Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts Entrepreneurship and Cultural Innovation

Effective from 01-JAN-2027 : Code O27

Step into the future of the creative industries with ECU’s Graduate Diploma of Creative Entrepreneurship and Innovationa first-of-its-kind program in Australia designed for artists, producers and cultural innovators who want to transform ideas into impactful ventures. This course bridges artistic creativity and entrepreneurship, equipping you with the skills to lead, innovate and thrive in a rapidly evolving global creative economy. Delivered by the Western Australian academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at ECU’s City Campus, the course combines advanced theory with hands-on practice through industry collaborations, incubator-style learning and real-world projects. You’ll explore design thinking, digital and social innovation and cultural leadership while developing your own entrepreneurial concept. With specialist pathways in Creative Producing, Creative Technologies and Social Innovation, the course offers flexibility to tailor your learning to your professional ambitions. Through mentorship, networking and immersive experiences, you’ll gain the strategic insight, creative confidence and industry connections. Whether you aspire to produce groundbreaking performances, design immersive digital environments, or lead socially impactful projects, this course positions you at the forefront of creative arts entrepreneurship.

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. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of creative arts entrepreneurship, cultural innovation and creative practice, and apply this knowledge to analyse challenges in culturally diverse and global professional contexts using ethical, sustainable and inclusive approaches.
2. Integrate theoretical frameworks, research methods and digital innovation trends to investigate complex or unfamiliar problems and inform the design and development of creative or entrepreneurial initiatives.
3. Communicate, collaborate and coordinate effectively in professional and interdisciplinary contexts, demonstrating clarity, adaptability and emerging leadership in the application of professional conventions.
4. Demonstrate advanced cultural capability and reflective practice, integrating feedback and diverse perspectives to adapt, enhance and sustain professional practice in complex and interdisciplinary contexts.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 6)

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 4)

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 in the Admissions Policy;
• 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 as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

It is desirable that all applicants are recent graduates and professionals working in the creative and cultural industries or social enterprise. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in the creative arts, performing arts, humanities or social sciences, or in related creative areas of practice, including but not limited to performance, theatre producing, directing, scenography, lighting, sound, creative technologies, design or production. Applicants without a degree in a relevant pathway must demonstrate at least five years of professional experience, with at least three of those years being relevant to creative, cultural or innovative practice. Each applicant is expected to bring an entrepreneurial concept to the program to develop as a live case study and must outline their area of creative practice and their proposed entrepreneurial concept in a short pitch. This should be a filmed presentation lasting no more than three minutes. Each applicant will be required to attend an interview to be conducted in person or online.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 8 Graduate Diploma Award.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 1 Year

Course Delivery

• City Campus: Full Time

Non standard timetable requirements

Students may be required to attend evening and weekend performances and rehearsals. These may be at locations external to ECU.

Course Coordinator

Dr Jennifer HALTON

Course Structure

This is a Programmatic Learning course. This Course uses a mix of Learning Units and Assessment Units which all connect together.

• Learning Units are where students develop their knowledge, skills, and capabilities through regular activities and feedback.
• Assessment Units are where students integrate, apply and demonstrate that learning.

Students will collect evidence of learning in a digital portfolio that charts their course journey, and can be used as a showcase to employers.

* Assessment Unit