Graduate Certificate in Music
Overview
Gain the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the music profession in a range of educational and community settings.
UQ's half year full-time (or part-time equivalent) Graduate Certificate in Music will provide you with extended application of pedagogical principles, skills and resources in a workshop situation.
The School of Music’s Creative Collaboratorium recognises the unique qualities of its music disciplines (Composition and Improvisation, Learning and Development, Performance, Health and Wellbeing, and Musicology) and provides common ground for dialogue, collaboration, and the generation of new knowledge.
You'll have the opportunity to select from over a dozen courses in instrumental pedagogy, aural studies and methodology, choral or orchestral conducting and classroom pedagogy.
You'll graduate with demonstrable knowledge and application of the principles of music pedagogy, instrumental or aural, ready to advance your career in a variety of contexts, including the music and arts industries, education, business, health and allied professions, and government and community sectors.
Program highlights
- Undertake advanced study designed for music educators, administrators, community musicians, composers, performers and researchers.
- Complete core courses in research methods and a research thesis, or a professional engagement project.
- Benefit from intensive courses and overseas independent study opportunities.
- Take advantage of research-focused pathways to pursue a Higher Degree by Research.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Overseas study
- Research experience
- Seminars
- Studios
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Artistic and Musicological Research Methods
- Music Education and Psychology Research Methods
- Applications of Music Technology
- Advanced Instrumental Conducting
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Head of music
- Composer
- Conductor
- Music therapist
- Vocal performer
- Instrumental performer
- Singing teacher
- Music school coordinator
- Music program director
- Music researcher
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Stories
See all storiesUQ people
Meet the CEO championing neurodiversity in the workplace
4-minute read
Careers
Emerging careers in the arts and communication industries
5-minute read
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- an audition and interview with the School of Music; and
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in music, or
- post-secondary study in music, or
- 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (see below).
Applicants must arrange an audition with the School of Music, to take place between 1 September and 30 November of the year preceding admission. For more information about the audition process (including closing dates and the application form) please visit the School of Music website.
Applications based on post-secondary study and/or work experience will be assessed individually and applicants may be required to attend an interview test.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
- an audition and interview with the School of Music; and
- a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in music, or
- post-secondary study in music, or
- 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (see below).
Applicants must arrange an audition with the School of Music, to take place between 1 September and 30 November of the year preceding admission. For more information about the audition process (including closing dates and the application form) please visit the School of Music website.
Applications based on post-secondary study and/or work experience will be assessed individually and applicants may be required to attend an interview test.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience includes work in music teaching, arts administration, or any other profession where you have built a portfolio demonstrating your music expertise.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
Student visas
This program does not meet the eligibility requirements for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).
To study this program in Australia you will need a temporary visa or residency status with study entitlement. Some programs can also be studied from outside Australia.
Additional application information
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$4,770
2026
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $22,896
2026
Additional costs
- Some courses may incur additional costs such as piano accompaniment.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Graduate Certificate in Music are Commonwealth supported, as long as you meet all Commonwealth supported place eligibility requirements.
This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government. Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
If you have a Commonwealth supported place, you may also be eligible for HECS-HELP. This is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Music is 5299.
International students who want to study this program will not be eligible for a Student Visa (subclass 500).
To study this program in Australia, you will need an Australian visa or residency status with sufficient study entitlement. Some programs can also be studied from outside Australia.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Graduate Certificate in Music is 5299.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
Visa processing times vary. Apply and accept your offer as early as you can.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
- To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.
- Late applications may be considered.
- To commence study in summer - October 31 of the year of enrolment.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit.
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