Bachelor of Stage and Screen (Design)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Stage and Screen (Design) will equip graduates with skills in television and theatre design and technical production.

About the course

The Bachelor of Stage and Screen (Design) aims to launch graduates into rewarding careers in today's ever changing entertainment industries.

Through a range of theoretical and practical hands-on subjects, students will acquire expertise in the design aspects of theatre and television (sets, lighting, sound, costumes and properties) and the skills to implement designs (including rigging and plotting lights, sound installation, set and costume construction), lighting and sound operating skills and production and stage management for the theatre.

These skills are then put into practice through a series of television and stage productions, including projects at the Riverina Playhouse, Studio Theatre, TV Studio and location television projects, all of which foster design and management skills. These specialist vocational subjects are underpinned by contextual studies in theatre, film and television, which complete a well-rounded education.

Supplementary consultations

To give you a complete overview of your study options within the Bachelor of Stage and Screen (Design), CSU offers you the opportunity to undertake a supplementary course consultation as part of your application process. This gives you the chance to meet with the course lecturers and demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and talent for this career area as well as finding out more about the course, our excellent facilities and exceptional practical opportunities.

Hands-on experience

All the core skills-based subjects are rigorously practical. At the heart of the course is a sequence of classes that cover the design areas of set, lighting, sound, costume and properties design, implementation and construction. In these subjects students also learn to operate lighting and sound equipment.

The skills learned in these subjects are then applied to another sequence of subjects that provides students with the opportunity to implement what they have learned in an extensive program of practical projects: television productions and mainstage, studio and alternative theatre productions.

By second or third year, students are acting as independent designers on these projects, and their production and stage management skills are also developed through these productions as they learn to manage teams of their colleagues.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

The latest facilities

To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:

• industry standard multi-camera television studio and control rooms
• edit suites and audio studios
• two specialist drama studios, which also double as rehearsal rooms and studio theatres
• dressing room
• lighting studio
• costume and props workshops
• the Riverina Playhouse, a purpose-built 200-seat theatre.

Professionals teaching you

The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience.

They are committed to the business of theatre and television, and are specialists in either set design, lighting, sound, costumes or stage management.

Working closely with the staff are the lecturers from the Bachelor of Stage and Screen (Acting), and the Bachelor of Stage and Screen (Television Production), whose skills complement the course specific lectures.

Contextual studies are taught by specialists in screen and theatre studies.

Special admission requirements

In addition to applying through UAC, applicants must submit a Supplementary Application form. On the basis of your Supplementary Application form you may be contacted for a course consultation. Late applicants should contact CSU on 1800 334 733 before submitting their Supplementary Application form.

Course consultations will be held in Wagga Wagga on 25, 26 and 27 November. The consultation is completely informal and relaxed and is designed to ensure that you have the opportunity to gain first-hand information that will help you make an informed decision about your course. Alternatively you can organise a telephone consultation.

Year 12 students are eligible for admission on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), and supplementary application. For further information please telephone info.csu on 1800 334 733.

Principal's Report Entry Program applicants

Students applying for this course through PREP should submit the additional application form direct to CSU with their PREP application.

Admission requirements

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

1. previous studies, and
2. 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

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

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