Build skills to secure a career in the rapidly changing world of the theatre

UNE's theatre and acting courses give you practical skills in acting, directing and stagecraft, while also providing a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural context of theatre. The arts are a dynamic and constantly changing area. Advances in technology and cultural thinking quickly affect theatre communities; theatre operations adapt to new technology, scripts reflect changing societal norms, and production teams and casts expand their repertoires. Professionals who embrace these changes will be in high demand in future theatre companies and arts environments.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in theatre and acting designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to secure meaningful positions in the arts. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults ready themselves for changes in the workplace, our theatre and acting courses focus on practical theatre skills, oral communication, creative thinking, teamwork, problem solving, ensuring you will be future-fit to adapt to advances in the arts as they arise.

Most of our students opt for online education, and become part of a community of adults who pool their life and work experiences to form networks for the future. Those who study on-campus enjoy athletics facilities, accommodation and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

With UNE, you’ll graduate prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of a future in the arts industry, whether you want to pursue a career as an actor, a playwright or behind the scenes. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the study options related to theatre and acting on offer at UNE.

Courses by study level

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow …

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It …

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) offers a comprehensive program of study that provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher. Develop your teaching skills in a supportive,…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

This flexible non-teaching education degree incorporates a wide range of subjects to prepare you to work in a range of educational fields, including training and management environments. With UNE’s Bachelor of Educational Studies, you will learn in…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Bachelor of Music

Is music your passion? We can help make it your career too, with our comprehensive, creatively focused Bachelor of Music. This unique, fully online degree will equip you with industry-valued knowledge and skills in performance, composition, ear…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Special and inclusive education is rapidly evolving, and with it the demand for specialists in the field is larger than ever. UNE’s Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Diploma in Arts

Are you looking to add an additional area of expertise to your CV to enhance your career prospects and become future fit for life, without committing to a full degree? Perhaps you just want to dip a toe into university study, with the option of…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

This course is not offered in 2024. The ability to communicate effectively is essential in many aspects of our lives, but none more so than in the workplace. Improving your communication skills can not only improve your performance in your current…

Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Not offered in 2024
Mode
  • Online

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more career choices, with a focus on your chosen area of interest. With the freedom to assemble your course from a curated …

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development is a program of study for people from a broad range of backgrounds who want to begin developing skills for future careers or further study. Designed in response to rapid workplace and…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
Master of Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Accelerate your career opportunities with the UNE Master of Teaching (Secondary). Gain the specialist knowledge and skills you need to become a sought-after teacher who makes a difference. Study online in a flexible timeframe that suits your…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Theatre and Acting

With demand for theatre professionals strong and rising, UNE’s acting and theatre study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of the evolving arts and entertainment industry. Enhance your theatre skills and your opportunities. Explore your options now.

Filter by:
Showing 17 of 7 results
Creative Entrepreneurship
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Safeguard your future and learn about the aspects of successful entrepreneurship from UNE’s industry specialists. Cover idea development, problem solving, advances in tech, management, marketing, ethics and work/life balance to future-fit yourself…

Safeguard your future and learn about the aspects of successful entrepreneurship from UNE’s industry specialists. Cover idea development, problem solving, advances in tech, management, marketing, ethics and work/life balance to future-fit yourself in the changing global business marketplace.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Creative Industries
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop practical skills in film, TV, writing and publishing and study the processes through which cultural products are made and circulated in the digital environment. UNE's established creatives will help you protect your career and pursue…

Develop practical skills in film, TV, writing and publishing and study the processes through which cultural products are made and circulated in the digital environment. UNE's established creatives will help you protect your career and pursue your passion in the changing world of the arts.

Courses Type Level of Study
Undergraduate Certificate in Arts Major Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Development Specialisation Undergraduate
Drama
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Become future-fit with practical drama teaching skills and learn how to nurture your students to create their best work using tested methods and current tech. UNE’s expertise in fostering educators will develop your digital and personal abilities to …

Become future-fit with practical drama teaching skills and learn how to nurture your students to create their best work using tested methods and current tech. UNE’s expertise in fostering educators will develop your digital and personal abilities to sustain your place in the education sector.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Music
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's well-respected music educators will help you develop your technical musical skills, securing your place in a local and global music industry that is rapidly changing and evolving. Learn about collaboration and innovations in music…

UNE's well-respected music educators will help you develop your technical musical skills, securing your place in a local and global music industry that is rapidly changing and evolving. Learn about collaboration and innovations in music technology and protect your future in this creative field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Music Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Music with Honours Specialist Course Bachelor Honours
Diploma in Music Specialist Course Undergraduate
Diploma in Music Technology Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Arts Major Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Performance
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's expertise in music education will help you build adaptable music skills to safeguard your position in a world of rapid innovations in music technology and collaboration. Boost your future as a creative entrepreneur by gaining the…

UNE's expertise in music education will help you build adaptable music skills to safeguard your position in a world of rapid innovations in music technology and collaboration. Boost your future as a creative entrepreneur by gaining the performance expertise needed to succeed in the music industry.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Music Major Undergraduate
Stage and Screen Acting
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Hone a diverse range of performance skills and strengthen your position in the world of stage and screen with UNE’s esteemed drama educators. Develop practical techniques that will ensure that you are sought after to meet the increase in demand that …

Hone a diverse range of performance skills and strengthen your position in the world of stage and screen with UNE’s esteemed drama educators. Develop practical techniques that will ensure that you are sought after to meet the increase in demand that the rise of streaming services has created.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Theatre and Performance
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop your ability to captivate your audience, whether they be seated in a cinema, a theatre, a court of law or a boardroom. Strengthen your public speaking skills for an evolving multimedia global world and enhance your confidence when you learn…

Develop your ability to captivate your audience, whether they be seated in a cinema, a theatre, a court of law or a boardroom. Strengthen your public speaking skills for an evolving multimedia global world and enhance your confidence when you learn the art of performance from UNE’s experts.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Arts Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Theatre and Acting

By studying theatre and professional acting with UNE, you will develop the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers in the arts. With demand for high quality entertainment constant throughout history and the need for technical expertise set to rise, professionals with skillsets in stagecraft and storytelling can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Actor
    Perform in various productions, including theatre, film, television and commercials, bringing characters to life.
  • Director
    Oversee all phases of a creative production, including casting, blocking, and guiding actors in their performances.
  • Playwright or screenwriter
    Create scripts for theatre, film, television or radio productions, developing compelling stories and characters.
  • Teacher
    Educate students in acting techniques and theatre arts at schools or universities.
  • Voice actor
    Provide voices for animated films, video games, audiobooks and commercials.
  • Production manager
    Take responsibility for the budget, schedule and administration of a theatrical production.
  • Event planner
    Organise and coordinate events, including theatrical productions, concerts and festivals, ensuring they run smoothly.
  • Public relations specialist
    Promote theatre productions, artists or cultural organisations through media relations and marketing strategies.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.