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Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)

Nelson , South Island ,New Zealand

New Zealand Diploma in Music

Build upon the New Zealand Certificate in Music learning additional skills in

  • composing for commercial and personal projects
  • managing, coordinating and performing at gigs and events
  • sound engineering for live and studio music productions
  • promoting own work through a mix of traditional and online marketing strategies

State of the art facilities
You will have the opportunity to organise and perform with fellow students in our Johnny Cash performance theatre. 

Music students have exclusive use of our recording studios.

Study alongside other creative industries students from Arts, Media, Interior Design and Creative Writing, in our purpose-built Creative Industries building on Nile Street.

What will I learn?
Sound Production
Four courses are designed to prepare you for live and studio sound production.

Build upon MUS401 Sound Production Fundamentals and MUS402 Live and Studio Sound Production Techniques from the first year Certificate programme;

  • In MUS501 Sound Engineering and Production for Contemporary Musicians you will advance your knowledge of audio equipment, methods and techniques and develop practical skills for recorded and live music production.
  • In MUS502 Advanced Live and Studio Sound Production you will use audio equipment, music software, methods and techniques effectively in recorded and live sound production.

Music Studies
Four courses are designed to enable you to learn about music, to write and arrange music and to develop musicianship.

Build upon MUS403 Exploring Music Through Song Writing and MUS404 Music Literacy for Contemporary Musicians from the first year Certificate programme;

  • In MUS503 Composing and Arranging for Contemporary Musicians you will explore different ways of communicating musical ideas and how to use aural, keyboard and song writing skills and musical knowledge effectively for contemporary music practice.
  • In MUS504 Composition and Instrumentation for Contemporary Musicians you will utilise music skills and knowledge to communicate musical ideas effectively in contemporary music practice.

Music Performance
Four courses are designed to enable you to build your technical skills, develop attributes for contemporary music performance, increase your knowledge of cultural and industry contexts, and prepare for your own professional practice as a contemporary musician.

Build upon MUS405 Contemporary Music Performance Contexts and MUS406 Contemporary Music Performance and Industry Practices from the first year Certificate programme;

  • In MUS505 Industry Skills and Professional Performance for Contemporary Musicians, you will develop your music performance skills and knowledge, increase your understanding of contemporary music contexts and styles, and explore aspects of professional music industry practice.
  • In MUS506 Professional Contemporary Music Practice and Performance you will extend your music performance skills and use a range of professional practices associated with a career in the music industry.

Campus Information

Nelson campus

Our Nelson campus is based on a single city block and is an open and easy to navigate environment.The Nelson campus location means quick and easy access to the cafés, bars and shopping in Nelson city. You’re never far from anywhere

Intakes

  • Feb

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More information Required
10 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
10 Days
Provisional/ Unconditional Offer
20 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

You will be taught and supported in your studies by experienced, industry-savvy tutors and support staff from a wide range of countries. The NMIT staff professional development programme means your learning experience is current with international best practice.

The programs are developed in consultation, and delivered in partnership, with local companies, organizations and industries. You will meet and be taught by experts from your future profession. In many programmes you will experience placements that give you a taste of your new career.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Certificate and Diploma Programmes (Equivalent entry to New Zealand NCEA Level 1 or 2) 

Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12. 

Degree Programmes  

(Equivalent entry to New Zealand NCEA Level 3

Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12.  

Certificate at Level 3
General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5.

Certificate at Level 4
General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.

Certificate or Diploma at Level 5
Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.

Certificate or Diploma at Level 6, Diploma or degree at Level 7, Graduate Certificate or Diploma at Level 7
Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5.

Post-graduate Diploma or Post-graduate Certificate at Level 8, Bachelor Honours Degree at Level 8, Master’s Degree at Level 9, Doctoral Degree at Level 10
Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.