Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance)

2021 Deakin University Handbook

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Year

2021 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance)
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2021.

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2021.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

Campus
Cloud CampusNo
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code060433M Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin course codeA356
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Immerse yourself in the exciting physical, creative and social possibilities of contemporary dance. Study a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) at Deakin to learn how the art of contemporary dance intersects with conceptual and innovative thinking, community enrichment and technology. 

Study the diverse ways in which dance can engage and make a difference. The course challenges and develops your physical, creative and intellectual capacities through practice-based learning. 

In the studio setting, core studies in dance technique, a broad spectrum of dance styles choreography, history and theory are complemented by work with digital technologies and other creative arts disciplines. Opportunities include public performance, choreographic projects and internship experiences. 

Want to launch your career as an adaptable dance practitioner? 

Develop advanced skills in contemporary dance through a combination of studio-based learning, theory and real-world experience.

You will gain skills and knowledge in:

  • dance technique and performance
  • choreography and dance production
  • screen based dance forms including film and music video
  • dance cultures
  • dance and movement improvisation.

You’ll have the chance to work on individual and group creative projects to develop your skills in choreography and improvisation and participate in public performances. Plus, you can gain exposure to the international dance sector by taking an overseas study tour or internship.

Graduate ready to launch a career as a practitioner in the professional dance sector. You will be equipped to work across disciplines in a variety of contexts, initiate independent arts projects or use your skills and knowledge as dance teachers, which are in strong demand.

Career opportunities

The course prepares you to launch a career as a practitioner in the professional dance sector. When you graduate you will be equipped to work across disciplines in a variety of contexts, initiate independent arts projects, or use your skills and knowledge as Dance teachers, which are in strong demand both in the school system and private studios.

Career opportunities include:

  • community art practice
  • dance education
  • event, festival and production management
  • arts administration and curation
  • dance therapies.

Transition to University study

The faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work which are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units as electives in their first year.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities

Interpret and apply conceptual, theoretical and technical skills in the analysis and presentation of a range of artistic artefacts within areas of specialisation and across multidisciplinary contexts.

Communication

Articulate critical engagement with a variety of mediums, methods and, techniques and strategies to present ideas, exhibitions, performances and practical work.

Digital literacy

Critically evaluate, manipulate and apply a range of information technologies, digital tools, devices and environments to support and develop ideas and creative expression.

Critical thinking

Analyze and synthesize research materials through multiple sources and mediums to generate original and innovative ideas about creative work in diverse cultural settings.

Problem solving

Identify, explore and create solutions to creative arts problems grounded in theory and/or practice.

Self-management

Develop, manage and critically reflect upon the producing and presenting of creative works in accordance with industry standards, development as a professional creative arts practitioner and personal learning goals. 

Teamwork

Contribute in a constructive and respectful way to the collaborative production of creative outcomes.

Global citizenship

Demonstrate critical knowledge and awareness of diverse social and cultural contexts when engaging in creative arts practice.

Approved by Faculty Board March 2019

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) a student must complete 24 credit points including:

  • 8 core units (totalling 12 credit points)
  • 4 Dance discipline units
  • 2 course electives
  • 6 electives
  • no more than 10 credit points at level 1
  • AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Core units

ACA100Introductory Creative Studio 1A

ACA101Introductory Creative Studio 1B

ACA210Creative Studio 2A (2 credit points)

ACA211Creative Studio 2B (2 credit points)

ACA310Creative Studio 3A (2 credit points)

ACA311Creative Studio 3B (2 credit points)

ACA309Creative Careers and Contexts

ACA397Exhibition and Performance

2 course electives selected from:

ACA226Culture Review: NGV and GAC

ACV101Painting in the Visual Arts

ACV212Digital Practices and the Visual Arts

ACV115Drawing and the Body in Visual Arts

ACV213Modelling and the Visual Arts

ACI101Analogue Photography

ACI102Digital Photography

ACI204Photographic Storytelling

ACI205Photographic Lighting

ACP103Acting Studio

ACP109Improvisation in Drama and Performance

ACP207Dramatic Plot, Story, Character and Theme for Performance

ACP208Theatre and Creative Technologies

Dance discipline units

ACD103Dance and Screens

ACD104Exploring Dance Styles From Hip Hop to Bollywood

ACD207Improvisation in Movement and Dance

ACD208Dance Beyond the Studio

6 free electives

We suggest students complete at least 4 units in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Creative Arts: (Drama, Visual Arts, Photography), Bachelor of Design: (Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, 3D Animation) or Bachelor of Arts programs.

Work experience

Work-integrated learning opportunities are embedded through the Bachelor of Creative Arts programs with real client briefs, opportunities for client and industry engagement and professional practice. These may be discipline specific or may introduce students to other opportunities in the diverse field of creative arts. This level of engagement occurs at first, second and third year and is core to the course. In particular we have a Creative Careers and Contexts and Exhibition and Performance units where students meet industry practitioners, visit creative industry workplaces, organise and promote a festival of exhibitions and performances and learn the appropriate practical, administrative, marketing and self-management skills required to launch and maintain their careers as creative artists in their chosen discipline. Student will develop a career development strategy that can be used to demonstrate the essential skills and knowledge for a future job application, successful pitch for funding or, development of a self-run project.


Assessment

Assessment within the award of Bachelor of Creative Arts varies from written assignments and/or examination to practical and technical exercises and performance. In some units assessment may also include class participation, online exercises, seminar exercises and tests.

Electives

Dance Study Tours & Internships (ACC317, ACC316) provide important options for electives within the BCA (Dance). Students may also choose electives from other disciplines within the School of Communication and Creative Arts, from the Arts and Education Faculty and from other Faculties, such as Health and Behavioural Sciences, depending on entry and pre-requisite requirements.


Other Course Information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.