Master of Arts (Performing Arts)
Course code J40
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About this Course
Primarily aimed at high-level researchers, critics and practitioners from a wide cross-section of the arts community who wish to extend their independent capacity to operate in an increasingly multi-art form and technologically-based profession.
Students may be required to research, devise and produce new works of art, or develop new approaches to arts practice and/or its critical and social contexts and meaning (depending on the specific research project entailed). It is expected that any such arts practice will be a contemporary expression leading towards new insights in the selected field of study. The work will be exploratory, frequently based around emerging methodologies of arts research, leading usually to a performance, presentation, exhibition or publication of significance.
Specifically, the course aims to create opportunities for innovation and creativity in the arts; use the resources of the Academy to create leadership opportunities for people who can offer the arts informed direction, and identifiable and marketable skills, to advance the Australian cultural environment into the next decade; provide opportunities for people from diverse ethnic and creative arts backgrounds to synthesise disparate artistic skills to produce innovative and creative outcomes for the arts industry; and build upon and extend the traditions and conventions of the student's earlier training to create new knowledge for the arts.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Research) Award.
Course code J40
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
The Australian Government's Research Training Program provides tuition fee offsets for domestic students who are enrolled in Higher Degree by Research courses.
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | ||
| Mount Lawley | FT PT | FT PT |
| South West | ||
| Online |
About this Course
Primarily aimed at high-level researchers, critics and practitioners from a wide cross-section of the arts community who wish to extend their independent capacity to operate in an increasingly multi-art form and technologically-based profession.
Students may be required to research, devise and produce new works of art, or develop new approaches to arts practice and/or its critical and social contexts and meaning (depending on the specific research project entailed). It is expected that any such arts practice will be a contemporary expression leading towards new insights in the selected field of study. The work will be exploratory, frequently based around emerging methodologies of arts research, leading usually to a performance, presentation, exhibition or publication of significance.
Specifically, the course aims to create opportunities for innovation and creativity in the arts; use the resources of the Academy to create leadership opportunities for people who can offer the arts informed direction, and identifiable and marketable skills, to advance the Australian cultural environment into the next decade; provide opportunities for people from diverse ethnic and creative arts backgrounds to synthesise disparate artistic skills to produce innovative and creative outcomes for the arts industry; and build upon and extend the traditions and conventions of the student's earlier training to create new knowledge for the arts.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Research) Award.
Course code J40
CRICOS code 074069M
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 | FT |
| South West | ||
| Online |
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 attend an audition. The candidate is expected to undertake an audition (all performance and directing) and/or interview (composition, musicology and other forms of historic study) for the staff in the relevant area. Information on this requirement will be available from the area head on application.
For more information, including guidelines for specific disciplines, please see our Interviews, folios and auditions web page.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
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 attend an audition. The candidate is expected to undertake an audition (all performance and directing) and/or interview (composition, musicology and other forms of historic study) for the staff in the relevant area. Information on this requirement will be available from the area head on application.
For more information, including guidelines for specific disciplines, please see our Interviews, folios and auditions web page.
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree; or
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley
Semester 1: Study part-time at Mount Lawley
Semester 2: Study full-time at Mount Lawley
Semester 2: Study part-time at Mount Lawley
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAP5115 | Literature Review | 30 |
| MAP5116 | Performing Arts Research Preparation | 30 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAP6200 | Masters Thesis |
Students are required to continue to re-enrol in the thesis component of their study until the thesis is submitted for examination. All students are expected to have achieved confirmation of candidature by the end of this semester, at the latest.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAP6200 | Masters Thesis |
Students may submit their thesis for examination at the end of this semester if they have achieved the required standard and scope for the degree.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAP6200 | Masters Thesis |
J40|4
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 handbookCourse notes
Course learning outcomes
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate complex ideas and concepts in the design, execution and critical examination of research activities. (AQF Masters Res: 3,4,5,6,10)
- Apply high-level communication skills to present and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge in the performing arts. (AQF Masters Res: 7,8,9)
- Reflect critically on a complex body of research principles and methods, and integrate theoretical and technical knowledge in the advancement of conceptual understandings and creative practice in the performing arts. (AQF Masters Res: 1, 2)
- Use high-level self-management skills to plan and execute a substantial piece of research. (AQF Masters Res: 11,12)
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley
Semester 2: Study full-time at Mount Lawley
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAP5115 | Literature Review | 30 |
| MAP5116 | Performing Arts Research Preparation | 30 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAP6200 | Masters Thesis |
Students are required to continue to re-enrol in the thesis component of their study until the thesis is submitted for examination. All students are expected to have achieved confirmation of candidature by the end of this semester, at the latest.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAP6200 | Masters Thesis |
Students may submit their thesis for examination at the end of this semester if they have achieved the required standard and scope for the degree.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MAP6200 | Masters Thesis |
J40|4
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 handbookCourse notes
Course learning outcomes
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate complex ideas and concepts in the design, execution and critical examination of research activities. (AQF Masters Res: 3,4,5,6,10)
- Apply high-level communication skills to present and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge in the performing arts. (AQF Masters Res: 7,8,9)
- Reflect critically on a complex body of research principles and methods, and integrate theoretical and technical knowledge in the advancement of conceptual understandings and creative practice in the performing arts. (AQF Masters Res: 1, 2)
- Use high-level self-management skills to plan and execute a substantial piece of research. (AQF Masters Res: 11,12)
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
If you're a domestic student enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research program, you won't be required to pay tuition fees. The Australian Government provides domestic students with tuition fee offsets under the Research Training Program (RTP) for up to 2 years full-time (or equivalent) for Master by Research courses.
Note
The RTP covers your tuition fees only. You will still be required to pay all other non-tuition fees applicable to your course, such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee. 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 scholarshipRelated courses
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
- Doctor of Philosophy
Students interested in completing doctoral research in the Performing Arts disciplines should consider the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
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 scholarshipRelated courses
Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.
- Doctor of Philosophy
Students interested in completing doctoral research in the Performing Arts disciplines should consider the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
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
Creative thinkers start here
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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-
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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 Master of Arts (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.