University of Queensland
Graduate Certificate in Music
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively to the music profession across a variety of educational and community settings.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Music is a half-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program that provides extended application of pedagogical principles, skills and resources through workshop-based learning. The School of Music’s Creative Collaboratorium brings together the distinctive disciplines of Composition and Improvisation, Learning and Development, Performance, Health and Wellbeing and Musicology, creating a shared space for dialogue, collaboration and the generation of new knowledge.
The program offers a broad range of course options, including instrumental pedagogy, aural studies and methodology, choral and orchestral conducting and classroom pedagogy. Graduates develop demonstrable knowledge and practical application of music pedagogy principles, instrumental or aural, preparing them to progress their careers across diverse settings such as the music and arts industries, education, business, health and allied professions and government and community sectors.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Music, you must complete eight units or four courses comprising:
Eight units from GCMus Program Elective Courses
- Practical Studies 9 (two units)
- Practical Studies 10 (two units)
- Instrumental and Vocal Studio Pedagogy (two units)
- Ensemble Studies 9 (two units)
- Ensemble Studies 10 (two units)
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;
- Two years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience.
Applicants must arrange an audition with the School of Music, to take place between 1 September and 30 November of the year preceding admission. 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.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This 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
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $4,770 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units (normally four courses) per semester or year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.