Diploma of Theatre
Overview
The Diploma of Theatre will equip you with introductory knowledge and performance skills related to theatre. Choose to minor in Drama, Music Theatre or Technical Theatre to suit your area of interest and career goals.
Throughout your studies, you will be involved in a comprehensive conservatoire-style learning environment with expectations of high standards of performance and scholarship. As a CQU theatre student, you can enjoy a rigorous performance schedule in various University, community and professional settings, with mentoring from industry professionals.
You'll learn in our purpose-built performing arts facilities on our CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus and be involved in fully staged theatrical productions, either as a performer or as part of the technical/creative team.
You'll also have the option to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations with minors available in:
- Drama
- Music Theatre
- Technical Theatre.
Upon successful completion of the Diploma of Theatre, you may wish to deepen your skills in knowledge in your chosen performing arts field with our Bachelor of Theatre. The eight units you complete as part of the Diploma of Theatre can be credited towards the Bachelor of Theatre.
Audition Entry Requirements
To gain entry into this course, you will be required to complete an audition. Visit www.cqu.edu.au/auditions for more information.
Study Experience
Discover more about your Diploma of Theatre and how you'll benefit from practical experiences and learning in purpose-built performing arts facilities. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.
- Real-World Learning Facilities
- Industry Relevant
- Seamless Pathways
- Study Full-time or Part-time
Career Opportunities
The Diploma of Theatre is ideal if you are seeking introductory knowledge and skills associated with theatre. Upon graduation, you may find career opportunities in creative industries and arts administration.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete eight units (48 credits):
- 1The core structure (4 units)
- 2One four-unit minor
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Drama Minor
The Drama Minor consists of the following four units.
You'll study two Principal Performance Studios units that provide practical studies in various aspects of performance or technical theatre. In this minor you will focus on voice, acting and movement. As you progress in these two practical units, you'll build your skills and knowledge progressively. You'll also be introduced to the study of literature by learning how to read, analyse and write about the different genres of literature, such as novels, short stories, poems, and dramas. Throughout this minor, you'll have the opportunity to explore the complexity and delicacy of a short story while developing your text-based interpretative and analytical techniques.
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
Production 2 - THTR11103
Students enrolled in this unit are involved in the production of a staged theatre performance on campus, in a range of theatrical styles. Students work with industry mentors and staff in a simulated theatre company environment. Technical and performance skills and knowledge are embedded in the learning and teaching elements of this unit. Students also have the option to be involved in a social innovation theatre project as part of the learning in this unit. The project is typically completed in an intensive teaching period, and students are expected to show increasing levels of technical, artistic and creative competence through this series of units.
Production 1 - THTR11102
Students enrolled in this unit are involved in the production of a staged theatre performance on campus, in a range of theatrical styles. Students work with industry mentors and staff in a simulated theatre company environment. Technical and performance skills and knowledge are embedded in the learning and teaching elements of this unit. Students also have the option to be involved in a social innovation theatre project as part of the learning in this unit. The project is typically completed in an intensive teaching period, and students are expected to show increasing levels of technical, artistic and creative competence through this series of units.
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage.
Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in November each year.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
HECS-HELP Loan
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
There may be additional costs as part of your studies, such as technology expenses. Learn more about other study costs.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Extra Admission Information
Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.
Applying for 2026
Applications for Term 1, 2026 open on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
