Graduate Diploma in Music (Composition) creative application requirements

The Graduate Diploma in Music (Composition) has additional requirements used as part of the selection process. Find out everything you need to know about the application process.

To be considered for selection into the Graduate Diploma in Music (Composition), you need to submit a course application and prepare a folio and artistic statement.

As part of the supplementary application, the Selection Committee will also consider your curriculum vitae (CV) and referee report.

You must read the How to Apply information on the course page, as well as these folio requirements.

Start year intake 2027 timeline

Before August 2026

Review the entry requirements and how to apply information on the Graduate Diploma in Music (Composition) course page.

3 August 2026

Applications open.

31 October 2026

Applications close.

By 31 October 2026

Submit your course application direct to The University of Melbourne.


Prepare and upload your folio via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom).


Graduate Access Melbourne application due date (domestic applicants only).

What to prepare

Composition applicants are required to submit the following materials:

  • Three original works (only) for any medium (at least one in score format). Submit no more than one orchestral piece, if any.
  • Audio realisations/recordings to accompany notated scores. Live recordings are encouraged where possible. MIDI realisations are acceptable, rendered as audio (mp3).
  • One-minute test piece: write a new, original composition for bassoon and vibraphone (with audio realisation (mp3) and score (PDF)); duration up to one minute.
  • List of works composed to date, listing title, instrumentation, duration, and year of composition.

Submitted in video format (approximately 90 seconds duration), the personal artistic statement should address the following questions:

  • Who are your musical heroes?
  • What artistic ideals do you hold most passionately?
  • Describe your dream compositional project.

You will be asked to provide the name and contact details of two referees to submit a referee report on your behalf.

Your referees may submit their referee reports up to 5 days after the Graduate Diploma in Music application deadline. It is strongly recommended that you also contact your referees directly to notify them of your application and the pending deadline.

Inclusivity and accessibility

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. Contact the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music if you require assistance.

How to submit your selection tasks

Your folio must be uploaded and submitted via the Creative Application Platform (SlideRoom). We recommend allowing plenty of time to prepare and submit your creative tasks. Applications received after the published closing day cannot be accepted.

How you'll be assessed

All applicants will be ranked according to the outlined criteria, up to the capacity of places in the course.

Applicants will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Artistic conception
  • Musical creativity
  • Technique and craft
  • Sonic effectiveness
  • Potential for the development of a distinctive voice