Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) - CUA50815
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 1 yearLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
This qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in 2022.
You can still apply for this course and you will be supported to transfer into the new qualification once it becomes available. This may result in changes to the course structure, content and fees.
Are you ready to work in sound production? This practical, hands-on diploma provides you with studio, lab and live venue-based training. It also has state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of studio equipment and industry-connected instructors.
The sound production program suite is made up of two years of study, with each year being an individual, nationally recognised qualification.
You will start your journey in the Diploma and, upon successful completion, continue in the Advanced Diploma. In this diploma, you will be provided with the foundation skills and knowledge required for further study and a career in audio technology.
In the Advanced Diploma stage, you will build on the core skills and knowledge attained in the Diploma year, and implement them on large-scale projects. Projects include live event productions at commercial venues, live sound reinforcement, and event recording and surround sound mixing. These projects will allow you to work directly with practicing industry professionals on award winning projects.
The Advanced Diploma will develop your skills and knowledge in sound design, post-production, broadcast audio and audio networking protocols, expanding your range of audio production skills to better prepare you for the range of industries available in sound production.
Explore Vocational Screen & Media
Are you interested in a career in Sound Production?
At RMIT, there are many paths to choose from. Explore the music sound production and live production and technical services courses at several levels of study.
Details
The learning and teaching environment is made up of audiovisual classrooms, and recording and mixing sound studios. Audio computer labs for software training and assessment are available to students, as well as online support. Outside of the classroom, live performance venues are also used in order for students to gain experience in the working environment.
All subjects are delivered in English.
You can access online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Online delivery of some classes also allows for flexible engagement and skill development away from RMIT but can occur onsite as required.
Studio and equipment details:
STUDIO 1: NEVE Genesys Console (1st in the Southern Hemisphere).
- Protools HDX-3 system version 12.7 (Mac)
- Logic X (latest version)
- HARRISON MixBus 32C v4
- Education Partnership with McDSP digital signal processing offering full HD collection.
- UAD-2 High End Plug-ins and extensive range by AVID, WAVES and many others.
- Extensive range of analogue outboard processing.
- MCI 500 series 2" 24track analogue recorder.
- Stereo Studio monitoring by Dynaudio, Genelec and Yamaha.
STUDIO 2: AVID C|24 Control Surface
- Protools HDX-3 system version 12.7 (Mac)
- Logic X (latest version)
- HARRISON MixBus 32C v4
- Education Partnership with McDSP digital signal processing offering full HD collection.
- UAD-2 High End Plug-ins and extensive range by AVID, WAVES and many others.
- Extensive range of analogue outboard processing.
- 5.1 Surround Studio monitoring by Genelec.
- Stereo Studio monitoring by Dynaudio.
STUDIO 3: SSL AWS924 Console (with Delta software integration)
- Protools HDX-3 system version 12.7 (Mac)
- Logic X (latest version)
- HARRISON MixBus 32C v4
- Education Partnership with McDSP digital signal processing offering full HD collection.
In each year of the course, you'll do 40 hours of supervised work-integrated learning in your chosen industry area, gaining industry experience and contacts.
This course has been developed with the ongoing consultation of strong industry networks including:
- Soundfirm
- Sing Sing Recording Studios
- Music and Effects Studios
- Risk Sound
- Bakehouse Studios
- Newmarket Studios
- ABC Network
- Network 7
- Network 10
- E-Audio/Metropolis Audio
- McDSP has a continuing education partnership with RMIT Sound Production since 2009.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Diploma: 1 year full-time
Advanced Diploma: 1 year full-time
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Diploma: 1 year full-time
Advanced Diploma: 1 year full-time
Please note: You will be admitted to the diploma level of the training package and upon successful completion you can apply to study the next qualification, the Advanced Diploma.
This course may change for 2022 due to the revision of the National Training Package.
This suite runs over 2 years (4 semesters), consisting of the Diploma (year 1) and the Advanced Diploma (year 2). Its focus is the recording, mixing and live production of music, branching out to other applications such as post-production in the second year.
The first year of the suite, the Diploma, covers professional knowledge and skills using industry standard hardware and software, and will teach you to operate in a variety of professional audio production environments.
In the second year, the Advanced Diploma, students move into areas such as sound for film, television and online/multimedia productions, as well as learning advanced mixing concepts such as surround sound technology.
Music recording and mixing principles covered in the first year are expanded on in advanced mixing concepts and mastering.
The practical component for this year includes staging and recording a number of live performances, including and covering front of house, monitors and outside broadcast van recording.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) | City Campus |
1 year- Full-time
|
1 year- Full-time
|
C5378 | 096330K |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C5378
National curriculum code: CUA50815
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan C5378 - 3200373774
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Career
Sound technicians operate audio equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound in many contexts, including studio recording, pre-production, live sound, sound and music reinforcement (in television, radio, film, and multimedia) and broadcast.
The career options for audio and sound engineers are dynamic and ever-changing. Despite the worlds of media, broadcast and event/concert production continuing to evolve, employment opportunities for skilled media technicians will always be part of this evolution.
You can work as an audio engineer in the following areas:
- music recording studios
- post-production facilities
- television production
- radio broadcast
- film production
- live sound reinforcement
- concert production
- event production
- media production
- sound production
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 50% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program 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.
Entry requirements
Semester 1, 2022
You must complete and submit the Music Industry (Sound Production) selection task:
- VTAC applicants must register and submit the selection task here.
- All tasks must be submitted by the dates noted below for each VTAC round:
- Early round (Non year 12 only): 30 September 2021
- Main round (All applicants): 19 November 2021
- All subsequent rounds (if places are available): 17 January 2022
- All tasks must be submitted by the dates noted below for each VTAC round:
- RMIT current or recent students please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
- All tasks must be submitted by 17 January 2022. Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you may be invited via email to attend an interview.
- Interviews will be held before semester commencement
- Some applicants will be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend an interview.
Selection task
The selection task comprises responses to the following questions (maximum 150 words per question):
- Which Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software packages have you used, and for how long?
- Have you had experience using microphones to record instruments, voice, or other sources? If so, please provide details.
- Please provide details of other hardware you have utilised, such as mixing consoles, delays/reverbs, pre-amps, EQ or dynamics processors.
- Have you observed the audio engineering process while attending either live performances or studio recordings? Please provide details.
- Have you completed any audio engineering processes, or assisted in live sound production or studio recordings? This could be at a music event, theatre or non-music production. Please provide details.
Interview
Please be aware that an interview with the Selection Officer is a mandatory requirement of the application process.
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 84kb) along with your application.
Interview: You may be interviewed, either in person or via phone/Skype.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.
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) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Successful completion of the Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) guarantees entry into the Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production). The Advanced Diploma is offered as an additional year of full-time study.
You may be eligible to begin your studies at the Advanced Diploma level if you already hold a Certificate IV in Music Industry (Sound Production) or Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) or have the relevant knowledge and skills. You must still apply for the Diploma and will be assessed for entry into the Advanced Diploma.
Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) can continue their studies in the Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry), Bachelor of Design (Digital Media) or the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art). If successful in gaining entry, they may be eligible for some credits.
You are guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) when you successfully complete the Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production).
You are guaranteed entry into one of the following RMIT programs when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production):
- Bachelor of Design (Digital Media) – you will receive 3 semesters of credit (equivalent to 144 credit points)
- Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) – you will receive 3 semesters of credit (equivalent to 144 credit points).
- Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) – Video studio (only) – you will receive credit (equivalent to 48 credit points)
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
Fees
2022 fees
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.
- 2022 government subsidised place: AU$8,750* per annum
- 2022 full-fee place: AU$13,500* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Fee finder
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
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.
Eligibility Exemption criteria
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
Defer your payment
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.
Learn more about fees for vocational study.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
VET Student Loans
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.
How does a VET Student Loan work?
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 program.
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.
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
Vet Student Loan cap
If your program 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 program, 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 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 2022 is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$22,750.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.