Key facts
IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
3 years full time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Get amongst the next generation of dynamic theatre makers to create innovative contemporary performance in Deakin's Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama). Become a versatile and agile contemporary theatre practitioner equipped with the tools to kick-start your independent theatre career.
You’ll be challenged to develop physical, creative and intellectual capacities through practice-based learning. In a studio setting, develop core skills in acting, improvisation, collaborative theatre creation, dramaturgy, dramatic text analysis, rehearsal techniques, site-specific and applied performance.
Explore history and theory and work with digital technologies and other creative arts disciplines.
Real-time practical learning in state-of-the-art facilities is supported by online materials, lectures, guest speakers and access to leaders in the field. Opportunities extend from campus-based learning to include public performance, site-based practice and internship experiences.
Want to launch your career in the performing arts and entertainment industries?
Through a dynamic combination of acting theory and practice, you'll gain a thorough understanding of the arts and be inspired to create new forms of art.
Through this course, you’ll produce public performances at a professional standard, and explore important aspects of the theatre including:
- acting theory and practice
- different performance styles and processes
- site-based and community theatre
- text studies
- theatre history.
You’ll have the chance to work on individual and group creative projects to develop your skills in ensemble creation and production management and participate in public performances. Plus, you can gain exposure to international theatre techniques by taking an overseas study tour or internship.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have the foundations to work across the arts and entertainment industries in anything from live theatre, film and television to drama education, performance companies and community theatre.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) a student must complete 24 credit points including:
- 8 common core units (totalling 12 credit points)
- 4 Drama discipline units
- 2 course electives
- 6 electives
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18
Core units
6
Elective units
24
Total
Core units
Drama discipline units
Course Electives
Complete two 1 credit point units from the following course electives list A:
Electives
Complete six electives
We suggest students complete at least 4 units in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Creative Arts: (Dance, Visual Arts, Photography), Bachelor of Design: (Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, 3D Animation) or Bachelor of Arts programs.
Key information
2021 course information
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
The faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work which are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units as electives in their first year.
Assessment
Assessment takes place at the unit level and has been designed to ensure successful attainment of all the Course Learning Outcomes and corresponding Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes over the duration of the course.
Course duration - additional information
Delays in completing the placement could mean that the course will take longer to complete than the stated duration.
International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Work-integrated learning opportunities are embedded through the Bachelor of Creative Arts programs with real client briefs, opportunities for client and industry engagement and professional practice. These may be discipline specific or may introduce students to other opportunities in the diverse field of creative arts. This level of engagement occurs at first, second and third year and is core to the course. In particular we have a Creative Careers and Contexts and Exhibition and Performance units where students meet industry practitioners, visit creative industry workplaces, organise and promote a festival of exhibitions and performances and learn the appropriate practical, administrative, marketing and self-management skills required to launch and maintain their careers as creative artists in their chosen discipline. Student will develop a career development strategy that can be used to demonstrate the essential skills and knowledge for a future job application, successful pitch for funding or, development of a self-run project.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on their performance in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL.
Applicants will be selected in accordance with the published Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for that year.
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on one their performance in one of the following:
- a Certificate IV in a related discipline OR
- a Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent including relevant work or life experience
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2020 students (PDF, 581.6KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Cloud studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered via Cloud (online). International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as Cloud (online) study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.
Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are calculated depending on the course you choose.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
How to apply
Applications for study for Trimester 1 must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Why choose Deakin
Career outcomes
Drama graduates are equipped to launch careers as independent theatre makers and pursue roles throughout the arts and entertainment industries. Career opportunities include:
- actor
- theatre director
- art centre manager
- festival manager
- drama educator
- community theatre practitioner
- production manager
- presenter.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Interpret and apply conceptual, theoretical and technical skills in the analysis and presentation of a range of creative outcomes. |
| Communication | Critically employ a variety of mediums, methods and techniques to present ideas and practical work. |
| Digital literacy | Critically evaluate, manipulate and apply a range of information technologies, digital tools, devices and environments to support and develop creative processes. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse and synthesize research materials across a diversity of sources and mediums to generate original and diverse creative work. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to generate and express solutions to creative arts problems |
| Self-management | Develop, manage and critically reflect upon the production and presentation of creative works in accordance with industry standards and personal learning goals. |
| Teamwork | Contribute in a constructive and respectful way to the collaborative production of creative outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Engage critically, respectfully and with self-awareness when working within diverse social and cultural contexts in creative arts practice. |
| Approved by Faculty Board March 2019 | |