About Diploma In Sound Engineering And Audio Production in Southern Institute of Technology

• Apply a range of audio software and hardware to produce complex music
• Produce complex music using a range of audio software and hardware, and a range of audio engineering techniques and processes
• Create and produce complex music, recordings and other sound-related works
• Apply music and sonic theory to produce complex music
• Apply a broad range of research and analytical skills to inform own practice
• Manage and take responsibility for own professional practice. - Analyse characteristics of the audio and related music industry to develop own career plan

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme wishing to work in the audio production industry will be equipped with a foundation of basic skills and knowledge required for entry level employment or/and provide a base for further education.

School Leavers

University Entrance - NCEA Level 3. Three subjects – at Level 3, made up of:

• 14 credits each, in three NZQA University Entrance approved subjects, and
• Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of five credits in reading, five credits in writing, and
• Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of specified achievement standards through a range of subjects, or package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627 - all three required)

Mature Applicants

Be at least 20 years of age when the programme begins and provide evidence of aptitude or appropriate work or other experience.

All applicants may have to submit a portfolio of work including transcripts, examples of written work and studio practice in an applicable discipline as directed by the PM, prior to attending an interview.

Special Admission

Notwithstanding the above admissions categories, in exceptional circumstances, a mature aged applicant who can show evidence of ability to succeed in the programme may be considered for admission provided the applicant has successfully completed an approved course or programme, which is deemed to prepare graduates for the required academic standard for entry.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having passed an NZQA approved English Language Assessment, or one of the following tests of English language competence in accordance with the NZQA rules below:

New Zealand Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production (Level 5)

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate of at least 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, are required to provide evidence of having passed an NZQA approved English Proficiency Assessment, or achieved the required score in one of the following internationally recognized English Proficiency tests within the preceding two years:

Certificate or Diploma at Level 5

• IELTS test - Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5
• TOEFL Paper based test (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)
• TOEFL Internet based test (iBT) - Score of 46 (with a writing score of 14)
• Cambridge English Examination – B2 First or B2 First for schools with a score of 162.  No less than 154 in each skill
• OET at Grade C or 200  in all sub-tests
• NZCEL - a) Expiring Level   b) Current: a) Level 4 (General) or (Workplace), b) Level 4 (General) or (Employment)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36
• Language Cert - B2 Communicator IESOL (LRWS) with HIGH PASS and no less than Pass in each skill
• Trinity ISE ISE11 with no less than merit in any band

Applicants from countries with an annual student visa approval rate below 80 per cent, whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence that they:

• Have gained NCEA Level 3 and met New Zealand University Entrance requirements, or
• Hold a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America, or
• Have achieved a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, CELTA or passed one of the English language tests listed above or have achieved the required score in one of the following internationally recognized English Proficiency tests within the preceding two years

Southern Institute of Technology Highlights

New Zealand Living Expenses

You'll require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380–480 per week) for housing/rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance fees. The average living expense will be the same for everyone, regardless of their tuition or course price. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions; the Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year including return travel or an additional $2,000.