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The University of Notre Dame Australia

  • 2% international / 98% domestic

Bachelor of Arts (Major: Theatre Studies)

  • Bachelor

Our Theatre Studies program offers a comprehensive overview of theatrical theory and history alongside a practical training in theatre arts. Studio practice underpins the discipline's training and emphasises the reciprocal relationship of embodied knowledge with scholarly study.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time
Course Code
3009, 015324A
Study Mode
In person

About this course

School of Arts & Sciences, Sydney Campus

Our Theatre Studies program offers a comprehensive overview of theatrical theory and history alongside a practical training in theatre arts. Studio practice underpins the discipline's training and emphasises the reciprocal relationship of embodied knowledge with scholarly study. Over half of the courses are presented as hands-on, practical workshops. Students select from a broad range of courses that support a particular area of interest, such as acting, directing, theatre for social change, Shakespearean studies, writing for performance and production design.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy minimum requirements outlined at admission requirements. These include those relating to age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly - your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.

Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • HSC Performance Band Results with a Band 4 in English, a minimum average of Bands 4s and an overall minimum average HSC mark of 70% in HSC Category A Courses (or Interstate equivalent). Applicants must be eligible for an ATAR or OP; or
  • Minimum International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 24.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Other University Studies completed at undergraduate level or higher. A minimum number of 2 successfully completed subjects; or
  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program or of another Enabling Program at a level deemed sufficient by the University.

Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for Advanced Standing.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Completed AQF Certificate IV or higher in a relevant discipline, from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants with relevant work and life experience who left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then may seek admission on the basis of:

  • Their experience. 'Experience' could include a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as Mature Age entry, relevant professional experience, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study. Evidence must be provided as to the type and duration or employment (minimum of two years) in a relevant industry. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.
  • STAT - Scores of 150 in the Multiple Choice and Written English sections are required.
  • Higher School Certificate (HSC) (or equivalent) results if these have been completed within the last 5 years.

Study locations

Sydney

What you will learn

Lovers of the stage will benefit from our comprehensive major in Theatre Studies. Completed over three years of full-time study, this hands-on program will give you an overview of drama theory, a through grounding in the history of modern theatre and plenty of skills-based workshops. Depending on your passion, you will be able to select from a broad range of subjects and create a program that is fully tailored to you. Course options include Acting, Directing, Writing for Performance, Theatre Crafts and Theatre for Social Change.

A program of public performances provides you with the opportunity to present your work to a live audience. Students develop a wide range of communication skills which are not only applicable to theatre-making, but also offer skills for life. Theatre studies graduates demonstrate high levels of competence in collaborative teamwork, creative problem solving, public speaking and sound decision-making. Theatre Studies encourages students to pursue careers in acting, theatre production and education.

A Major in Theatre Studies includes up to 80 hours of practical experience at a theatre company or other suitable performing arts body, as well as a series of public performances that will give you the chance to shine on stage. The program is tailored to those who want to pursue a career in acting or theatrical production, but you can easily combine Theatrical Studies with an Education Major if you want to teach drama in schools.

Career pathways

The following careers are open to graduates of this program:

  • Acting
  • Theatre work
  • Education

Course structure

Core Curriculum
  • CORE1001 Logos I
  • CORE1002 Logos II
  • CORE1003 Logos III
Year One
  • ENGL1020 The Western Literary Tradition
  • THTR1000 Theory and Practice of Acting I
  • THTR2010 Theatre Crafts
  • ENGL1050 Theory and Practice of Modern Theatre
Year Two and Three

Students will choose 5 courses from the following:

  • THTR2000 Theory & Practice of Acting 2
  • THTR3110 Text-Based Production Workshop
  • THTR3120 Devised Production Workshop
  • THTR3008 Theatre Studies Internship
  • THTR3050 Theatre for Social Change
  • THTR3060 Australian Theatre
  • THTR3090 Fundamentals of Directing
  • THTR3410 Drama in the Age of Shakespeare

Plus 12 electives which may form another Major or Minor (undertaken during Years One, Two and/or Three).

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Regulations.

Please note: The availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.