Take your audio engineering skills to the next level and start a successful career in the music industry.
Surrounded by opportunities to learn, you will deepen your skills using the latest studio techniques and DAWs 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 spaces.
Work on live events with industry professionals in world-class TV studios, The Capitol and Kaleide Theatres and other music venues around Melbourne.
Master projects in our post-production sound studios and work in computer audio labs with support from experienced sound engineers.
Master projects in our post-production sound studios and work in computer audio labs with support from experienced sound engineers.
Meet RMIT students Rowena Wise and Xavier Gomez as they take you on their journey of working on Collide, an award-winning, cross-disciplinary project involving staff and students, working together with industry partners.
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.
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.
Assessments may come in the form of an online knowledge test, practical assessments in groups, reports and presentations where you will communicate the skills and knowledge acquired during each semester. This includes practical sound recording projects with professional and semi-professional artists in live and studio environments, as well as screen and media projects.
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.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
You have the opportunity for industry engagement through RMIT events, industry partnerships and workplace projects.
You will work on events such as the Lunchtime Music Gigs and Collide live music project 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 RMIT Venues to work on hybrid events and to be engaged in screen and media and live event environments.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
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, surround sound and also with Dolby ATMOS, developing your mastering skills.
You will also 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, managing 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.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
The Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production) builds 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:
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 for this course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
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.
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.
Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
| Application type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| All applications | TBC |
Selection task details and submission dates will be available by early August 2026.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
This course has pathways available.
The Advanced Diploma of Music (Sound Production) provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
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.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
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.
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.
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 2026 is $373.
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.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible courses to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their course.
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 course.
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:
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
If your course 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 course, 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.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
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 2026 is $373.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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.
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