Associate Degree in Music

The Associate Degree in Music at the University of Tasmania is a two-year qualification for people who want serious musical training without committing to a full three-year bachelor degree. You study music at the University of Tasmania's Hobart campus, where the Conservatorium of Music has been part of the city's cultural life for decades. The course sits at Associate Degree level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's a standalone qualification and also a pathway — if you finish and want to keep going, you can often articulate into a bachelor degree with credit for the units you've already passed.

What you actually study

Associate degrees in Australia are built from units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you need a certain total to graduate. The academic year usually runs across two semesters, with a mid-year break and a summer break. At UTAS, music students typically take a mix of performance or composition studies, music theory and aural skills, music history and repertoire, and ensemble work. You'll have individual lessons on your instrument or voice, and you'll play in groups — orchestras, choirs, jazz ensembles, chamber groups — depending on your focus. Assessment is a mix of practical exams, recitals, written work and ensemble participation.

Skills you build

You graduate able to perform or compose to a confident standard, read and analyse music, rehearse efficiently, and work with other musicians under pressure. You also learn to talk about music clearly, which matters whether you're teaching, writing programme notes, or pitching a project. The ensemble and recital components build the kind of discipline that comes from regular performance in front of an audience.

Who it suits

This degree suits school leavers with a strong music background who want to keep playing seriously, mature students returning to music, and people already working in music who want formal training. It's also a sensible option if you're not sure about a three-year commitment — you finish with a recognised qualification after two years. International students should note the English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses, though some fields ask for higher. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register — check the official page for the current figure and confirm all details there.

• Performer in orchestras, bands, chamber groups or as a soloist
• Session musician for recording studios and live events
• Music teacher in schools or private practice (further study may be required for registration)
• Composer or arranger for film, television, games or concert repertoire
• Arts administrator in festivals, venues or community music organisations
• Music producer or sound engineer in Australian recording and live sound industries
• Community music facilitator working with schools, councils and arts groups
• Further study pathway into a Bachelor of Music or related degree