Diploma in Music (Curriculum 2) at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

This programme is designed for students who do have prior learning in music, but who do not qualify for entry to degree studies, or who, in the opinion of the head of department, do not yet meet the practical and theoretical entrance requirements for the BMus degree. However, on completion of this diploma they may vertically articulate to the BMus, retaining a maximum of 240 credits already attained in the DipMus. It comprises compulsory modules in main instrument, music theory, aural development, music history, and music teaching methodologies, in addition to which it offers a wide variety of elective modules, including a second instrument, choral music studies, orchestration, music technology, and many more.

Faculty: Humanities | Duration: 3 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Career pathways

Career fields listed on the page: Musician, Music Teacher, Music Technician.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 290. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR CURRENT GRADE 12 LEARNERS Minimum NSC statutory requirements for diploma entry must be met. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics or Technical Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Score of 290. An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy requires a minimum Applicant Score of 305. NSC achievement rating of at least 30% for Mathematics or Technical Mathematics or 50% for Mathematical Literacy. Admission is subject to an audition in the candidate’s chosen First Instrument, during which vocal or instrumental musical performance ability must be successfully demonstrated. A minimum standard of musical performance equivalent to grade 2 of the external examining bodies for music (Unisa, ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall) is required for admission to First Instrument: Intermediate (MFPV131), and a minimum standard of musical performance equivalent to grade 6 of the external examining bodies for music (Unisa, ABRSM, Trinity Guildhall) is required for admission to First Instrument: Advanced (MFPV101).

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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