Course Overview

About This Course

The Graduate Certificate in Music is designed for passionate musicians or industry professionals ready to elevate their practice, expand their expertise, and take the next step in their creative journey. Delivered across two study periods, the course delivers specialised academic training alongside practical mastery, equipping students with advanced theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and specialised disciplinary knowledge essential for postgraduate success. Whether pursued as a standalone credential to enhance professional standing or as a foundation for a future pathway into the Master of Music, it offers a transformative opportunity to establish authority as both scholar and creative practitioner.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

120 King St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor's Degree
Applicants are required to have relevant musical professional practice experience
Applicants are required to attend an interview or live audition
Applicants must provide a portfolio of two contrasting items in their field of interest

International

This course is only available to domestic students.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Music are equipped for diverse, high-impact roles across performance, production, education, and industry leadership. This qualification sharpens practical and research skills, opening doors to both creative and business-oriented paths in the music sector, including roles such as: Music Producer or Sound Engineer (oversee recording sessions, manage projects, and deliver polished tracks for artists, films, or media); Composer (create original scores for TV, film, games, or ads, leveraging screen music skills from electives); Artist Manager or A&R Specialist (guide talent careers, negotiate deals, book gigs, and scout artists for labels); Music Educator/Teacher (teach early learners, adults, or private students using modern pedagogical techniques); Arts Administrator/Manager (handle funding, marketing, policy, events, and governance for festivals, venues, or organisations); Freelance Performer or Session Musician (advance through major studies, special projects, and competition prep for pro gigs); Music Supervisor or Licensing Executive (curate soundtracks and manage rights, drawing on copyright and Australian music knowledge); Event/Tour Coordinator (plan festivals, tours, or masterclasses with expertise in production and leadership). These roles often start at $60K-$120K AUD, scaling with experience.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units9 units

M5MUMR1

Introduction to Music Research

Introduces the rigour of academic research across diverse music fields, methodologies, ethics, critical thinking, and information literacy.

M5MUMS1

Major Study 1

Practical and reflective unit investigating creative, interpretive, and technical skills in your chosen field through coursework, independent practice-based research, and a significant creative work developed with supervisor guidance.

M5MURP1

Research Project 1

Directed project under supervision: propose a research design, present verbally, conduct a literature review, and deliver a culminating output. Scalable into a Graduate Diploma or the initial phase of your MMus final major research project.

M5MUGE1

Music and Sound for Media

Essential skills for composing and producing music/sound for screen media.

M5MUGE4

Australian Music

Explore repertoire, styles, and analysis with a First Nations focus.

M5MUGE5

Teaching Techniques – Early Learners

Modern pedagogical strategies for young students.

M5MUGE6

Teaching Techniques – Adult Learners

Modern pedagogical strategies for adult students.

M5MUGE3

Production

Master the producer's role in managing recording projects.

M5MUGE2

Special Project

Professional external project, like competition prep or masterclasses.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course available to international students?

No, the Undergraduate Certificate in Music is only available to domestic students.

Can I receive credit if I progress to a higher qualification at AIM after completing this course?

Yes, graduates will be qualified to undertake further studies, with credit granted if they progress into the Diploma of Music, Associate Degrees in Music, or the Bachelor of Music at AIM.

What are the fees for this course and is FEE-HELP available?

The indicative fee per study period is $6,300, with an indicative total course fee of $12,600. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. Please note this is an AQF Level 5 FEE-HELP eligible course. Fees provided are indicative only and are subject to change by AIM without notice.

What study options are available within this course?

Students have a choice of one of two options for study: an Industry pathway or a Music Literacy pathway. Through either pathway, students study four specialisation modules (2 per study period), focusing on developing creative, technical, and professional skills required by professional music practitioners.

When can I start the Undergraduate Certificate in Music, and how long does it take to complete?

The course has intake dates in February, May, and September each year. It consists of 2 study periods full time, each 12 weeks long, for a total of approximately 24 weeks of study.

Application

How to Apply

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!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $45,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

Music ProducerRecording Artist / PerformerAudio / Sound EngineerSongwriter and ComposerMusic Director

Key Skills

Live music performance and stagecraftStudio recording, mixing, and masteringMusic composition and arrangementProficiency in Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro ToolsSongwriting and lyrical development

Full Course Overview

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