Bachelor of Performing Arts
Course code Y97
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About this Course
Explores original, self-devised and collaborative approaches to researching, creating, producing and presenting contemporary arts practice.
The course provides students with coherent knowledge of the performing arts, combining theoretical and technical knowledge of performance and seeks to unlock limitations through practical inquiry. It also examines the ever-evolving nature of contemporary practice and new approaches to presentation and production.
Students will develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Self-directed projects will develop confidence in working independently and highly collaborative group work will develop the ability to work as part of a cohesive team. The third year offers the opportunity for students to focus on a particular discipline or area of practice.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code Y97
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $9,350
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | FT | PT |
| South West | ||
| Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
Explores original, self-devised and collaborative approaches to researching, creating, producing and presenting contemporary arts practice.
The course provides students with coherent knowledge of the performing arts, combining theoretical and technical knowledge of performance and seeks to unlock limitations through practical inquiry. It also examines the ever-evolving nature of contemporary practice and new approaches to presentation and production.
Students will develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Self-directed projects will develop confidence in working independently and highly collaborative group work will develop the ability to work as part of a cohesive team. The third year offers the opportunity for students to focus on a particular discipline or area of practice.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code Y97
CRICOS code 077131G
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $39,450
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | FT | |
| South West | ||
| Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to meet the technical requirements of the course and will be assessed on their suitability for the industry. One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to meet the technical requirements of the course and will be assessed on their suitability for the industry. One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Applications for this course are not accepted through ECU's Experience Based Entry Scheme.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley
Semester 2: Study part-time at Mount Lawley
Course Structure
Students are required to complete a Core program of 4 Foundation units; plus 2 eight unit Majors. This is supported by a Supplementary program, approved by the Course Coordinator, comprising of a four unit Minor; or four Elective units.
Foundation Program (60cp)
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BPA1400 | Australian Performance and Production Practices | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BPA2400 | Creativity and Collaboration in the Performing Arts | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BPA2405 | Interweaving Cultures in the Performing Arts | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BPA3400 | Performing Arts Management | 15 |
| Unit from Major | x 8 (Major 1) | 120 |
| Unit from Major | x 8 (Major 2) | 120 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 4 | 60 |
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ADM3610 | Venue Operations and Management | 15 |
| BPA1405 | Direction in Theory and Practice | 15 |
| BPD2420 | Production Management in Practice | 15 |
| BPD3260 | Industry Secondment | 15 |
| BPD3400 | Production Industry Studies | 15 |
| BPD3420 | Production Practicum 3 | 15 |
| PAD2400 | Solo Performance Lab | 15 |
| PAD3400 | Writing for Performance | 15 |
| SAP1000 | Power, Politics and Performance | 15 |
| SAP2000 | Performance and the Institution | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ADM2615 | Arts and Festivals Marketing | 15 |
| ADM3615 | Digital Arts Experiences | 15 |
| BPA2420 | Stage Combat and Intimacy | 15 |
| BPA3405 | Digital and Intermedial Performance | 15 |
| BPD3260 | Industry Secondment | 15 |
| BPD3480 | Production Practicum 4 | 15 |
| PAD2405 | Directing Text and Running a Room | 15 |
| PAD3405 | Playwriting Workshop | 15 |
| SAP1010 | Performance as Social Transformation | 15 |
| SAP2010 | Sex, Gender and Performance | 15 |
Y97|9
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
Course notes
Important course notes
-
Units in the course may involve working on and off campus outside of standard teaching hours.
-
Students participate in various forms of WIL including in productions/projects.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge and technical skills to a range of discipline specific theoretical or practical tasks for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 1, 2, 3)
- Think critically to analyse, interpret, conceptualise and synthesise disciplinary knowledge in solving complex problems for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 2, 3, 4)
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific solutions and responses for the performing arts and entertainment industry context (AQF Bach: 3, 4, 6).
- Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources in the development of work for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 3, 4, 7)
- Communicate disciplinary knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence in tasks or situations relevant to the professional performing arts and entertainment industry. (AQF Bach: 5)
- Adapt knowledge and skills for diverse contexts demonstrating a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence. (AQF Bach: 7)
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values in undertaking their discipline specific roles for projects in the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 4,6,8)
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for their learning and/or professional practice in discipline relevant tasks or situations for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 1,7,8)
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley
Course Structure
Students are required to complete a Core program of 4 Foundation units; plus 2 eight unit Majors. This is supported by a Supplementary program, approved by the Course Coordinator, comprising of a four unit Minor; or four Elective units.
Foundation Program (60cp)
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BPA1400 | Australian Performance and Production Practices | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BPA2400 | Creativity and Collaboration in the Performing Arts | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BPA2405 | Interweaving Cultures in the Performing Arts | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BPA3400 | Performing Arts Management | 15 |
| Unit from Major | x 8 (Major 1) | 120 |
| Unit from Major | x 8 (Major 2) | 120 |
| Unit from Minor/Elective | x 4 | 60 |
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ADM3610 | Venue Operations and Management | 15 |
| BPA1405 | Direction in Theory and Practice | 15 |
| BPD2420 | Production Management in Practice | 15 |
| BPD3260 | Industry Secondment | 15 |
| BPD3400 | Production Industry Studies | 15 |
| BPD3420 | Production Practicum 3 | 15 |
| PAD2400 | Solo Performance Lab | 15 |
| PAD3400 | Writing for Performance | 15 |
| SAP1000 | Power, Politics and Performance | 15 |
| SAP2000 | Performance and the Institution | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| ADM2615 | Arts and Festivals Marketing | 15 |
| ADM3615 | Digital Arts Experiences | 15 |
| BPA2420 | Stage Combat and Intimacy | 15 |
| BPA3405 | Digital and Intermedial Performance | 15 |
| BPD3260 | Industry Secondment | 15 |
| BPD3480 | Production Practicum 4 | 15 |
| PAD2405 | Directing Text and Running a Room | 15 |
| PAD3405 | Playwriting Workshop | 15 |
| SAP1010 | Performance as Social Transformation | 15 |
| SAP2010 | Sex, Gender and Performance | 15 |
Y97|9
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
Course notes
Important course notes
-
Units in the course may involve working on and off campus outside of standard teaching hours.
-
Students participate in various forms of WIL including in productions/projects.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge and technical skills to a range of discipline specific theoretical or practical tasks for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 1, 2, 3)
- Think critically to analyse, interpret, conceptualise and synthesise disciplinary knowledge in solving complex problems for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 2, 3, 4)
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific solutions and responses for the performing arts and entertainment industry context (AQF Bach: 3, 4, 6).
- Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources in the development of work for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 3, 4, 7)
- Communicate disciplinary knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence in tasks or situations relevant to the professional performing arts and entertainment industry. (AQF Bach: 5)
- Adapt knowledge and skills for diverse contexts demonstrating a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence. (AQF Bach: 7)
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values in undertaking their discipline specific roles for projects in the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 4,6,8)
- Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for their learning and/or professional practice in discipline relevant tasks or situations for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 1,7,8)
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $9,350 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course is underpinned by core performance, communication and management skills that are necessary to gain professional employment in the performing arts.
Possible future job titles
Performer, Musician, Director, Choreographer, Designer, Composer, Sound Designer, Arranger, Dramaturg, Playwright
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $39,450 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
This course is underpinned by core performance, communication and management skills that are necessary to gain professional employment in the performing arts.
Possible future job titles
Performer, Musician, Director, Choreographer, Designer, Composer, Sound Designer, Arranger, Dramaturg, Playwright
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Creative thinkers start here
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Student stories
-
WAAPA has led to opportunities I would never have thought realistic three years ago
This is largely thanks to the incredible work of the staff who go out of their way to help each student realise their ambitions. The most rewarding parts of the course, so far, for me have been devising and performing a solo piece, working with James Berlyn on Memory Bones at His Majesty's Theatre. And also the study tour to the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore in early 2017.
If you're interested in writing, directing, performing and/or running your own theatre company, this is the course for you.
Quick guide to uni-speak
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-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Performing Arts?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.