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Songwriting

Diploma in Songwriting & Musicianship

Get on track to make serious noise in the Music Industry
Available at
Auckland
Fees
Diploma in Songwriting & Musicianship
Domestic Fees
$11,984 NZD
Year One (Level 5)
Administration Fee: $500.00 (one-off fee)
Tuition Fee: $11,984

 

Domestic Students Only

Details regarding tuition fees are currently subject to TEC final approval. 

For any queries regarding payment please contact: [email protected]

 

Diploma in Songwriting & Musicianship
International Fees
$30,103 NZD
Year One (Level 5)
Administration Fee: $500.00 (one-off fee)
Tuition Fee: $30,103

 

Fees must be paid annually, prior to the commencement of study

For any queries regarding payment please contact: [email protected]

 

Duration(s)
Full time: 1 year

Diploma

Diploma in Songwriting & Musicianship
Course Durations
Full time: 1 year

Diploma

Start Date(s)
Auckland
  • February 2025

Diploma in Songwriting & Musicianship
Start Dates
Auckland
  • February 2025

Entry Requirements
Diploma in Songwriting & Musicianship
Domestic Entry Requirements
A copy of the student's valid photo ID must be provided.
Candidates are required to have gained a minimum of NCEA Level 2
Special Admission Domestic applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the General Admission or entry requirements for a programme but whose skills, education or work experience indicate that they have a reasonable chance of success may be eligible for Special Admission. Special admission will be granted at the discretion of the Academic Manager or designated nominee. Such applicants may be required to successfully complete a foundation, bridging or tertiary introduction programme as a condition of entry into higher level programmes.
Provisional Admission Domestic applicants aged under 20 years who have not met the general academic admission and entry criteria for a programme but who can demonstrate a reasonable chance of success through other educational attainment and/or work or life experience may be eligible for provisional entry at the discretion of the Academic Manager. Provisional entry places restrictions on re-enrolment to be lifted if the applicant’s performance is deemed satisfactory by the Academic Manager.
English as an Additional Language Applicant requirement. English as an Additional Language (EAL) applicants, including NZ Residents must meet standard NZQA minimum English Proficiency Outcomes for a diploma programme, i.e. for the academic version of IELTS they will require a score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5, or acceptable equivalent as per the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
An applicant must be a minimum of 17 years at the start date of the programme. Applicants aged less than 18 years old must apply with parental/guardian consent.
All students are given the tutorial and pastoral support needed to satisfactorily engage with the academic and technical demands of the programme, and in particular students entering with the minimum qualification of NCEA Level 2.
All entry is at the discretion of the Academic Manager.
Diploma in Songwriting & Musicianship
International Entry Requirements
Minimum Age: International students seeking admission to SAE must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
Proof of Identity: A copy of the student's valid passport must be provided.
Academic Requirements: Completion of the equivalent of NCEA Level 3 or University Entrance qualification.
English Language Requirements International students who are not native English speakers need to provide additional evidence of language skills and complete one of the following:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A band score of 6 or higher (only the Academic Test is accepted), OR
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A score of 550 or higher (paper based test), 60 or higher (internet based test) All entry is at the discretion of the Academic Manager.
Selection Process Where there are more applicants than the number of places available a selection process may be applied. An offer of place in a diploma or degree programme would be extended to applicants who meet the entry criteria and demonstrate the potential to successfully complete the programme on the basis of:
A portfolio of work that represents the applicant’s level of achievement.
An interview.
Curriculum vitae (optional).
Applicants who submit a formal application to enrol in the programme, and who meet the entry criteria would be invited to submit a portfolio of work and participate in an interview. The purpose of the interview is to assess the applicants’ suitability for the programme. It will determine whether an applicant is offered a place in the programme, and if so, at what level of the programme the applicant will be offered a place. Applicants would be welcome to enlist whānau support.

TUNE INTO THE ART OF SONGWRITING

Course Structure

The Diploma of Songwriting & Musicianship is the first step towards a Bachelor of Songwriting
TRIMESTER 1
Develop the essential technical skills and the knowledge required to collaborate with other creative media students and professionals.
To develop a suite of writing tools and techniques underpinned by introductory concepts of genre and style.
To develop skilful use of structure and arrangement by writing in condensed short forms. Includes music cues for film and jingle writing.
Credit Points: 30
This 36-week course provides a platform for engagement with transferable skills via collaborative client projects which may include contracted roles within projects of more advanced student groups. With a key focus on employability in Aotearoa/New Zealand students engage with professional practice situated in the holistic ideals of Te Ao Maori. Students conduct peer review via the Transferable Skills Matrix in an effort to foster and develop employability skills.
TRIMESTER 2
To analyse and develop interpretations of songs by celebrated New Zealand writers. The songs will be presented in workshop performances on campus and in a public performance.
Across a range of genres, to develop dramatic compostion and arrangement techniques to effectively intersect with dramatic text.
Credit Points: 30
This 36-week course provides a platform for engagement with transferable skills via collaborative client projects which may include contracted roles within projects of more advanced student groups. With a key focus on employability in Aotearoa/New Zealand students engage with professional practice situated in the holistic ideals of Te Ao Maori. Students conduct peer review via the Transferable Skills Matrix in an effort to foster and develop employability skills.
TRIMESTER 3
Students will give a mixed media presentation with analysis and interpretation of key songs, and connect the artist to a genre-led community of practice.
Credit Points: 15
Requires groups to produce a suite of outputs that display an individualised integration of production techniques acquired over the previous courses. Includes a reflective blog on the multiple ways such integration occurs and the effectiveness of such.
Credit Points: 30
This 36-week course provides a platform for engagement with transferable skills via collaborative client projects which may include contracted roles within projects of more advanced student groups. With a key focus on employability in Aotearoa/New Zealand students engage with professional practice situated in the holistic ideals of Te Ao Maori. Students conduct peer review via the Transferable Skills Matrix in an effort to foster and develop employability skills.
NZQA Course Codes
NZQA Level 5 Diploma (3 Trimesters)
New Zealand Qualifications Authority
NZQA: Level 5 This is an NZQA accredited programme of study that leads to the Level 5 NZ Diploma in Music.

What jobs will this course lead to?

  • Songwriter
  • Composer
  • Musician
  • Performer
  • Music Producer

YOUR DREAM CAREER BEGINS NOW

With our industry connections, specialised lecturers and personalised education in world-class facilities, you can unleash your creative future with confidence.

Key Information For Students