Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Bachelor of Arts (Arts Management)

Effective from 01-JAN-2018 : Code Y20

The course provides a foundation in business theory and practice for the arts industry. The program is specifically industry-focused and designed to give students the knowledge and skills to work in a diverse range of art forms and organisations, including theatre companies, venues, dance companies, exhibitions, galleries, concerts and festivals. Upon completion of the course it is expected that graduates will demonstrate the ECU graduate attributes; develop a wider appreciation of, and passion for, the arts in Australia and globally; understand the imperatives that guide the business world and the importance of strategic thinking; have well-developed theoretical knowledge, skills and abilities in the major business functional areas as they relate to arts companies, including management, marketing, finance and legal compliance; and have the essential competencies and professional attitudes to be employed in a diverse range of positions within both large and small arts companies. WAAPA also believes that students learning journeys are not only about core technical expertise but are also about gaining core values, ethics, knowledge, skills and capabilities for their professional and personal growth. Therefore all WAAPA courses ensure that graduates gain skills in strong communication, cultural awareness and teamwork. Most importantly, courses also facilitate critical appraisal to inspire confidence in creativity and innovation, the generation of new ideas, consideration of wider societal and cultural aspects related to their practice, and an international perspective in teaching and learning. In addition, where appropriate, units will address social and cultural sustainability in the following ways; customer service and duty of care in public performance environments; engagement with corporate and community partners; building social and cultural confidence in students via exposure to diverse public performance environments; and workplaces locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.

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.

Work Experience Requirement

An emphasis on academic study and experiential practice gives students the opportunity to apply theory to practical situations and workplace scenarios by developing their understanding of art forms and processes within various arts organisations. During the later stages of the degree, practical experience is gained in the wider arts industry. It provides an authentic workplace environment through the engagement and collaboration with industry professionals and the diverse number of public performances and exhibitions where students can transfer their skills into professional venues both at WAAPA and externally. First-year students will demonstrate their understanding of theory through staffing Front of House for WAAPA productions. Second-year students take on the management roles of Front of House and are also encouraged to become involved in community and professional activities. Third-year students are required to gain experience with professional companies in the first semester of the year. In the final semester, students undertake their Industry Placement with a professional arts organisation. This is a full-time, 10-week placement which is designed to synthesise theory and practice and to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills acquired over the previous five semesters. It also provides a transition period that is a practical preparation for the workforce.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply broad and coherent knowledge and skills with depth of the theories, principles and concepts of arts management.
2. Critically review, analyse, and synthesise knowledge in arts management to improve organisational practice.
3. Demonstrate initiative, judgement and creativity in planning, problem solving, and decision making through project planning for arts organisations.
4. Exercise creative thinking and judgement to identify and sustainably solve problems in the planning, organisation, marketing, and promotion of arts management.
5. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice.
6. Successfully communicate arts management knowledge and ideas in diverse contexts, demonstrating cross-cultural awareness and including an ability to communicate and work with Aboriginal Australians.
7. Use digital technologies and discipline related literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
8. Work collaboratively on a project and apply responsibility and accountability for own learning and continued development.

Admission requirements

Academic standard for the following admission pathways:

• ATAR
• Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma
• Experienced Based Entry (where accepted)
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
• Aboriginal Student Intake Test
• University Preparation Course
• Indigenous University Orientation Course

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to attend an interview. Individual interviews are conducted to provide information about the applicant's experience, motivation and goals. It is important that prospective students have an existing interest and background in the arts and a commitment to extending their knowledge in management and the arts in general.

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 3 Years

Course Delivery

• Mount Lawley: Full Time

Course Coordinator

Dr Helen Kathryn RUSAK

Course Structure

Note: Elective unit may be from from any offering across ECU.