Diploma in Music Performance at University of Cape Town

Programme overview

The Diploma in Music Performance (HU021, NQF level 6, SAQA ID 10649) is a three-year performance-focused diploma in the South African College of Music. Its streams are similar to the practical streams of the BMus but exclude some academic subjects, and prepare students for careers in the relevant performance area.

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities | Department: South African College of Music | Duration: Three years (regular programme) | Intake: No new intake in 2026 for the extended programme (continuing students only) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Students follow one of five streams: African Music, Jazz Studies, Opera, Classical or World Music. First-year World Music courses, for example, include Worlds of Music I, World Music Instrument I, Music Theory, Secondary Piano or Marimba, Music in Society, World Music Ensemble I and Aural. Every stream except Jazz Studies and Opera ends with a public recital in the final year.

Career pathways

Careers as performing musicians in the chosen stream (African, jazz, opera, classical or world music).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants need a senior certificate or equivalent recognised by Senate. For the regular programme they need at least the National Senior Certificate (with Diploma endorsement) and one of: 50% (HG) or 60% (SG) in Music (Senior Certificate) or Music at level 4 in the NSC; a pass in the Grade V Theory of Music and Grade VII practical examinations of Unisa or recognised equivalents; or satisfying the Admission Board of the SA College of Music through practical audition, interview and theory examination. Applicants must audition so the programme convener is satisfied that their instrument proficiency is of the required standard. Transfer to a BMus stream after first year is possible with an average of at least 65% and at least 60% in two specified theory and music-context courses.

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.

The application fee is R100 for undergraduate and postgraduate applications from South Africa and the SADC region, and R300 for applications from outside the SADC region; it is non-refundable and payable by direct deposit, EFT or credit card (online). UCT students and graduates are exempt except for GSB programmes.

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

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