Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media) at Charles Sturt University ::

Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media) BComm(Theatre/Media)

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

Honours is available

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.

Where it will take you

Graduates work professionally as producers, performers, designers, trainers, digital producers, teachers, directors and writers, and a number have successfully established their own companies.

You can work in:

theatre
arts and event management
digital production
radio and television
film and new media
or with the addition of a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) you can become a drama teacher

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.

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.

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

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.

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (normally equal to 24 subjects).

Note: Successful applicants may defer the first year of this course.

Further studies

An Honours year is available

Graduate comment

"Theatre/Media gave me the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to work in the Events Industry."
Karen Gardner
General Manager - Regional Arts Development, Murray Arts, Albury, NSW

"Theatre/Media graduates have a distinctive can-do quality of innovation, organisation and initiative. That's what you need to make interesting and sustainable work."
Mike Finch - Artistic Director, Circus Oz

"This course provided us with know-how of all the different elements required to set up our own professional new media/theatre company. Using the diverse skills of our company of graduates we have produced a variety of events."
Kate Smith
CSU graduate

Apply online

Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media)

Study through	Bathurst
Study mode and normal course duration	3 years full-time on campus
Fee information	Australian & New Zealand students Commonwealth supported places International students On campus (onshore) fees 352KB [PDF]
Commence study in	Session 1
Admission rank cut-offs	ATAR + criteria
CRICOS registered	002246F

How to apply

Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.

Apply through UAC	Full-time on campus study only Admission code: 211287
Apply online	International students Admission code: On campus - IACT
Mail your application	International students Download an application form
Recruitment agent	International students Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help on campus international students through the student visa application process. Note: Recruitment agents for CSU may not be available in every country.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

previous studies
and
other attainments and experience.

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 language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
or
have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
a C pass in English at the GCE ‘A’ level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
a C pass in ‘Use of English’ in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in ‘Use of English’;
completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University’s requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

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.

Additional Requirements

Additional 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.

Prospective students will also need to complete a questionnaire which is sent in October. Year 12 applicants are admitted on the basis of their NSW Universities Admission Index (UAI) or interstate equivalent, together with the assessment of their audition and interview. This information is sent out to all UAC applicants.

You will want to:

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.
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.
Give a verbal outline of how you think this course will help you achieve your goals for the future.
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.

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