For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: CUA50820 | CRICOS Code: 110849B
Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition)
OverviewAbout this course
The Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) has a focus on electronic music production. This course is designed to take your career in sound design, music production and distribution to the next level. Strengthen your technical skills to compose, record, create albums, work on live shows and explore the world of audio post-production.
Refine your skills in music production as you create original music using your computer, develop your freelance business skills and gain an understanding of copyright. Work on beats, toplines and remixes, and become a producer, songwriter, DJ, recording engineer or live sound mixer.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Edit and mix audio
- Make beats and perform DJ sets
- Manipulate sounds, including pitch shifting and time warping
- Compose and arrange music using technology
- Work as a freelance recording artist
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Recording studio operations
- Editing, sound design and other digital audio workstation skills
- Creating beats and other production elements using music software
- Collaborating with other producers and musicians
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- Creative thinking and problem solving
- Curiosity
- The ability to seek and use constructive feedback
- Communication skills
- Collaboration and teamwork Dedication and commitment
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Recording artist
- Electronic music producer
- Songwriter
- Composer
- Beatmaker
SuitabilityInternational entry requirements
At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.
Academic Requirements:
- Year 12 or equivalent
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Additional Requirement:
- Submission of video or audio files and attend an interview demonstrating your Music Creation and Composition ability. The interview will take place via an online video conferencing platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
OR
- Complete a CUA30920 Certificate III in Music (Performance) or CUA30920 Certificate III in Music (Sound Production)
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you.
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:
- Access to a personal computer and a stable internet connection
- Access to music production software, Adobe Creative Cloud and MS Office Suite
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations
As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimo | Feb, Jul | $12,710 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimo | Feb, Jul | $13,220 AUD |
Additional costs
Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.
Structure and unitsWhat you will study
At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.
4 core units plus 12 elective units, of which: at least 9 must be from the elective units listed below, with no more than 3 of these units from Group F up to 3 may be from the remaining listed elective units (with the exception of Group F).
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Manage copyright arrangementsCUACMP511
Provide freelance servicesCUAIND412
Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledgeCUAIND512
Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industriesCUAMWB401
PathwaysContinue your studies
At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:
Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW degree pathway
From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways
TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
Other university pathways
You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.
Keep learning with TAFE NSW
Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW Music study pathway:
At TAFE NSW Ultimo
- If you apply for a package of Diploma of Music (Creation and Composition) focused on Electronic Music Production -1 year and Bachelor of Creative Practice specialising in Music Production and Performance then due to credits the the Bachelor duration will be reduced to 2 years. (Package Duration:3 years)
You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
ServicesCampus facilities and support services
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.
You’ll also have access to rehearsal spaces, recording studios equipped to industry standard, specialty music computer labs, audio PA and recording equipment, industry standard speakers for listening to music, as well as a good supply of instruments and other accessories for you to practise your craft.
We offer a range of support services including:
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling, and Pathways Service
- Smarthinking – online access to a tutor
- LinkedIn Learning – an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
We're here to help
If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.
Contact TAFE NSW International