Foundation/Pathway · Music & Performing Arts
Diploma of Music
Australian Institute of Music, Sydney, NSW, Australia
About this program
AIM's Diploma of Music is built as a genuine on-ramp rather than a watered-down bachelor's. Students cover Music History and Contextual Studies, Theoretical and Practical Application, and a Major Study in their chosen creative practice, and strong performers can transfer into the Bachelor of Music partway through based on progress and results rather than needing to reapply from scratch.
Entry asks for a resume of musical study or practical experience rather than the live audition and recorded portfolio required for AIM's bachelor's degrees, making the Diploma a lower-barrier entry point for students who haven't built an audition-ready portfolio yet but can demonstrate genuine musical background.
It functions as both a standalone qualification for students wanting a shorter, practice-focused credential and a pathway credential for those building toward a full Bachelor of Music, and the option to shift between the two based on results gives students a low-stakes way to test whether the full degree is the right fit.
Cost & duration
English test scores
Verified aim.edu.au ↗
Course structure
4 terms of coursework
Study Period 1
- Music History and Contextual Studies 1
- Music Theory 1
- Major Study 1 (practical)
Study Period 2
- Music History and Contextual Studies 2
- Music Theory 2
- Major Study 2 (practical)
- Elective1 elective
Study Period 3
- Applied Musicianship
- Major Study 3 (practical)
- Elective1 elective
Study Period 4
- Performance and Portfolio Assessment
- Major Study 4 (practical)
- pathway review for Bachelor of Music transfer
Admissions
Year 12 completion or equivalent; audition required
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