Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production (Level 6) - Pending Approval

Overview

This course deepens and broadens the skills gained in the Level 5 audio engineering and production diploma. It offers an additional year of advanced study, enhancing both the theoretical and practical aspects of audio engineering and production.

What will I study

During the course you’ll learn how to apply a range of creative and technical audio engineering techniques and processes to produce music and other sound-related works to a professional level. This includes:

• Tracking
• Mixing
• Mastering and record production
• DJing
• Live sound production and streaming
• Sound for film and TV
• Radio, including commercials
• Spoken word production including audio books and podcasts
• Audio and MIDI software and hardware design and engineering
• Sound production including sound design, game and multimedia audio and sonic arts
• Audiology
• Acoustic design

You’ll research and analyse material, reflect on your work to improve your practice, and develop your industry knowledge towards employment opportunities.

Academic Requirements

It is expected that people enrolling in a programme leading to this qualification have completed the New Zealand Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production (Level 5), or demonstrated equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.

• 10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
  • 5 credits in reading
  • 5 credits in writing

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.5 Speaking

Selection Criteria

Applicants may be required to attend an interview or if they live at some distance from the campus complete a telephone interview and must produce copies of applicable certificates or evidence of prior achievements before interviews.

Funding Assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core Courses

• Physics of Sound 2 (AEP601) - 15 credits
• Applied Audio Engineering 3 (AEP603) - 15 credits
• Applied Audio Engineering 4 (AEP604) - 15 credits
• Electronic Music Production 3 (AEP605) - 15 credits
• Electronic Music Production 4 (AEP606) - 15 credits
• Sound for Visual Media (AEP607) - 15 credits
• Advanced Live Sound (AEP608) - 15 credits
• Audio Electronics (AEP609) - 15 credits

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills for employment or self-employment in a range of roles including:

• Professional audio engineer
• Producer or engineer
• Sound designer
• Electronic music artist
• Live sound engineer
• Audio-visual installer or operator
• Studio set-up consultant
• Commercial music producer
• Studio operator
• Audio editor

Study Pathways

This qualification can lead to the Bachelor of Music, which is also available at Ara, or the Bachelor of Audio Production available at Southern Institute of Technology’s Invercargill campus. There may be options for blended delivery between Ara and SIT.

Programme Details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ3423
• Next Starts: February 2026
• Credits: 120
• Level: 6
• Reference: NZ3423-STRU

Duration

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: available

Start Date

• Full-time: 23 February 2026
• Part-time: 23 February 2026

Campus

• Madras Street Campus

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.