Create your career in theatre and performance.
Designed and taught by theatre- and performance-makers, this program will build your skills through studies in acting, directing, devising, theatre history, leadership, script-writing, voice, and design. Upon graduation you will have the skills to work in theatre and performance or transfer your skills to a range of related professions.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Designed and taught by theatre- and performance-makers, this program will build your skills through studies in acting, directing, devising, theatre history, leadership, script-writing, voice, and design. Upon graduation you will have the skills to work in theatre and performance or transfer your skills to a range of related professions.
In this program you will:
- Engage in studies of acting, directing, devising, theatre history, leadership, script-writing, voice and design.
- Build performance making skills.
- Work alongside a professional theatre director in the creation of a theatrical production.
- Undertake industry placements, and develop practical skills and valuable industry networks.
- Hone your communication, problem solving, critical analysis, team work, time management, and leadership skills.
Career opportunities:
- Stage manager
- Actor
- Playwright
- Director
- Producer
- Educator
Program structure
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CMN101 Using Data for Learning
CMN103 Secondary Professional Learning: The Professional Empowered and Engaged
COR109 Research Design: Methodology and Literature Review
DES101 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
DRA100 Introduction to the Creative Industries
DRA102 Communication and Thought
Developing and Graduate courses (10) 120 units
CMN200 The Language of Design
CMN312 Acting 1: The actor's craft
CMN313 Exploring Twentieth Century Theatre
DRA202 Introduction to Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
DRA203 Industry Internship 1: Communication, Creativity and Design
DRA204 Creativity, Design and Communication Project
DRA206 Directing Performance: Contemporary Perspectives
DRA301 Physical Theatre
EGL205 Theatre Production
MUS200 Acting 2: Contemporary Shakespeare
Elective courses (8) 96 units
Select 8 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law) or (Science, Health, Education and Engineering). Students are strongly encouraged to use their electives to complete an additional major or minor.
Please note the total number of introductory courses that can be undertaken in this program is 120 units (10 courses).
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 units per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on Student visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses