Course Information

Bachelor of Performing Arts

Effective from 01-JAN-2022 : Code Y97

This course provides students with a coherent knowledge of the performing arts and has strong links to industry. It seeks to unlock limitations and encourage creativity through practical inquiry. The course combines theoretical and technical knowledge of performance through a series of core units, and the choice of a major suited to each students particular field. The Performance Making major explores original, self-devised and collaborative approaches to creating, producing and presenting independent contemporary performance projects. Students study devising, directing, movement and voice. These skills are applied to a series of productions including group performance, solo performance, site-specific production and final independent project. Students choose from an exciting range of electives such as acting, comic performance, play-writing, and puppetry. The Practice Transition major allows students to apply existing skills and knowledge to a series of independent performance projects and to the development of a major research project that culminates in an exegesis linking theory and practice. They have the option to undertake electives from any area at ECU. The Production and Design major provides students with a focused learning pathway. They develop the skills and experience required to engage in professional theatre practice. The major offers students intensive creative and technical training through professional production practices. This is achieved by undertaking leadership roles within their major on the annual repertoire of WAAPA productions across mainstream genres including Acting, Music Theatre, Dance (Contemporary & Classical), Opera, Jazz and Contemporary Music. WAAPA's professionally staffed and equipped facilities provide students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and experience through a highly practical and industry-oriented approach.

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. Apply broad discipline knowledge and technical skills to a range of discipline specific theoretical or practical tasks for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 1, 2, 3)
  2. Think critically to analyse, interpret, conceptualise and synthesise disciplinary knowledge in solving complex problems for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 2, 3, 4)
  3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific solutions and responses for the performing arts and entertainment industry context (AQF Bach: 3, 4, 6).
  4. Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources in the development of work for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 3, 4, 7)
  5. Communicate disciplinary knowledge and ideas clearly, coherently and with independence in tasks or situations relevant to the professional performing arts and entertainment industry. (AQF Bach: 5)
  6. Adapt knowledge and skills for diverse contexts demonstrating a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence. (AQF Bach: 7)
  7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values in undertaking their discipline specific roles for projects in the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 4,6,8)
  8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for their own learning and/or professional practice in discipline relevant tasks or situations for the performing arts and entertainment industry context. (AQF Bach: 1,7,8)

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 3)

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.

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 meet the technical requirements of the course and will be assessed on their suitability for the industry. One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information. One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Course Duration

  • Full Time: 3 Years

Course Delivery

  • Mount Lawley: Full Time

Course Coordinator

Dr Jeremy Russell NEIDECK

Course Structure

Students are required to complete: a Core program of 4 Foundation units; plus an 8-unit Major and 4 related Special Skills units. This is supported by a Supplementary Program, approved by the Course Coordinator, comprising of: a second Major; or a Minor plus Elective units; or Elective units. The second major or minor can be from within or outside the School.

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
BPA1205Research and Writing in the Performing Arts15
BPA2110Australian Theatre and Performance in Context 15
BPA3545Creativity and Collaboration in the Performing Arts15
PAM2016Arts Management15
Unit from Majorx 8120
Unit from Specialisationx 4 Special Skill Units60
Unit from Supplementary Programx 8120
Special Skills Units - Performance Making Major
Unit Code Unit TitleCredit Points
Select 4 units from:
PMA1005Voice Fundamentals15
PMA1007Movement Fundamentals15
PMA2003Directing Workshop15
PMA1010Devising Physical Performance15
Special Skills Units - Practice Transition Major and Production and Design Major
Unit Code Unit TitleCredit Points
Select 4 units from:
PAM1002 ^Technical Theatre 115
PAM1008 ^Design Development for Performance15
PAM1013 ^Theatre Workshop 115
PAM1017 ^Vocal Technique 115
PAM1029 ^Research and Computing Skills15
PMA2003 ^Directing Workshop15
PAM2102 ^Technical Theatre 215
PAM2111 ^Physical Theatre - Physical Performance 115
PAM2118 ^Dance Styles 215
PAM2121 ^Playwriting Workshop 115
PAM2130 ^Special Topics 115
PAM3110 ^Jazz Dance15
PAM3219 ^Acting for Camera15
PAM3230 ^Improvisation for Performance15
PMA2010 ^Comic Performance15

^ Core Option

Unit sets that can be studied as part of this course


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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