Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre)
Course code G44
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About this Course
Provides technical training in singing, music skills, specific dance forms, improvisation, and acting, including acting for the camera.
The course also provides the opportunity for student performers to acquire specialist skills such as the creation and production of self-devised material, arts management and musical skills such as accompanying.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code
G44Entry 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 | |
| South West | ||
| Online |
Timetable
This course has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
Provides technical training in singing, music skills, specific dance forms, improvisation, and acting, including acting for the camera.
The course also provides the opportunity for student performers to acquire specialist skills such as the creation and production of self-devised material, arts management and musical skills such as accompanying.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code
G44CRICOS code
050058AEntry 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 attend an audition. In accordance with ECU's Admissions Policy, applicants are required to participate in an audition process (or supply specific audition material) in order to demonstrate capability as required for the course. Additionally applicants must attend an interview. The audition and interview are comprehensive, information relating to requirements and procedures is available from WAAPA.
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;
- 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 attend an audition. In accordance with ECU's Admissions Policy, applicants are required to participate in an audition process (or supply specific audition material) in order to demonstrate capability as required for the course. Additionally applicants must attend an interview. The audition and interview are comprehensive, information relating to requirements and procedures is available from WAAPA.
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;
- 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
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MTH1101 | Vocal Technique and Music 1 | 15 |
| MTH1201 | Music Theatre Dance 1 | 15 |
| MTH1301 | Acting 1 | 15 |
| ACT1102 | Foundations of Performance: History and Context | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MTH1102 | Vocal Technique and Music 2 | 15 |
| MTH1202 | Music Theatre Dance 2 | 15 |
| MTH1302 | Acting 2 | 15 |
| MTH2402 | Music Theatre History | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MTH2001 | Vocal Technique and Music 3 | 15 |
| MTH2201 | Music Theatre Dance 3 | 15 |
| MTH2301 | Acting 3 | 15 |
| MTH2401 | Music Theatre Texts and Context | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MTH2002 | Vocal Technique and Music 4 | 15 |
| MTH2202 | Music Theatre Dance 4 | 15 |
| MTH2302 | Acting 4 | 15 |
| MTH2405 | Music Theatre Production 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Complete the following three units: | ||
| MTH3101 | Vocal Technique and Music 5 | 15 |
| MTH3301 | Music Theatre Production 2 | 15 |
| MTH3401 | Music Theatre Industry Readiness | 15 |
| Plus, complete one of the following three units: | ||
| MTH3251 ^ | Music Theatre Dance Specialisation 1 | 15 |
| ACT3003 ^ | Professional Voice | 15 |
| MTH3402 ^ | Acting for Camera | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Complete the following two units: | ||
| MTH3002 | Vocal Technique and Music 6 | 15 |
| MTH3302 | Music Theatre Production 3 and Showcase | 30 |
| Plus, complete one of the following three units: | ||
| MTH3252 ^ | Music Theatre Dance Specialisation 2 | 15 |
| MTH3402 ^ | Acting for Camera | 15 |
| PMA2003 ^ | Directing Workshop | 15 |
| As an alternative to the third year 15 credit point core option units (MTH3251, ACT3003, MTH3252, MTH3402, PMA3003), students may complete the following 30 credit point unit. ACT3004 Acting for Camera is a full year unit running across Semester One and Semester Two. | ||
| ACT3004 ^ | Acting for Screen | 30 |
^ Core Option
G44|3
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
Important course notes
-
Students will undertake regular timetabled classes during teaching weeks and intensive modular projects in specialist areas.
Rehearsals and performances for large-scale productions require some evening and weekend commitments outside regularly timetabled hours. Overall scope of commitment is confined to WAAPA’s timetable.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply skills and knowledge of the theory, methods and techniques required of the professional performer in the context of musical theatre and related industries.
- Exercise critical thinking and judgement in researching theatrical works, whether existing or original, and preparing for theatrical performance.
- Employ creative thinking to anticipate and solve interpretive problems, generate new ideas and innovate in the adaptation and development of theatrical processes & practices.
- Use digital information and communication technologies, to support and develop own creative practice, to manage and promote a professional identity, and to access and engage with relevant sources of information.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in a professional context using appropriate disciplinary communication conventions.
- Demonstrate a global outlook and respect for diversity, including an enhanced ability to empathise, communicate and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Work collaboratively with other professionals in various settings according to relevant standards of ethical conduct, sustainable practice and professional accountability.
- Exercise self-reflection, judgement and responsibility in developing artistic practice and planning for and managing personal and professional growth and development.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Mount Lawley
Course Structure
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MTH1101 | Vocal Technique and Music 1 | 15 |
| MTH1201 | Music Theatre Dance 1 | 15 |
| MTH1301 | Acting 1 | 15 |
| ACT1102 | Foundations of Performance: History and Context | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MTH1102 | Vocal Technique and Music 2 | 15 |
| MTH1202 | Music Theatre Dance 2 | 15 |
| MTH1302 | Acting 2 | 15 |
| MTH2402 | Music Theatre History | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MTH2001 | Vocal Technique and Music 3 | 15 |
| MTH2201 | Music Theatre Dance 3 | 15 |
| MTH2301 | Acting 3 | 15 |
| MTH2401 | Music Theatre Texts and Context | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| MTH2002 | Vocal Technique and Music 4 | 15 |
| MTH2202 | Music Theatre Dance 4 | 15 |
| MTH2302 | Acting 4 | 15 |
| MTH2405 | Music Theatre Production 1 | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Complete the following three units: | ||
| MTH3101 | Vocal Technique and Music 5 | 15 |
| MTH3301 | Music Theatre Production 2 | 15 |
| MTH3401 | Music Theatre Industry Readiness | 15 |
| Plus, complete one of the following three units: | ||
| MTH3251 ^ | Music Theatre Dance Specialisation 1 | 15 |
| ACT3003 ^ | Professional Voice | 15 |
| MTH3402 ^ | Acting for Camera | 15 |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Complete the following two units: | ||
| MTH3002 | Vocal Technique and Music 6 | 15 |
| MTH3302 | Music Theatre Production 3 and Showcase | 30 |
| Plus, complete one of the following three units: | ||
| MTH3252 ^ | Music Theatre Dance Specialisation 2 | 15 |
| MTH3402 ^ | Acting for Camera | 15 |
| PMA2003 ^ | Directing Workshop | 15 |
| As an alternative to the third year 15 credit point core option units (MTH3251, ACT3003, MTH3252, MTH3402, PMA3003), students may complete the following 30 credit point unit. ACT3004 Acting for Camera is a full year unit running across Semester One and Semester Two. | ||
| ACT3004 ^ | Acting for Screen | 30 |
^ Core Option
G44|3
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
Important course notes
-
Students will undertake regular timetabled classes during teaching weeks and intensive modular projects in specialist areas.
Rehearsals and performances for large-scale productions require some evening and weekend commitments outside regularly timetabled hours. Overall scope of commitment is confined to WAAPA’s timetable.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply skills and knowledge of the theory, methods and techniques required of the professional performer in the context of musical theatre and related industries.
- Exercise critical thinking and judgement in researching theatrical works, whether existing or original, and preparing for theatrical performance.
- Employ creative thinking to anticipate and solve interpretive problems, generate new ideas and innovate in the adaptation and development of theatrical processes & practices.
- Use digital information and communication technologies, to support and develop own creative practice, to manage and promote a professional identity, and to access and engage with relevant sources of information.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in a professional context using appropriate disciplinary communication conventions.
- Demonstrate a global outlook and respect for diversity, including an enhanced ability to empathise, communicate and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Work collaboratively with other professionals in various settings according to relevant standards of ethical conduct, sustainable practice and professional accountability.
- Exercise self-reflection, judgement and responsibility in developing artistic practice and planning for and managing personal and professional growth and development.
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 prepares graduates to enter the performing arts industry as elite practitioners with skills and knowledge in music theatre. Transferrable skills provide graduates the potential to pursue work as administrators, producers, directors, choreographers, writers, as well as performers in other media including film and television, radio, broadcasting, commercials and promotional work. Practical applications of skills and knowledge in simulated workplace environments throughout the course ensure that graduates are ready for work.
Possible future job titles
Actor, Singer, Performer, Entertainer, Dancer, Music Theatre, Musical Theatre, Broadway, Writer, Cabaret
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 prepares graduates to enter the performing arts industry as elite practitioners with skills and knowledge in music theatre. Transferrable skills provide graduates the potential to pursue work as administrators, producers, directors, choreographers, writers, as well as performers in other media including film and television, radio, broadcasting, commercials and promotional work. Practical applications of skills and knowledge in simulated workplace environments throughout the course ensure that graduates are ready for work.
Possible future job titles
Actor, Singer, Performer, Entertainer, Dancer, Music Theatre, Musical Theatre, Broadway, Writer, Cabaret
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
-
I feel so privileged to have studied at WAAPA, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life
I would not have been ready to step into the professional world without the music theatre course, and my dreams of being a performer would have stayed only that – dreams. If I was to encourage someone to do one thing in their life, it would be to work hard for your dreams.
-
The WAAPA Musical Theatre course was an unbelievable launching pad for me and my fellow class mates into this crazy industry we call the performing arts
One of the many invaluable opportunities we were given, and a personal highlight for me, was working with professional creatives (choreographers, directors and writers).
Even at the end of a sweaty fourteen-hour day – that could have possibly included a keyboard spot test, a high stakes scene presentation, a song repertoire performance, show choreography rehearsal, a ballet class and a costume parade – WAAPA was constantly buzzing with passion and was an amazing place to study for three years.
-
Being at WAAPA gave me the opportunity to hone my skills and get them industry ready
It gave me an understanding of how the industry worked and the work ethic you need to be successful in it.
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 (Music Theatre)?
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.