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52 weeks
On campus (100% on campus at South Bank); Blended learning (80% on campus, 20% online at Coomera for international students)
Full time · Full time — 4 days per week (South Bank); Full time — 3 days per week (Coomera)
27 Jan 2027 (South Bank) | 27 Jan 2027 (Coomera, International)
Course Overview
Where You Can Study
Brisbane
66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Student Information
Tuition Fee
Concession $13,140 · Subsidised $14,400 · Full Fee $18,595
Duration
1 year
Intakes
27 Jan 2027 (South Bank)
Study Mode
Full time, 4 days per week
Eligibility
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
ASQA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain creative arts industry knowledge and monitor and manage own professional practice. This includes applying industry knowledge to research-based work activities, when interacting with others, and when engaging in professional practice in the music industry.
Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries
This unit describes skills and knowledge required to identify, select and use a range of self-care strategies to support sustainability of own practice and actively implement mental wellbeing and self-care in the creative industries. This includes implementing preventative techniques and evaluating their success against an individualised self-care plan.
Provide freelance services
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry. This includes promoting self to potential clients, negotiating work arrangements, managing financial and business aspects of services, and undertaking strategic planning.
Manage copyright arrangements
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, manage and apply individual or collaborative copyright arrangements for original works.
Develop techniques for arranging music
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rework an existing composition into a different instrumental or vocal grouping to produce a musically distinctive sound, according to an arrangement brief.
Compose musical pieces
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply imagination and perception skills to compose a range of musical pieces.
Compose music using music technology
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to generate ideas for and compose a range of musical pieces using music technology, music equipment and software.
Notate music for performance
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse, notate and edit songs and musical pieces to the standard required by musicians and vocalists during live performances.
Analyse basic harmony functions
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and analyse basic harmony functions.
Develop and apply stagecraft skills
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and apply a range of stagecraft skills during performances.
Develop and apply instrumental techniques
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop instrumental techniques and apply them when performing a range of repertoire.
Develop programs for performances
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop programs for performances, including planning, analysing and developing the interpretation of program plans.
Use interactive technology in performances
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use music technology as a creative tool in performances.
Develop instrumental techniques and expand repertoire
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine instrumental techniques and expand the range of practical performance repertoire.
Provide musical leadership in performances
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use knowledge of music techniques to lead a group in ensemble or other musical performance.
Mix recorded music
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix music that has been recorded live or in a studio. It involves using sound editing equipment and associated software to balance instruments, vocals, and recorded or imported sounds.
Mix audio for live productions
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix audio for live productions, such as shows and performances, in the music, screen, media, entertainment and events industries. This involves being a part of pre and post production operations, including checking and preparing audio equipment for live mixing, and dissembling equipment post-production.
Common Questions
All applicants are required to complete an audition and written application. You must perform two 1-minute pieces with your chosen instrument or vocals in a contemporary/popular music genre. The pieces may be original songs or covers, and you may use your own backing tracks to accompany you. Classical music, musical theatre and jazz standards are not covered in this course so are not recommended. International students must submit a videoed audition and a written application outlining their musical experience.
The course fees vary depending on your eligibility: Concession fee is $13,140, Subsidised fee is $14,400, Full fee is $18,595, and International fee is $22,200. Payment options include a payment plan for those who have difficulty paying upfront, upfront payment, and a VET Student Loan with a $19,290 cap (note: the Australian Government charges full fee-paying students a 20% loan fee in addition to tuition fees, and a VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid). International students can pay via telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal.
With TAFE Queensland's diploma-to-degree pathways, you can jump straight into the second year of a related bachelor's degree at some of Australia's top universities. This diploma will also give you one year of credit and a provisional place in the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Contemporary Music Practice) delivered in partnership with the University of Canberra.
Students have access to rehearsal rooms and performance spaces equipped with guitar amplifiers, keyboards and drum kits. The studios have world-class recording facilities featuring industry standard software, hardware and microphones. Students are also required to bring their own portable external hard drive (1TB minimum), headphones with a 6.5mm adaptor (Bluetooth headphones are unsuitable), and personal stationery, at an additional cost of approximately $200. Those intending to use them must also bring their own guitar and accessories or drum sticks.
The course is offered at two locations: South Bank (Greater Brisbane) with a start date of 13 July 2026, delivered fully on campus (100% on-campus, 4 days per week full time); and Coomera (Gold Coast) with a start date of 27 January 2027, delivered on campus with some online study (80% on-campus, 20% online, 3 days per week full time). Both options run for 1 year. International students can study at both locations.
Application
Three simple steps to get enrolled
Step 01
Enquire
Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Step 02
Submit Documents
Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.
Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.
Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.
Priya Sharma
India
Master of Nursing · Griffith University
