Bachelor of Arts (Design for Theatre and Television)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Arts (Design for Theatre and Television) will equip graduates with skills in television and theatre design and technical production.

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.

About the course

The Bachelor of Arts (Design for Theatre and Television) 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.

Students may choose to exit the course with the Associate Degree in Design for Theatre and Television after completing 128 points.

Supplementary consultations

One of the unique things about CSU's Bachelor of Arts (Design for Theatre and Television) is that we have small class sizes, which allow intensive learning and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students, as well as the opportunity to gain experience working on real productions, not just watch the work being done. This makes our course very competitive. To give you the best opportunity to gain entry into the Bachelor of Arts (Design for Theatre and Television), CSU offers you the opportunity to undertake a supplementary 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 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.

The latest facilities

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

• industry standard television studio and control room
• 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 250-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 Arts (Television Production), and the Bachelor of Arts (Acting for Screen and Stage), whose skills complement the course specific lectures.

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

Special admission requirements

A portfolio and/or supplementary consultation is recommended.

You are encouraged to attend a supplementary consultation on campus to meet the design staff and tour our facilities. However phone interviews are available and your portfolio can be submitted electronically.

Supplementary consultation

An opportunity for you to ask questions about the course and for us to see if the course is suitable for you.

You can download the Design Theatre and Television Interview Form by clicking here.

Portfolio
A chance for you to show your skills, talent and potential. Items in your portfolio could include:

• a resume
• photocopies of HSC results, awards, certificates, and photographs or prints of original art or design work
• a review of a theatre production or television program or any materials/documentation relating to involvement in theatre or television/vido productions.

For more information about admission criteria please contact 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

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.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1