Course Information

Bachelor of Performing Arts Honours

Effective from 01-JAN-2023 : Code W92

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) course, with two distinct streams of Dance and Performance Making, provides students with an opportunity to focus in depth on a particular research topic of their choice while also receiving further research training at fourth year Honours level. Students can focus on Dance or Performance Making which encompasses devising, directing, writing or design. Students are guided through refining a research topic and undertaking research that synthesises practical, theoretical and historical knowledge. The course develops advanced technical skills and a sophisticated understanding of the creative process. Critical thinking and communication skills are developed in seminar discussions and the written exegesis or thesis component. Assessment tasks, both practical and written, have real-world application to prepare graduates to make a contribution to the professional performing arts industry. There is scope for the Honours year to incorporate international study tour or industry placements.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Execute creative projects in the performing arts displaying advanced technical and creative skills consistent with the discipline.
  2. Apply advanced discipline knowledge and research skills to conceptualising research projects with the capacity to develop new understanding of performance through research.
  3. Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
  4. Demonstrate leadership and advanced collaboration skills in professional environments that encompass diverse disciplines, perspectives and levels of expertise.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 8)

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:

  • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

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;
  • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;
  • 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 as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to have successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts (Dance) or Bachelor of Performing Arts or equivalent and are usually required to have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70% or higher, and attend an audition. The audition is inclusive of an interview component, including submission of a written outline of a research proposal, where applicants will be assessed to determine both their commitment and aptitude. Note: The audition/interview requirement may be waived for current ECU students enrolled in the Bachelor of Performing Arts or Bachelor of Arts (Dance).

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree Award.

Course Duration

  • Full Time: 1 Year
  • Part Time: 2 Years

Course Delivery

  • Mount Lawley: Full Time, Part Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Students may be required to attend evening and weekend workshops, rehearsals and performances. Some of these may be at locations external to WAAPA, ECU.

Course Coordinator

Dr Renee NEWMAN

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
BPA4001Performing Arts Research30
BPA4002Creative Practice 130
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
BPA4003Research Project30
BPA4004Creative Practice 230

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

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