Bachelor of Fine Arts (Design and Production) (B-FADPRO)
Bachelors DegreeYear: 2020 Delivered: On Campus (Southbank)
About this course
Contact
Students currently admitted in this course:
Future students:
Coordinator
Lisa Osborn
Overview
| Award title | Bachelor of Fine Arts (Design and Production) |
|---|---|
| Year & campus | 2020 — Southbank |
| CRICOS code | 093586K |
| Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
| Study level & type | Undergraduate Coursework |
| AQF level | 7 |
| Credit points | 300 credit points |
| Duration | 36 months full-time |
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a three-year degree which offers immersive and experiential practice-based studio studies in nine areas of specialisation (Acting, Animation, Dance, Design and Production, Film and Television, Music Theatre, Screenwriting, Theatre and Visual Art). It features an intense and student-centred approach to skills training, to create self-confident and autonomous arts practitioners with the capacity to build sustainable careers in an international context. Each specialisation features regular opportunities for exhibition, production and performance, and culminates in a capstone experience, which prepares students for professional work and further research. Critical studies build knowledge of the context of a student’s core discipline along with academic literacy, and complementary studies offer a choice of electives in the visual and performing arts, or from other areas of study within the University of Melbourne. The degree is designed to have international currency and to assist the VCA to raise its international profile.
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
one of
(a) the Victorian Certificate of Education including
- VCE Units 3 and 4 – either a study score of at least 25 in one of English, English Language or Literature or a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language;
(b) the International Baccalaureate Diploma including
- at least Grade 4 in English or English B (Standard Level or Higher Level);
(c) a senior secondary program, foundation studies program or equivalent approved by the Academic Board including appropriate English language studies. Applicants are also required to complete an audition, test, interview, workshop, portfolio or folio presentation, as prescribed by the Academic Board for the stream to which entry is sought.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- prior academic performance, and
- performance in the audition, test, interview, workshop, portfolio or folio.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. For applicants who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the undergraduate English language requirements must be met.
Note. For applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre, “middle‐band” selection adjustments are made only on the basis of eligibility for Access Melbourne.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Intended learning outcomes
The BFA is designed to train highly skilled arts practitioners who can:
- work independently or in ensemble in a wide range of careers and performance or production opportunities
- be well‐trained and knowledgeable in their own and related fields
- be committed to continuous learning and production in their discipline
- have a local and international perspective on their own arts practice
- excellence in practising their own art form
- have good academic literacy skills in expression, argument and research
- be proficient in the use of appropriate modern technologies.
Generic skills
Artistically excellent:
- demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional artist/practitioner in the 21 Century
- have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of artistic practices and scholarship
- have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
- reach a high level of achievement in artistic practice, writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
- be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
- be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies
Knowledgeable across disciplines:
- examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a range of disciplines
- expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
- have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
- have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment
Leaders in communities:
- initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
- have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
- mentor future generations of learners
- engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs
Attuned to cultural diversity:
- value different cultures and their cultural forms of practice
- be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
- have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
- respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values
Active global citizens:
- understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society
- accept social and civic responsibilities
- be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
- have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics.
Course structure
300-point program, including:
- 206.25 points of common core subjects
- 62.5 points of major-specific core subjects
- 31.25 points of electives
Students apply for either the 'Design' or 'Technical' major and are selected into their major as part of the interview process.
Subject options
The course structure is outlined below. First semester is an integrated study of production processes for all students. Year 1 semester 2 students progress to their chosen major and will not be able to change majors as the study in the majors is sequential. Year 2 builds the student’s skill base and enables them to explore different areas within their major. Year 3 continues extending their skill base preparing them for their graduating projects and enables them to complete an industry internship.
Year 1
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| THTR10022 | Artefact and Performance 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DPSS10002 | Foundations of Design and Production 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
25 |
| DPSS10001 | Production Practice 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DPSS10005 | Artefact and Performance 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DPSS10006 | Foundations of Design and Production 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
25 |
| DPSS10004 | Production Practice 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
Year 2
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPSS20001 | Production Practice 3 | Year Long (On Campus - Southbank) |
37.5 |
| DPSS20002 | Frontiers in Design and Technology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
6.25 |
PLUS
Two of the following according to major:
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPSS20003 | Design Studio 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
25 |
| DPSS20004 | Technical Studio 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
25 |
| DPSS20005 | Design Studio 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DPSS20006 | Technical Studio 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
PLUS
One of the following 6.25 credit point electives
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPSS20008 | Introduction to Production Management | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
6.25 |
| DPSS20007 | Interpretations of Period Style | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
6.25 |
PLUS
One 12.5 credit point VCA Elective Subject or, with permission from the Course Coordinator, a Parkville campus breadth subject.
Year 3
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPSS30001 | Production Practice 4 | Year Long (On Campus - Southbank) |
50 |
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPSS30006 | Professional Practice and Promotion | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
PLUS
Two of the following according to major:
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| DPSS30003 | Technical Internship | Year Long (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DPSS30002 | Design Internship | Year Long (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DPSS30005 | Independent Technical Project | Year Long (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DPSS30004 | Independent Design Project | Year Long (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
PLUS
One 12.5 credit point VCA elective or, with permission from the Course Coordinator, a Parkville campus breadth subject.
VCA Elective Subjects
Students wishing to take subjects offered as breadth options on the Parkville campus should seek permission from the Course Coordinator
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIND10003 | Ancient & Contemporary Indigenous Arts | Summer Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| AIND10004 | Art and Indigenous Voice | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| DPSS10007 | The History of Cool: Fashion & Attitude | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
| MUST10012 | Alexander Technique for Daily Function | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| THTR10019 | Clear Speech and Communication |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| FLTV10021 | Interactive Art Media 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| MUSI10202 | Jazz: The Improvisatory Spirit | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FLTV10010 | Making Movies 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| MUSI10179 | Making Music For Film And Animation 1 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUSI10184 | Pop Song Writing 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| THTR10007 | The Actors Process | Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| FINA10035 | Still Life: Nature Morte | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| FINA10036 | Life Drawing: The Body | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DNCE10027 | Dancing the Dance 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| UNIB10011 | The Secret Life of the Body 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| DRAM10026 | Up Close and Personal with MTC |
Semester 1 (Off Campus)
June (Off Campus)
Semester 2 (Off Campus)
|
12.5 |
| MUST10009 | Music Theatre: From Chorus To Ensemble | Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| AIND20011 | Indigenous Art and Changing the Nation | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
| AIND20012 | Ancient & Contemporary Indigenous Arts 2 | Summer Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| DPSS20009 | Travelling Design & Performance Studio | Summer Term (Off Campus) |
12.5 |
| MUSI20190 | Advanced Recording Studio Techniques | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUSI20167 | Creating Music For Advertising | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| THTR20043 | Design and the Moving Image | June (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUSI20164 | Free Play New Music Improvisation Ensem |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
June (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| MUST20010 | Singing and the Power of Pop Music | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| THTR20022 | Improvisation: Text, Space and Action | Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUST20011 | Intimate Acts: Inside The 'Fourth Wall' | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| FINA20033 | Introduction to Printmaking Processes |
Summer Term (On Campus - Southbank)
February (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
July (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| FLTV20005 | Making Movies 2 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUST20008 | Music Theatre: Singing Sondheim | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| MUST20009 | Music Theatre: Singing the Golden Age | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| FINA20026 | Painting Techniques |
Summer Term (On Campus - Southbank)
February (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank)
July (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| THTR20042 | Puppets as Storytellers | Summer Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUSI20192 | R&B, Soul & Gospel Choir | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUSI20163 | Samba Band |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
April (Online)
June (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| MUSI20173 | The Art of Game Music | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| THTR20023 | The Artist's Toolbox |
February (On Campus - Southbank)
July (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| MUSI20174 | The Laptop Recording Studio |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| DNCE20031 | Dancing the Dance 2: Create & Perform | Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| FINA20035 | Drawing with Anatomy |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
February (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MUSI20206 | The Business of Music | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| FINA20036 | Under Camera Animation |
Summer Term (On Campus - Southbank)
February (On Campus - Southbank)
Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank)
July (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| CCDP20001 | Street Art |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| DPSS30007 | Design and Production Global Atelier | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| DRAM30020 | Acting for Camera | Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUST30012 | Music Theatre: Singing Rock Musicals | Summer Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| MUSI30236 | The Music Producer: From Brass to Beats | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| THTR30039 | Understanding Masks | Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
| THTR30042 | Hashtag Cyberstar |
Summer Term (On Campus - Southbank)
Winter Term (On Campus - Southbank)
|
12.5 |
| FLTV30022 | Making Movies 3 Practical Production | February (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
Majors, minors & specialisations
Students are selected into their major as part of the interview process.
| Name | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Design | 62.5 |
| Technical | 62.5 |
Reassessment is available in this course
Reassessment is a second attempt at passing a compulsory subject if a borderline failure in a single subject has a significant impact on the student's progression through their course. A borderline failure is usually a mark of 45% or more. Reassessment is not available if failure in the subject is a result of a finding of student academic misconduct; or a student was awarded a NH grade due to failure to participate in a component of assessment that was a hurdle requirement or failure to attend or participate in the subject as required.
Refer to Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326): https://policy.unimelb.edu.au/MPF1326
Last updated: 9 April 2025