Graduate Diploma of Music

The Graduate Diploma of Music at The Australian Institute of Music (AIM) is a one-year qualification for people who already hold a degree and want to sharpen their musical skills or move into a new area of the industry. It sits at the graduate diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is shorter than a master's degree but more advanced than a bachelor's. You study full time over one year, and the course is registered on CRICOS (code 036830J) for international students.

Because AIM is a specialist music institution, the course is built around performance, composition, production or music business, depending on the stream you choose. You will spend most of your time in practical settings: rehearsal rooms, studios and workshops. Assessment is typically through performances, recordings, portfolios and written work rather than exams. The exact units and credit points are set out in the official course structure, so check the AIM website or the CRICOS register for the current list.

This qualification suits several kinds of students. You might be a graduate from another field who wants to turn a serious hobby into a career. You might be a music graduate who wants to specialise further before applying for a master's. Or you might be an international student looking for an Australian qualification that leads to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight, which can help with living costs.

To be accepted, you need to meet AIM's English requirements. For this course, that usually means IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced score. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa, so you need to satisfy both. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. For exact entry requirements, unit details and fees, always confirm on the official AIM page or the CRICOS listing.

• Performer or session musician in bands, orchestras, theatres and recording studios
• Composer or arranger for film, television, advertising and games
• Music producer or sound engineer in studios and live venues
• Music teacher in private studios, schools or community organisations
• Arts administrator or music manager in festivals, venues and record labels
• Audio technician or production assistant in broadcast, events and media companies

Australian industries that hire music graduates include live performance, recording, screen production, education, events and arts management. Many graduates also work freelance across several of these areas.