Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production)

Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production) - CUA60520

VOCATIONAL

Take your audio engineering skills to the next level and start a successful career in the music industry.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

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Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

The Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production) has been designed to help take your studies and experience in sound production to the next level.

Surrounded by opportunities to learn, you will deepen your skills using the latest studio techniques and DAQs in various contemporary settings with industry professionals.

As part of your studies, you will explore the significance of music and the role of music knowledge in professional practice. You will also learn to manage copyright arrangements, produce sound recordings and designs, manage stage monitor systems and onsite events, compose music using music technology, and more.

You will be taught by internationally-recognised audio engineers, and will build the skills you need to establish a career in sound or media production, including broadcast, post-production, media and music production, or in the festival and theatre production event space.

Why study the Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production) at RMIT?

Real-world experience

Work on live events with industry professionals in world-class TV studios, The Capitol and Kaleide Theatres, and other music venues around Melbourne.

Cutting-edge facilities

Master projects in our post-production sound studios and work in computer audio labs with support from experienced sound engineers.

Taught by experts

Hone your skills using the latest studio techniques under the guidance of internationally-recognised audio engineers.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this advanced diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Learning and teaching

The Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production) provides training in the theory and practice of audio engineering, focusing on both the technical and creative aspects, offering you the skills and knowledge necessary for careers in audio production.   

Most of the delivery is face-to-face in teacher-led classes, computer labs, specialised teaching spaces, and weekly classroom tutorials. These campus classes use collaborative, interactive and inquiry-based learning methods. There are also some online classes and lectures. 

You will also spend time each week working in small independent student groups in the various exclusive RMIT sound studios, as well as working in teams on live events in RMIT’s world-class TV studios, The Capitol and Kaleide Theatres, as well as other music venues around Melbourne.

You will also work in multimedia, broadcast and post-production, developing your teamwork, communication and technical skills in professional settings like computer audio labs with support from experienced sound engineers.

Assessment methods

Assessments may come in the form of a quiz, practical assessments in groups, reports and/or presentations and where you will relate to the skills and knowledge acquired during each semester.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You have the opportunity for industry engagement through RMIT events, industry partnerships and workplace projects.

You will work on events such as the Collide and Red Door live music projects which you then master in our post-production sound studios. You will also stage Kaleide Theatre music gigs alongside industry professionals. Industry seminars are offered throughout the year.

There are also opportunities to use RMIT’s virtual studio technology and the Capitol Theatre to work on hybrid events and to be engaged in screen and media and exceptional live event environments. 

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

In your first semester, you'll focus on mastering and advanced mixing concepts. You will spend time in the studios, recording and mixing music in stereo and surround sound, developing your mastering skills. 

Further into your study, you will stage and record a number of live performances. The business and marketing subjects you undertake support the systems management and promotion of these performances, giving you the skills to undertake this professionally as an individual or member of a company, manage touring artists or media events. 

In the second semester of this qualification, you will deepen your knowledge of sound for film, television and multimedia productions. This area of study can lead you to a variety of roles in the broadcast and production industries.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production)
Program code: C6171
National curriculum code: CUA60520
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production)
City Campus
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
C6171
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C6171
CRICOS
View plan

Career

The Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production) builds on skills attained through industry experience or formal study and will enable you to develop relevant technical management skills required by a rapidly changing industry.

The career options for professional audio and sound engineers are dynamic and ever-changing. As the worlds of media, broadcast and event/concert production continue to evolve, employment opportunities for skilled audio technicians will always be part of this evolution.

You can work as an audio engineer, sound designer or artist manager in the following areas:

  • music recording 
  • post-production 
  • television 
  • radio 
  • film 
  • live sound reinforcement
  • concert production
  • event production
  • media production.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements.

All applicants must submit the selection task

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 1, 2025

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application by the date below. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 7 February 2025

Selection task requirements

The selection task comprises of three sections; RMIT previous studies or external qualification and industry experience. Applicants need to only complete the section most relevant to their qualification(s) and experience. 

RMIT previous studies

If you have successfully completed, or are due to complete at the end of the current RMIT semester, one of the following RMIT University courses, you must submit your selection task so that your eligibility and application will be assessed based on the approved RMIT pathway program: 

External qualification

If you have successfully completed, or are due to complete at the end of the current semester, one of the following nationally recognised qualifications:

  • CUA50820 Diploma of Music (Sound Production)  
  • CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry  
  • CUS50109 Diploma of Music

You must upload:

  • a copy of your official award and transcript of results for one of the previously listed diplomas and submit your selection task
  • a statement outlining your knowledge of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) ProTools by AVID and how long you have used it? (Maximum 150 words).
Industry experience

Applicants are required to answer the following questions to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) ProTools by AVID and experience in, but not limited to, recording studios or live sound production (maximum 150 words per question):

  • Question 1: What aspects of sound production do you expect will be covered in the Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production)? (Maximum 150 Words) 
  • Question 2: What are your goals or career objectives after completing your studies? (Maximum 150 words) 
  • Question 3: What is your knowledge of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) ProTools and how long have you used it? (Maximum 150 words) 
Resume

Please upload a current resume outlining your skills and experience in the music industry. Your resume must include:   

  • Details of your roles and responsibilities in each job  
  • The start and end date of each role  
  • Whether the role is/was full time or part time.
Submissions instructions
  • Upload document(s) (maximum size 5MB)

OR

  • Provide a URL (please provide a password if applicable).

Pathways

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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$12,000* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$17,000* per annum.

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information