Key facts
IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Want to be a part of the next generation of innovative performers and theatre makers? Deakin's Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) will help you master your craft, create new stories and forge your own unique path as a creative in the industry. Led by performance experts with years of industry experience, you’ll explore techniques in acting, improvisation, voice and devising, as well as digital theatre crafts to work in theatre, film or television.
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
Students must complete 24 credit points comprising of:
- 18 x credit points of core units
- 6 x credit points of open electives
- no more than 12 credit points at level 1
- at least 4 credit points at level 3
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18
Core units
6
Elective units
24
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Course Electives
Complete two 1-credit point units chosen from the following list:
ACD110 Dance Improvisation and Body Awareness [No longer available for enrolment]
Complete four 1-credit point units chosen from the following list:
Complete six electives, of which at least three must be 2nd or 3rd level
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 Arts (https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-arts). We recommend students complete at least two more course elective units listed above or select from the following recommended units:
Key information
2019 course information
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
Transition to University study
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.
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Assessment
Assessment within the award of Bachelor of Creative Arts varies from written assignments and/or examination to practical and technical exercises and performance. In some units assessment may also include class participation, online exercises, seminar exercises and tests.
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
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Entry information
General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate admission requirements table.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
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:
- 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
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library.
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)
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.
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 QILT website.
Learn more about Deakin's special entry access scheme (SEAS - a way to help boost your ATAR in some circumstances).
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 2018 students (PDF, 783.5KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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 8 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 fees and available payment options.
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 must be made directly to the University through the Course and Scholarship Applicant Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the 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.
Frequently asked questions
Deakin runs on trimesters, what dates do they each start?
Find out more about our key dates
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Find our more about scholarships at Deakin
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
Where can I study with Deakin?
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 | Develop practical and theoretical skills in contemporary theatre and drama through kinaesthetic knowledge of performance techniques with reference to body, voice and text; knowledge of theatre history and performance theory; performance experience in a variety of theatrical and extra theatrical contexts; performance-making principles and practices; historical, cultural and theoretical knowledge as it relates to the field of contemporary theatre and drama. |
| Communication | Using interpersonal, physical, oral and written means to communicate, foster and present dramatic skills development, theatrical creation, theoretical engagement and performance suited to a range of audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of skills in digital literacies to source, analyse, and disseminate information. |
| Critical thinking | Research, practice and interrogate performance skills and concepts, analyse theatrical and dramatic problems leading to the creation of performance works in a variety of genres, critically and reflectively engage with written discourse in the field of theatre and drama. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate the ability to analyse and evaluate information to determine the appropriate strategy and method to communicate ideas and concepts in contemporary theatre and drama practice. Produce original creative work in a variety of performance genres and diverse social and cultural contexts. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate initiative and autonomy in planning, decision-making and problem solving in relation to workshop, rehearsal and performance expectations. |
| Teamwork | Work collaboratively with others in dance, from different disciplines and different backgrounds to complete theatre and drama projects. |
| Global citizenship | Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues as they apply to theatre, drama and performance, and apply local and international perspectives to its practice. |
| Approved by Faculty Board October 2015 | |
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