Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media)

What is this course about?

CSU is launching new age Communication and Creative Industries programs from 2014. CSU has always been at the forefront of innovative and cutting edge delivery of communication and creative practices in Australia. The new programs recognise the changing industries and prepare students for the 21st Century and beyond. Current students will have the flexibility to graduate with their existing degrees or transfer to the new programs. More information about the new programs will be available online soon, or you can register an expression of interest.

CSU's Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media) provides learner-centred practical and theoretical training for innovation in the entertainment, communication and information industries.

About the course

During this cutting-edge degree, you will learn a unique combination of skills in performance, dramatic structure, theatre production, media research, communication theory, professional writing, digital production, and producton management for special events. Elective choices enable you to develop particular interests.

The course concludes with industry internships and a self-initiated experimental project for public performance in a live or digital medium. This research project is externally examined by leading practitioners.

Course components

The Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media) is the equivalent of 24 subjects.

You can study scriptwriting, on-camera performance, media production and presentation, devising performance, innovations in modern and classic theatre, production planning and can elect to study subjects concerned with theatre for young people, masked theatre or event management.

Hands-on experience

This innovative degree emphasises practical skills and collaboration. You will be involved in a variety of performance based projects from the outset. It culminates in a self-initiated experimental project for live or media based public performance.

Practical experience

You complete four weeks of internships with theatre companies, media production houses, radio or television stations, festival or event organisations. The internship will equip you with industry contacts and experience of commercial projects.

The latest facilities

To ensure breadth of experience in the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:

• a fully-equipped media centre
• a 99-seat theatre
• a nationally networked FM radio station
• rehearsal studios and production rooms
• costume, construction and wardrobe workshops

Professionals teaching you

The course is taught by skilled professionals with a wide range of academic and industry experience in the creation of site-specific events and original entertainments that explore the creative nexus between live and mediated performance.

Special admission requirements

Applicants for the Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media) will need to attend an audition/interview to assist in the assessment of their application during late November or early December.

Year 12 applicants are admitted on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent, together with the assessment of their audition and interview. You will want to:

1. Prepare and present two 2-3 minute audition pieces which are markedly different from each other in tone and style. These may be from existing plays, films, video scripts, poetry, or original pieces. One must be directly addressed to the audience; one as though the audience is not present.
2. Demonstrate any other skills and/or give evidence of background experience you may have, e.g. video, film, writing, singing, dancing, designing, drawing, painting, photography, circus skills, musical instrument/s, mime, mask, or knowledge of computer software and operating systems etc. Bring examples.
3. Give a verbal outline of how you think this course will help you achieve your goals for the future.
4. Any video demonstration tapes must be in VHS, DVD or CD format. These examples should demonstrate your creative understanding and ability in using video (e.g. editing, storytelling, documenting etc) or other forms of digital media.

You can request an interview/audition by downloading the Interview Request form here.

PREP applicants

Students applying for this course through the Principal's Report Entry Program (PREP) should send a video audition on YouTube by uploading and then emailing the link to rharding@csu.edu.au and fplunkett@csu.edu.au 

Students must also set up an interview with course academic staff, which can be either face-to-face or via Skype. Interviews can be arranged by emailing fplunkett@csu.edu.au

Successful applicants may defer the first year of the Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media)

Admission requirements

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they

1. have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 6.5, and with scores of 6 or higher in each of the individual skill areas within the last 12 months;  or
2. undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
3. undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies;  or
4. completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;

The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.

NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1