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Course Overview
The Bachelor of Theatre (Specialisation) is designed to provide specialist training in music theatre, drama, technical theatre and theatre studies (distance option). If you are studying the music theatre, drama or technical theatre specialisations on campus, you will be involved in a comprehensive conservatoire style environment with expectations of high standards of performance and scholarship. A rigorous performance schedule in various University, community and professional settings is one of the strengths of this course.
If you are studying the theatre studies specialisation by distance, you will have the opportunity to build your understanding of theatre as part of the broader community through studies that include creative writing and the investigation of the practice of theatre in historical and contemporary contexts.
A range of adjunct units and electives allows students the opportunity to pursue additional studies in music, or add other allied skills and knowledge in areas of professional and personal interest such as other creative arts and arts administration, events management, education, business, multimedia design and professional communication to their study course.
Career Information
The Bachelor of Theatre (Specialisation) is designed for students seeking a profession in the entertainment industry as an actor, musical theatre performer or as part of the theatre production team. The course includes opportunities to gain the professional skills necessary for a performing arts industry career as a performer, director, designer, theatre technician or theatre manager. The degree also provides excellent pathways for careers in education, creative industries and arts administration.
| Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BTheatre |
| AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
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Domestic Availability
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Term 2 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2023The Music Theatre, Drama and Technical Theatre majors are available at this location.
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 2 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 2 - 2017
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Term 1 - 2017
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Term 2 - 2016
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Term 1 - 2016
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Term 2 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 2 - 2014
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Term 1 - 2014
International Availability
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Term 2 - 2027
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Term 1 - 2027
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023
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Term 1 - 2023The Music Theatre, Drama and Technical Theatre majors are available at this location.
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 2 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 2 - 2017
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Term 1 - 2017
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Term 2 - 2016
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Term 1 - 2016
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Term 2 - 2015
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Term 1 - 2015
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Term 2 - 2014
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Term 1 - 2014
Audition and interview
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | CL01 - Diploma of Theatre |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | CL01 - Diploma of Theatre |
| Accreditation |
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Residential School Requirements
No Residential School for this course.
Practicum/Work Placement
| Not applicable |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2021 | 24 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures, and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating respect for cultural diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in the creative and performing arts practice environment.
- Demonstrating honesty and integrity in academic and performing arts contexts.
Examples are:
- Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate for professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer feedback or criticism.
- Interacting with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in a calm and composed manner in difficult to deal with situations in the creative and performing arts practice environment.
- Demonstrating appropriate behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional or performance setting.
Examples are:
- Complying with university and workplace policy around the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
- Complying with the relevant workplace policies and practices including relevant OHS legislative requirements pertaining to creative and performing arts practice in a music performance environment.
- Complying with university and workplace policy pertaining to students, courses and any other university or industry related activities undertaken while a student
Examples are:
- Verbally communicating your creative and performing arts knowledge and skills with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
- Actively participating in discussions and course activities with appropriate use and command of language to the context.
- Using appropriate facial expressions: eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries, a range of body movements and gestures.
- Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course.
- Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
- If required, competently using written music notation as required to convey detailed information and knowledge relating to music theatre performance and practice.
- Accessing a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading and responding as required to emails, and completing relevant assessments for the course.
- Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
- Using a variety of computer programs suitable to your course of study.
- Establishing personal time management methods to ensure personal and collegial success.
- Engaging with university support services, including the Academic Learning Centre, Accessibility and Student Well-being, to assist in developing communication skills.
Examples are:
- Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
- Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and performing professional skills within reasonable set time-frames.
- Producing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
- Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in a professional setting.
- Demonstrating competency in applying sufficient mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to design various theatrical elements including scenery, sets, props and costumes.
- Demonstrating effective use of sufficient mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to design lighting and sound for theatrical environments; plot stage and blocking and negotiate set items and stage movement
- Seeking assistance in cognitive ability development through university support services, including the Academic Learning Centre and Accessibility, as may be required.
Examples are:
- Safely performing in a variety of theatrical contexts including on stage as a performer or off stage as part of the technical support team.
- Working in a team-based performing arts environment where verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to realisation of a wide range of theatrical performances.
- Sufficiently hearing verbal communication from other students and lecturers during activities related to the course.
- Communicating effectively and being respectful of other’s perspectives, dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights.
- Recognising that people are the experts in the experience of their life.
- Participating in and/or leading collaborative practice in the performing arts.
- Attending all classes and rehearsals and being punctual to these to develop respectful practice.
- Being supportive of the collaborative nature of performing arts practice.
- Reflecting on topics taught during the course.
- Reflecting upon your own learning during the course.
- Reflecting on personal situations that may be difficult and sensitive.
- Identifying when an issue or circumstance arises that could affect your objectivity or judgement, and be able to take an appropriate course of actions.
- Identifying when your own experiences may potentially negatively influence your objectivity or judgement.
- Developing your own reflective practice as part of your professional craft.
Examples are:
- Actively participating in sustained and intensive rehearsals and performances involving creative and performing arts skills that may occur in time-frames outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends. These creative and performing arts skills may include dancing, drama, singing and technical theatre skills.
- Actively participating in intensive rehearsals and performances involving creative and performing arts skills with sustained levels of physical energy and concentration.
- Performing with the required physical and mental energy and endurance in the learning activities of the course, as well as during set time-frames during intensive rehearsal and performance periods.
- Establishing an effective personal routine of sleep, exercise and nutrition to sustain performance.
Examples are:
- Using a variety of gross motor skills in various creative and performing arts performance activities that include dancing, drama, singing and technical skills associated with theatrical performance and activity.
- Demonstrating and performing a variety of gross motor skills in various creative and performing arts performances that include dancing, drama, singing and technical theatre skills, consistently in a safe manner to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
- Using a variety of fine motor skills in various creative and performing arts performance activities that include dancing, drama, singing and technical skills associated with theatrical performance and activity.
- Demonstrating and performing a variety of fine motor skills in various creative and performing arts performances that include dancing, drama, singing and technical theatre skills, consistently in a safe manner to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
Examples are:
- Communicating effectively and being respectful of other’s perspectives, dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
- Recognising that people are the experts in the experience of their life.
- Participating in and/or leading collaborative practice in the performing arts.
- Actively fostering a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with others, to share knowledge and practice in the performing arts.
- Participating in and/or leading collaborative practice in the performing arts.
- Developing a respectful way to share feedback in response to your own and others' work and performance.
- Using computers and technology to actively participate in the course and to submit all required assessment materials.
- Using software on online systems including AI according to university and industry policy.
- Engaging in training to be able to effectively and efficiently use ICT within the course.
- 1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of theatrical styles
- 2. Develop and evaluate theatrical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
- 3. Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise theatrical works, performances and other forms of creative expression
- 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with theatre and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
- 5. Work independently and collaboratively in theatre in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as performer, dramaturge, producer, director, critic and manager
- 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in theatre
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- 1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of musical and theatrical styles
- 2. Develop and evaluate theatrical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
- 3. Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise theatrical works, performances and other forms of creative expression
- 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with theatre and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
- 5. Work independently and collaboratively in theatre in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as performer, choreographer, producer, director, critic and manager
- 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in theatre
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- 1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of theatrical styles
- 2. Develop and evaluate theatrical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
- 3. Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce and realise theatrical works, performances and other forms of creative expression
- 4. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with theatre and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
- 5. Work independently and collaboratively in theatre in response to authentic project demands in a variety of roles, such as producer, director, designer and manager
- 6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in theatre
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||||
- 1. Apply knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques of a broad range of theatrical styles to various creative projects
- 2. Develop and evaluate theatrical, cultural and artistic ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively, and through engaging with scholarship and research
- 3. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments to do with theatre and the arts in modes suited to a range of audiences, informed by inquiry and scholarship
- 4. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in theatre
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | ||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | ||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | ||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | ||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | ||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | ||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | ||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | ||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | ||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | ||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | ||||
- Complete the core structure
- Complete 1 major
| Number of units: 6 | Total credit points: 36 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| THTR12123 | Theatre Studies 1: Music Theatre History | |
| THTR11121 | Theatre Studies 2: Introduction to Script Analysis | |
| THTR13124 | Theatre Studies 3: Mask, Myth and Ritual | |
| THTR13125 | Theatre Studies 4: From Page to Stage | |
| THTR13126 | Theatre Studies 5: Realism to Epic Theatre | |
| THTR13127 | Theatre Studies 6: Dada to Post-Modern Theatre | |
| Number of units: 18 | Total credit points: 108 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| THTR11102 | Production 1 | |
| THTR11103 | Production 2 | |
| THTR12104 | Production 3 | |
| THTR12105 | Production 4 | |
| THTR13106 | Production 5 | |
| THTR13107 | Production 6 | |
| THTR11123 | Principal Performance Studios 1 | |
| THTR11124 | Principal Performance Studios 2 | |
| THTR12121 | Principal Performance Studios 3 | |
| THTR12122 | Principal Performance Studios 4 | |
| THTR13122 | Principal Performance Studios 5 | |
| THTR13123 | Principal Performance Studios 6 | |
Students wishing to graduate with the Drama major should undertake 6 electives from anywhere in the University.
| Number of units: 18 | Total credit points: 108 |
|---|
Students must complete 4 elective units from anywhere in the University.
| Number of units: 18 | Total credit points: 108 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| THTR11102 | Production 1 | |
| THTR11103 | Production 2 | |
| THTR12104 | Production 3 | |
| THTR12105 | Production 4 | |
| THTR13106 | Production 5 | |
| THTR13107 | Production 6 | |
| THTR11123 | Principal Performance Studios 1 | |
| THTR11124 | Principal Performance Studios 2 | |
| THTR12121 | Principal Performance Studios 3 | |
| THTR12122 | Principal Performance Studios 4 | |
| THTR13122 | Principal Performance Studios 5 | |
| THTR13123 | Principal Performance Studios 6 | |
Students wishing to graduate with the Technical Theatre major should undertake 6 electives from anywhere in the University.
| Number of units: 18 | Total credit points: 108 |
|---|
NOTE: This major is available for study by distance education only.
Students must complete 8 electives from anywhere in the university.
Credit Transfer
Students will be assessed for credit transfer on a case-by-case basis and will be required to nominate the CQU units they wish to be considered for exemption from. Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies, equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course, have been successfully completed. Students should examine the unit synopses in this handbook to determine the units for which they may be eligible to claim exemption.
Students may only gain credit transfer for up to 67% of the overall course.
Please note that study undertaken more than 10 years ago is not normally considered unless the applicant can supply certified documents showing that they have been continually using the required skills in the work force. Generally only TAFE diploma level or above is recognised for credit at tertiary level.
Refer to the Credit Transfer website at https://www.cqu.edu.au/courses-and-programs/credit-transfer-and-rpl/credit-transfers for further details on the guidelines and application process.
Course Planners
For Course Planners please refer to the following website http://www.cqu.edu.au/student-life/new-students/planners-and-profiles