Program Overview

Introduction to the Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music

The Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in music. The program is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in music theory, performance, and composition.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music, candidates must:

• Hold a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification
• Successfully complete an audition demonstrating proficiency in singing, playing an instrument, or African Music and Dance
• Demonstrate the ability to read music and knowledge of basic music rudiments
• Complete a diagnostic English proficiency test

Program Structure

The curriculum for the Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music extends over a minimum of six consecutive semesters of full-time study. The program is divided into three levels, each with its own set of modules and credit requirements.

Level 1

• First Practical Study 1A (16 credits) - MUSC1PA
• First Practical Study 1B (16 credits) - MUSC1PB
• Workshop in Jazz & Popular Music 1A (8 credits) - MUSC1W1
• Workshop in Jazz & Popular Music 1B (8 credits) - MUSC1W2
• Music Ensemble 1A (8 credits) - MUSC1E1
• Music Ensemble 1B (8 credits) - MUSC1E2
• Jazz & Popular Music Theory 1A (8 credits) - MUSC1T1
• Jazz & Popular Music Theory 1B (8 credits) - MUSC1T2
• Aural Perception 1A (8 credits) - MUSC1A1
• Aural Perception 1B (8 credits) - MUSC1A2
• Jazz & Popular Music History 1A (8 credits) - MUSC1H1
• Jazz & Popular Music History 1B (8 credits) - MUSC1H2
• ACLE (or other English language module) (16 credits) - ACLE102 Total credits: 128

Level 2

• First Practical Study 2A (16 credits) - MUSC2PA
• First Practical Study 2B (16 credits) - MUSC2PB
• Workshop in Jazz & Popular Music 2A (8 credits) - MUSC2W1
• Workshop in Jazz & Popular Music 2B (8 credits) - MUSC2W2
• Music Ensemble 2A (8 credits) - MUSC2EA
• Music Ensemble 2B (8 credits) - MUSC2EB
• Jazz & Popular Music Theory 2A (8 credits) - MUSC2T1
• Jazz & Popular Music Theory 2B (8 credits) - MUSC2T2
• Aural Perception 2A (8 credits) - MUSC2A1
• Aural Perception 2B (8 credits) - MUSC2A2
• Composition & Arranging in J&PM 1A (8 credits) - MUSC2C1
• Composition & Arranging in J&PM 1B (8 credits) - MUSC2C2
• Jazz & Popular Music History 2A (8 credits) - MUSC2H1
• Jazz & Popular Music History 2B (8 credits) - MUSC2H2 Total credits: 128

Level 3 (Diploma exit level)

• First Practical Study 3A (16 credits) - MUSC3PA
• First Practical Study 3B (16 credits) - MUSC3PB
• Music Ensemble 3A (8 credits) - MUSC3EA
• Music Ensemble 3B (8 credits) - MUSC3EB
• Jazz & Popular Music Theory 3A (8 credits) - MUSC3T1
• Jazz & Popular Music Theory 3B (8 credits) - MUSC3T2 Each student chooses to specialize in two of the following disciplines:
  • Performance
  • Composition & Arranging
  • Electro-Acoustic Music by selecting two options to the value of 32 credits each from the following list:
  • Performance in Jazz & Popular Music 1A and 1B (examination recital) (16 credits) - MUSC3P1 & MUSC3P2
  • Composition & Arranging in J&PM 2A and 2B (16 credits)
  • Electro-Acoustic Music 1A and 1B (16 credits) - MUSC3LA & MUSC3LB Total credits: 128

Progression and Transfer

Students shall not be permitted to progress to the third year of study unless they have obtained credit for all the modules prescribed for the first year of study and at least a further 80 credits for modules prescribed in the second year of study (208 credits altogether). A candidate holding an NSC (or has a Senate Exemption) who wishes to transfer from the Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music to the BMus, the BA in Music, or the BA in Music and Drama Performance degree programs must:

• Have passed all the Diploma modules prescribed for the first semester
• Have passed the module ACLE102 Academic Learning in English
• Receive the Dean and Head of School's approval for the transfer