Music Practice
  • Encounters in Music
  • Music Theory and Analysis

You will study a range of industry-valued topics including marketing, harmony and analysis and popular music, and examine music cultures. You will also have the opportunity to build a valuable creative portfolio, tailored to your own musical interests and needs, where you can specialise in either music performance, composition or technology.

What makes our course different?

The Diploma in Music Technology is the only course of its kind in Australia, designed to be delivered fully online.

  • The teaching of music has been a staple at UNE since 1972, and we are experts in helping students build a future proof foundation of knowledge in music technology.
  • We have an industry partnership with leading music and media company AVID. Our staff include industry-certified trainers in Protools and Sibelius platforms to ensure students have the most up-to-date educational opportunities.
  • Choose to study when it suits you. Our degree allows you to fit study around your busy lifestyle, not the other way around, no matter where you are in the world.
  • UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education – more than 80% of our students are online.

Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide, so when you choose to study with us, you are in very good hands.

Auditions

Please note, you are required to complete an online technology exam as part of the entry requirements to this course. For more information, visit our Study Music page or apply to audition. Applications for 2024 will close at midday for the following trimesters:

  • Trimester 1: Wednesday 7 February 2024
  • Trimester 2: Wednesday 5 June 2024
  • Trimester 3: Wednesday 2 October 2024

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist your and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes your experience.

You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

Guaranteed ATAR

Not Applicable

You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have a reasonable level of digital music literacy including a basic understanding of audio and sound theory as demonstrated by the completion of a Certificate IV qualification (or equivalent) in an area related to music technology or completion of the UNE online music theory test.
  • You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.

You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have a reasonable level of digital music literacy including a basic understanding of audio and sound theory as demonstrated by the completion of a Certificate IV qualification (or equivalent) in an area related to music technology or completion of the UNE online music theory test.
  • You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Transferring from another UNE course
If you are a former or current UNE student who has previously completed music studies within a UNE qualification, you can apply for this course if you have completed both of the following units with a minimum Credit result for each:

  • MUSI160 Digital Music and Media Fundamentals
  • MUSI110 Music Theory and Analysis 1 OR MUSI111 Encounters in Music OR MUSI140 Fundamentals of Creative Music Practice

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.

You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have a reasonable level of digital music literacy including a basic understanding of audio and sound theory as demonstrated by the completion of a Certificate IV qualification (or equivalent) in an area related to music technology or completion of the UNE online music theory test.
  • You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.

You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:

  • You have a reasonable level of digital music literacy including a basic understanding of audio and sound theory as demonstrated by the completion of a Certificate IV qualification (or equivalent) in an area related to music technology or completion of the UNE online music theory test.
  • You can satisfy the Music discipline of your suitability for studying music through the completion of a Personal Statement.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A Music application form which will include a personal statement. This is separate from your application for admission to this course.
  • Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on a Certificate IV qualification, upload evidence of this so we can assess eligibility.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

Note:

Students are not required to take any Trimester 3 units. However, students who do not take Trimester 3 units will not be able to complete in the minimum time.

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points.

48 credit points

18 credit points

Complete 18 credit points from the following units: Note: Students complete either MUSI110 or MUSI111.

30 credit points

Complete 30 credit points from the following units:

48 credit points

18 credit points

Complete the following units: Note: Students complete either MUSI110 or MUSI111 only.

30 credit points

Complete 30 credit points from the following units:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$8,928*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Your career

Career outcomes

As a Diploma in Music Technology graduate, you will have a focused suite of skills in music technology and a range of general skills to make you a valuable asset in the music profession, as well as creating a foundation to build on if you choose to pursue further study.

Some careers where a Diploma in Music Technology would prove invaluable include:

  • composer
  • music entrepreneur
  • music producer
  • electronic music performer
  • music educator
  • audio engineer.
Other career information

On successfully completing the Diploma in Music Technology you may be interested in further studies in music to enhance your professional career. You may get advanced standing (sometimes referred to as credit for prior learning) into our other music courses, such as the Bachelor of Music and Diploma in Music.

Course outcomes

The Diploma in Music Technology enables students to develop an understanding of, and proficiency in, music technology.
  1. demonstrate a broad knowledge of theoretical and technical music concepts, with some depth in the theory and application of music technology to music production;
  2. demonstrate cognitive and communication skills to identify and analyse music creation and production techniques;
  3. demonstrate cognitive, creative, communication and technical skills to analyse and plan approaches to music composition, recording, production and performance;
  4. transfer and apply theoretical concepts, music technology skills and creative skills to a range of musical environments; and
  5. demonstrate initiative, judgement, and personal responsibility in decision-making and problem-solving while working both in collaboration with others and independently.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the field of music technology.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to demonstrate musical and/or technical knowledge and ideas across a variety of online environments.

Problem Solving

Graduates will be able to solve problems by exercising critical thinking and judgement.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to solve problems through gathering, analysing and evaluating information from a range of sources.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will demonstrate the practice of ethical behaviour through independent and group work.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will develop the skills necessary for life-long participation in musical thinking and practice.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will be able to exercise responsibility and accountability for their own learning and gain experience in collaborative tasks.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
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No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
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Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
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Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

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How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 17 February 2024*26 February 2024
Trimester 25 June 2024*24 June 2024
Trimester 32 October 2024*21 October 2024

*Early closing date

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.