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Course code Y93

Bachelor of Arts (Acting)

Creative thinkers made here.

Creative thinkers made here.

Why study at ECU?

About this Course

WAAPA's Bachelor of Arts (Acting) degree is a three-year rigorous conservatoire program that will open the mind and ignite the imagination.

Centred on the development of the self-determined contemporary actor, we graduate actors who are confident, resilient, and prepared for a career in theatre, television, and film both nationally and internationally.

The program offers a full-time, studio-based, learning environment, where students are encouraged to develop holistically through the integrated practice of acting, voice and movement in theatre and screen. Guided by a philosophy of discovery, application, and embodiment, the program is delivered in an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates the unique perspective of each student.

In this rigorous skills-based actor training, local, national, and international visiting artists work with staff to simulate real-life industry programs and productions. The Bachelor of Arts (Acting) has an international reputation for excellence evidenced by the success of its graduates for over 40 years.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code Y93

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $8,950

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

3 years full-time

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup
Mount Lawley FT
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Timetable

This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.

About this Course

WAAPA's Bachelor of Arts (Acting) degree is a three-year rigorous conservatoire program that will open the mind and ignite the imagination.

Centred on the development of the self-determined contemporary actor, we graduate actors who are confident, resilient, and prepared for a career in theatre, television, and film both nationally and internationally.

The program offers a full-time, studio-based, learning environment, where students are encouraged to develop holistically through the integrated practice of acting, voice and movement in theatre and screen. Guided by a philosophy of discovery, application, and embodiment, the program is delivered in an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates the unique perspective of each student.

In this rigorous skills-based actor training, local, national, and international visiting artists work with staff to simulate real-life industry programs and productions. The Bachelor of Arts (Acting) has an international reputation for excellence evidenced by the success of its graduates for over 40 years.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.

Course code Y93

CRICOS code 078476G

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $37,600

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

3 years full-time

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup
Mount Lawley FT
South West
Online
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

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 attend an audition. Entry into this course is talent-based, and prospective students will be comprehensively assessed through an audition process which is held in November-December each year. Australia-wide auditions are conducted in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Overseas students are assessed by auditions sent electronically.

    The audition includes a thorough assessment of inherent and trainable ability, the ability to meet the technical requirements of the course and suitability for the industry.

    For more information, including guidelines for specific disciplines, please see our Interviews, folios and auditions web page.

    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;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; 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;*
    • 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 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 attend an audition. Entry into this course is talent-based, and prospective students will be comprehensively assessed through an audition process which is held in November-December each year. Australia-wide auditions are conducted in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Overseas students are assessed by auditions sent electronically.

    The audition includes a thorough assessment of inherent and trainable ability, the ability to meet the technical requirements of the course and suitability for the industry.

    For more information, including guidelines for specific disciplines, please see our Interviews, folios and auditions web page.

    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;
    • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
    • University Preparation Course;*
    • Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
    • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; 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;*
    • 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 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

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT1101Acting Skills 115
ACT1102Foundations of Performance: History and Context15
ACT1003Foundations of Movement for an Actor15
ACT1004Discovering the Performer's Voice15

Note: ACT1102 Foundations of Performance: History and Context is a full-year unit.

Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT1105Acting Skills 215
ACT1006Integrating the Skills of the Actor15
ACT1007Movement for the Actor15
ACT1008Words and the Body15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT2101Theatre Production 115
ACT2002The Dynamic Actor15
ACT2003Extending Vocal Knowledge15
ACT2104Acting Skills 315
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT2105Theatre Production 215
ACT2006The Embodied Actor15
ACT2007Dynamic Voice15
ACT2108Extending and Exploring Acting Techniques Through Character and Screen15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT3101Theatre Production 315
ACT3002The Creative Physical Actor15
ACT3003Professional Voice15
ACT3004Acting for Screen30

Note: ACT3004 Acting for Screen is a full-year unit.

Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT3105Professional Preparation: Business Skills15
ACT3106Theatre Production 415
ACT3108Professional Preparation: Audition Techniques15

Y93|5

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 handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • Performances and rehearsals may include evenings and/or weekends.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the theory, and methods encompassing the fundamental aspects of drama, acting, and theatre required for professional actors.
  2. Analyse the relationship between movement and acting in diverse contexts to successfully communicate knowledge and ideas in a variety of intentions and actions.
  3. Exercise critical thinking and judgement to identify and solve problems related to the research, rehearsal, development, and management of collaborative performance projects through effective preparation and performance.
  4. Review, analyse, and synthesise knowledge to adapt vocal use for a variety of acoustic environments or demonstrate intentions through movements to engage audiences.
  5. Demonstrate cross-cultural awareness, including awareness of Australian indigenous culture in relation to the creative industries, including the development and interpretation of media, design and visual culture.
  6. Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts and genres to the rehearsal, production, technique, performance, management and evaluation of theatre ensemble productions.
  7. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning through reflective analysis of performances in rehearsals and technical aspects throughout the performance season.
  8. Demonstrate methods and philosophies of acting through creative resourcefulness to judge plan, solve problems and make decisions in auditions, rehearsals and performances.
  9. Collaborate in the production of works of creative expression for public display with the ability to evaluate team processes and outcomes.
  10. Apply innovation through the development of original products, using information, numeracy and technology literacy skills.
  11. Apply and evaluate principles of sustainability and global perspectives in problem solving related to creation, the exploitation of intellectual property and other issues relevant to creative industries.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT1101Acting Skills 115
ACT1102Foundations of Performance: History and Context15
ACT1003Foundations of Movement for an Actor15
ACT1004Discovering the Performer's Voice15

Note: ACT1102 Foundations of Performance: History and Context is a full-year unit.

Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT1105Acting Skills 215
ACT1006Integrating the Skills of the Actor15
ACT1007Movement for the Actor15
ACT1008Words and the Body15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT2101Theatre Production 115
ACT2002The Dynamic Actor15
ACT2003Extending Vocal Knowledge15
ACT2104Acting Skills 315
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT2105Theatre Production 215
ACT2006The Embodied Actor15
ACT2007Dynamic Voice15
ACT2108Extending and Exploring Acting Techniques Through Character and Screen15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT3101Theatre Production 315
ACT3002The Creative Physical Actor15
ACT3003Professional Voice15
ACT3004Acting for Screen30

Note: ACT3004 Acting for Screen is a full-year unit.

Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT3105Professional Preparation: Business Skills15
ACT3106Theatre Production 415
ACT3108Professional Preparation: Audition Techniques15

Y93|5

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 handbook

Course notes

Important course notes

  • Performances and rehearsals may include evenings and/or weekends.

Course learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the theory, and methods encompassing the fundamental aspects of drama, acting, and theatre required for professional actors.
  2. Analyse the relationship between movement and acting in diverse contexts to successfully communicate knowledge and ideas in a variety of intentions and actions.
  3. Exercise critical thinking and judgement to identify and solve problems related to the research, rehearsal, development, and management of collaborative performance projects through effective preparation and performance.
  4. Review, analyse, and synthesise knowledge to adapt vocal use for a variety of acoustic environments or demonstrate intentions through movements to engage audiences.
  5. Demonstrate cross-cultural awareness, including awareness of Australian indigenous culture in relation to the creative industries, including the development and interpretation of media, design and visual culture.
  6. Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts and genres to the rehearsal, production, technique, performance, management and evaluation of theatre ensemble productions.
  7. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning through reflective analysis of performances in rehearsals and technical aspects throughout the performance season.
  8. Demonstrate methods and philosophies of acting through creative resourcefulness to judge plan, solve problems and make decisions in auditions, rehearsals and performances.
  9. Collaborate in the production of works of creative expression for public display with the ability to evaluate team processes and outcomes.
  10. Apply innovation through the development of original products, using information, numeracy and technology literacy skills.
  11. Apply and evaluate principles of sustainability and global perspectives in problem solving related to creation, the exploitation of intellectual property and other issues relevant to creative industries.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $8,950 - 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 scholarship

Career Opportunities

Graduates gain employment attracting A-list agents and become artists of the future, capable of contributing to a vibrant artistic community. Our graduates find employment across a range of media, including theatre, commercials, main stage, independent, children’s theatre, community, comedy festivals, film, television, radio, writing, producing, casting, marketing, and many more.

Possible future job titles

Actor, Theatre Actor, Screen Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, Radio Voice Over Artist, Radio Broadcaster, Choreographer, Casting Agent

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $37,600 - 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 scholarship

Career Opportunities

Graduates gain employment attracting A-list agents and become artists of the future, capable of contributing to a vibrant artistic community. Our graduates find employment across a range of media, including theatre, commercials, main stage, independent, children’s theatre, community, comedy festivals, film, television, radio, writing, producing, casting, marketing, and many more.

Possible future job titles

Actor, Theatre Actor, Screen Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, Radio Voice Over Artist, Radio Broadcaster, Choreographer, Casting Agent

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.

Experiences

Explore your options

"When you choose to study at WAAPA, you'll be joining one of the world's most celebrated performing arts academies, recognised for the quality of its graduates-turned-stars."

Experiences

Explore your options

"When you choose to study at WAAPA, you'll be joining one of the world's most celebrated performing arts academies, recognised for the quality of its graduates-turned-stars."

Student stories

George Pullar

George Pullar

WAAPA Acting graduate

Not only does WAAPA have a great reputation among the industry, but you don't quite realise how great the training is until you are able to apply it in a professional context

Those three years dedicated to honing my skill set gave me a steady confidence and foundation to build on.

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.

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 Arts (Acting)?

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.