music, visual and performing arts - University of Melbourne

music, visual and 

performing arts 

Undergraduate Course Information 2010 

Bachelor of Dance 

Bachelor of Dramatic Art 

Bachelor of Film and Television 

Bachelor of Fine Art 

Bachelor of Music 

Bachelor of Music Performance 

Bachelor of Production 

www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au

Aerial view of Parkville campus, residential colleges and Melbourne city centre beyond.

Contents 

Choose Melbourne 2 

Courses, careers and the Melbourne Model 4 

Bachelor of Dance 6 

Bachelor of Dramatic Art 10 

Bachelor of Film and Television 13 

Bachelor of Fine Art 17 

Bachelor of Music 20 

Bachelor of Music Performance 25 

Bachelor of Production 29 

Graduate study at Melbourne 32 

Enrich your degree 34 

Admission and selection for Australian students 36 

Admission and selection for international students 39 

Scholarships 40 

Getting involved at Melbourne 41 

Need more information? back cover 

Cover: Jessica Jiang, 2nd year student, Bachelor of Music Performance. The Magic Flute, 2008. Photo: Jeff Busby.

2 Choose Melbourne 

A University of Melbourne 

degree creates a world of 

opportunities 

The University of Melbourne is known 

throughout the Asia-Pacific and 

worldwide as a leading international 

university. Our reputation is underpinned 

by our commitment to excellence in 

teaching and learning and our status 

as Australia’s highest-ranked research 

University Q . 

Times Higher Education (THE), 

World University Rankings, 2008 

> No. 38 in the world 

> No. 7 in the Asia-Pacific region 

> Only Australian university to rank in 

the top 30 in the world in all five of the 

THE discipline rankings 

> Leading Australian university in life 

sciences and biomedicine 

> No. 9 in the world and leading 

Australian university as ranked by 

employers 

> No. 21 in the world by international 

peer review 

www.timeshighereducation.co.uk 

Academic Ranking of World 

Universities, Shanghai Jiao Tong 

University, 2008 

> No. 6 Asia-Pacific region 

> No. 73 worldwide 

http://ed.sjtu.edu.cn/ranking.htm 

The Higher Education Evaluation 

and Accreditation Council of Taiwan 

(HEEACT), 2008 

> No. 1 in Australia for Clinical, Life and 

Social Sciences 

> No. 1 in Australia for scientific papers 

published 

http://ranking.heeact.edu.tw/enus/2008/Page/Methodology 

Q According to key indicators used by the Australian 

Government to allocate competitive research 

funding. 

Achieve outstanding career 

outcomes 

Melbourne graduates are prominent 

in political, cultural, academic and 

business arenas throughout the world. 

High-profile employers from Australia 

and overseas actively recruit our 

graduates, who stand out for their 

problem-solving skills, capacity for 

independent critical thought, and 

leadership potential. 

Demand for our students is reflected in 

the large number of jobs placed through 

Careers Online (the University’s job vacancy 

site). Over 49 000 graduate vacancies and 

internship opportunities were advertised on 

this site in 2007. International organisations 

recruiting on campus include Accenture, 

IBM, KPMG, Macquarie Bank and 

PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

Employers know that our graduates will be 

academically excellent, knowledgeable 

across disciplines, aware of cultural 

diversity, and active global citizens with the 

potential to be leaders in their profession 

and community. 

www.services.unimelb.edu.au/careers 

Benefit from international 

leadership 

The University of Melbourne has a 

history of more than 150 years of 

leadership in research, innovation, 

teaching and learning. The Parkville 

campus is recognised as the hub of 

Australia’s premier knowledge precinct, 

which includes eight hospitals, many 

leading research institutes and a wide 

range of knowledge-based industries. 

As a University of Melbourne student, 

you will become part of a dynamic 

collegial environment with a distinctive 

research edge. 

Our collaboration with other leading 

universities around the world through 

membership of Universitas 21 and the 

Association of Pacific Rim Universities, 

combined with our partnerships in 

academic research and student exchange, 

ensure that your experience at Melbourne 

will be a global one. 

Talented people from all over the world 

come to study and work at the University of 

Melbourne. We invite you to join our tradition 

and discover why staff and students of 

the highest calibre are attracted to our 

University. 

www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/about/ 

partnerships

Excel through award-winning 

approaches to teaching and 

learning 

Our ongoing pursuit of new teaching 

methodologies keeps us at the forefront 

of higher education. Our comprehensive 

range of academic programs can 

accommodate your talents and goals. 

We encourage you to explore broad 

intellectual, social, political and historical 

contexts both in and outside the 

classroom. 

We aim to provide you with an outstanding 

Melbourne Experience throughout your 

studies. As part of this experience, we have 

integrated opportunities into the curriculum 

to undertake a range of leadership, 

mentoring, exchange, internship and 

community engagement activities. 

www.services.unimelb.edu.au/live 

Our new generation undergraduate degrees 

are designed to provide both depth and 

breadth of learning, with opportunities to 

develop multiple competencies and explore 

diverse interests by experiencing different 

disciplines and ways of knowing. A new 

generation degree provides an expanded 

range of pathways from your undergraduate 

studies into employment, professional 

graduate programs or research. You will 

study in an atmosphere of intellectual rigour 

and benefit from the wealth of cultural, 

institutional and recreational opportunities 

available to you. 


whychoose 

Experience a stimulating 

environment 

Studies in music, visual and performing 

arts at the University of Melbourne are 

delivered by the Faculty of the VCA and 

Music, spanning across two campuses 

close to the centre of cultural and artistic 

life in Melbourne. 

The Parkville campus is located just a 

few minutes from the centre of the City 

of Melbourne – an exciting and vibrant 

global centre of cultural, artistic, social, 

sporting and business life. Melbourne is 

credited as one of the world’s most liveable 

cities Q , a World Health Organization safe 

community W , and is a safe place to live and 

study. 

The Southbank campus is located in the 

heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct – home of 

the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne 

Theatre Company, Melbourne Recital 

Centre, The Australian Ballet, the Australian 

Centre for the Moving Image, Chunky Move, 

and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 

to name a few. Students on the Southbank 

campus use these cultural institutions as a 

dynamic extension of their studio life. 

Our learning community and curriculum 

is internationally and culturally diverse. In 

2008, the University’s student community 

of 45 000 included more than 10 000 

international students from over 100 

different countries. Melbourne students 

are active in clubs, sport and community 

service. We invite you to become part of this 

thriving community. 


life 

www.thatsmelbourne.com.au 

Q 

Economist Intelligence Unit, London, 2002–2007. 

W 

World Health Organisation, 2006. 

Benefit from award-winning 

support 

Our comprehensive range of student 

support services helps in your 

adjustment to university life and provides 

you with continuing support that will 

enhance your learning. 

We offer assistance with: 

> housing and accommodation 

> student financial aid 

> career services 

> health services 

> counselling 

> academic skills. 

Visit our student services and transition 

web sites: 

www.services.unimelb.edu.au 

www.services.unimelb.edu.au/transition 

Continue to reap benefits 

as a member of our alumni 

community 

Benefit from worldwide alumni 

membership 

No matter where you are in the world, after 

graduation you will automatically become 

a member of Melbourne’s vibrant alumni 

community. Our alumni continue to reap 

the benefits of their time at Melbourne 

through a host of exclusive offers, services 

and events. As Melbourne alumni you 

will be able to access online library 

journals, discounts and special offers, and 

membership to a worldwide network of 

colleagues. Our alumni can also choose to 

receive invitations to special international 

and Australian events and are regularly kept 

up to date with the latest developments in 

their professional field and at the University. 

Visit our web site to find out more about the 

services, benefits and information available 

to Melbourne alumni. 

www.unimelb.edu.au/alumni 

3

4 Courses, careers and the 

Melbourne Model 

The University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Model is an approach to higher education that aligns us with 

the best of European and Asian practice, and North American tradition. You will be able to choose from 

six new generation degrees and a range of continuing degrees at the undergraduate level and then, if you 

choose, undertake professional study after graduating. 

There are a range of professional entry programs that are or will soon be offered at graduate level 

including Architecture, Cultural Material Conservation, Dental Science, Engineering, Forest Ecosystem 

Science, Law (Juris Doctor), Management (Accounting), Medicine, Music Therapy, Nursing Science, 

Psychology, Social Work and Teaching. In addition to the professional entry programs you will have an 

opportunity to study from over 340 coursework programs or research higher degrees in our new graduate 

schools. 

Undergraduate study 

New generation degrees 

Bachelor of Arts 

Bachelor of Biomedicine 

Bachelor of Commerce 

Bachelor of Environments 


Bachelor of Science 

Under the Melbourne Model, students 

studying a new generation undergraduate 

degree complete a major in a particular 

discipline together with subjects from 

outside their core program. Together with 

the opportunity for internships, study abroad 

and participation in industry projects, 

our degrees offer students the chance 

to explore a range of interests before 

committing to a particular career path. 

The depth component of the new 

generation degrees enables students to 

develop rich and detailed knowledge, skills 

and understanding in specific disciplines 

through the study of sequences of subjects 

or majors from their first through to their 

third year. 

The breadth component enables students 

to choose 25 per cent of their subjects 

from disciplines that stand outside their 

core studies and majors in order to 

develop different approaches to, and 

understandings of, contrasting academic 

fields. Subjects taken as breadth introduce 

students to expert academics who can 

expand their knowledge, challenge their 

perceptions and spark their interest in areas 

beyond their chosen study focus. 

The knowledge transfer component 

provides opportunities for students 

to connect with the community and 

employers in many different ways: through 

field trips and project-based learning, 

through lectures with industry experts, 

through internships and placements, in 

mentoring schemes linking students with 

professionals, in exchange and study 

abroad programs, and through increased 

opportunities to get involved in community, 

environmental and humanitarian projects. 

Towards the end of your new generation 

degree, you will undertake a capstone 

activity designed to draw together the 

various strands of your undergraduate 

education and prepare you for life as a 

graduate. This may involve work experience, 

a research project, input from an industry 

practitioner or a coursework subject 

outlining business best practice. 

The University Handbook provides detailed 

outlines of major study sequences, breadth 

and capstone subjects: http://handbook. 

unimelb.edu.au 

Continuing degrees 

In addition to the new generation degrees 

on offer, the University will be selecting 

students for 2010 entry into the following 

undergraduate degrees: Agriculture, 

Dance Q , Dramatic Art Q , Engineering (final 

intake in Semester 1), Film and Television Q , 

Fine Art Q , Media and Communications 

(final intake), Music Performance Q , Oral 

Health, and Production Q . 

Q These courses will become part of a new 

generation degree in 2011. Please see page 37 

for more information. 

Graduate study 

As part of the Melbourne Model, some 

disciplines which were previously offered 

at the undergraduate level are now offered 

at the graduate level by our new graduate 

schools. For example, you will be able 

to study degrees at graduate level which 

qualify you for professions in architecture, 

education, engineering, law, accounting 

and the medical field. 

The University of Melbourne offers over 

340 graduate programs ranging from 

professional entry degrees for students 

wanting to gain a qualification or change 

career path, to graduate professional 

development programs designed for 

professionals interested in advancing 

their career opportunities. Employees 

with graduate qualifications have an edge 

over competitors, which makes them 

increasingly well-regarded by prospective 

employers and leads to higher salaries. 

For more information about graduate study, 

see the Melbourne Model study options 

diagram opposite and also refer to pages 

32–33.

Melbourne Model study options and pathways at the University of Melbourne W 

Your first 

university degree Further study options at Melbourne 

New generation 

undergraduate degree 

in Arts, Biomedicine, 

Commerce, Environments, 

Music, Science 

OR 

A continuing degree 

at the University 

of Melbourne 

Including: Media and 

Communications, 

Engineering, Oral Health, 

Dance, Dramatic Art, 

Film and Television, 

Fine Art, Music 

Performance, Production 

OR 

An approved degree 

at another institution 

Employment 

You can enter the workforce after completing an undergraduate degree or after pursuing a graduate program – with either option, exciting career 

opportunities await! 

Undergraduate degree employment options: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/careers 

Legend 

Pathways to further study 

Honours 

An extension of one year to a three-year bachelors 

degree or an award given to high-performing 

students on completion of a four-year bachelors 

degree. Available in many disciplines. 

Graduate professional development programs 

Designed for graduates and professionals interested in advancing their career opportunities. 

Available in all disciplines. 

More information: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/grad 

Pathways to employment 

W Please note this diagram shows many but not all study options at the University of Melbourne. 

Graduate research programs 

Undertake original research focused 

on your particular interest under 

supervision. Available in all disciplines. 

Graduate professional entry programs 

Including: Architecture, Engineering, Law, Medicine and other health sciences, Teaching, Veterinary 

Science, Music Therapy 

> Provide a focused and intense course of study, emphasising the development of workplace skills 

> Endorsed by Australian Commonwealth Government as pathways to professional practice 

> Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance/Austudy 

> Guaranteed entry pathways exist for high-achieving students 

More information: pages 32–33 and www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/grad 

A University of Melbourne degree creates a world of career opportunities for your future 

5

6 


Duration: 3 years full-time (part-time not 

available) 

4th year Honours available 

Fee type: Commonwealth supported 

place and International fee 

Campus: Southbank 

Entry requirements: See pages 36–39. 

Extra requirements: Audition and 

interview required. See details below. 

Note: Deferral of this course is not 

possible in 2010. 

Note for students applying in 2011 or 

2012: See page 37. 

Extra requirements 

The Bachelor of Dance selection process 

includes an audition for all applicants, 

and an interview for selected applicants. 

Auditions are held in September/ 

October; please visit the web site for 

audition dates and locations. Applicants 

who are unable to attend an audition 

may submit a video or DVD following the 

guidelines set out on the web site. Prior 

training in contemporary dance and/or 

ballet is highly recommended. 

For further information about extra 

requirements visit: 

www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au 

Choose Dance at Melbourne 

The newly established School of Performing 

Arts encompasses all of the course offerings 

for undergraduate and graduate students 

within Dance, Theatre and Production. 

Dedicated to rigorous creative exploration 

in tandem with technique training and skills 

development across each of the disciplines, 

the School of Performing Arts advances 

the contemporary practice and creative 

heritage of live art through intensive, hands 

on experience with teachers, artists and 

professionals in the field. 

The Bachelor of Dance is one of the preeminent 

courses in Australia for dance 

education and training and is renowned 

for producing outstanding contemporary 

dance performers. Graduates are wellplaced 

to pursue professional careers in 

Australia and overseas. 

The Bachelor of Dance offers intensive 

specialist dance training and encourages 

experimentation, exploration and artistic 

inquiry to produce versatile, collaborative 

dance artists. 

The emphasis is on performance, 

choreographic practice and research so 

that graduates may become performers, 

choreographers, collaborators, teachers 

and artistic leaders in local, national and 

international dance communities. The 

course attracts highly motivated, disciplined 

and creative dancers who are interested in 

shaping the future of the profession. 

Support and facilities 

Dance at the School of Performing Arts 

offers an intimate studio-theatre and five 

purpose-built dance studios, designed for 

dance and choreography. There are also 

video editing suites and seminar rooms for 

subjects such as anatomy, music, dance 

analysis and performance management. 

World-renowned staff 

Jacquinta Young, 2008 graduate 

Dance staff include eminent teachers and 

practising artists in contemporary dance 

and ballet who have worked with a variety of 

dance companies including The Australian 

Ballet, West Australian Ballet, Tasdance, 

Dance North, Sydney Dance Company, 

London Festival Ballet and Rambert Dance 

Theatre. Specialist teachers, guest lecturers, 

visiting choreographers and associations 

with a range of professional dance 

companies keep students in contact with 

the wider dance and performing arts sector. 

More information: www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au

Course structure 

The Bachelor of Dance is a three-year 

intensive dance education and training 

program. The subjects are sequenced to 

enable you to progress and to develop 

technically and artistically. In first and 

second year students are introduced to 

new dance science information which can 

be integrated throughout the course and 

inform their emerging dance practice. 

By third year there is a greater emphasis 

on developing artistic autonomy. Daily 

contemporary dance and ballet classes 

continue, followed by afternoon rehearsals. 

By working with emerging and leading 

Australian choreographers in preparation 

for the diverse challenges of current dance 

practice, you will maximise your potential to 

work professionally as a performer, teacher 

and/or choreographer. 

A fourth year (Honours) provides an 

opportunity for dance graduates to extend 

their technical, artistic and creative skills 

and to deepen their knowledge of dance. 

A substantial part of the Honours program 

involves practical studies undertaken as 

field experience in the professional dance 

sector. 

Depth – developing a 

specialisation 

In the Bachelor of Dance, intensive studio 

practice provides the basis for developing 

you as a dance artist. The training paradigm 

incorporates the latest developments in 

Course plan – Bachelor of Dance Q 

Year 1 

Year 2 

Year 3 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Key: Compulsory subjects 

Dance 

Technique 1A 

Dance 

Technique 1B 

Dance 

Technique 2A 

Dance 

Technique 2B 

Dance 

Technique 3A 

Dance 

Technique 3B 

Q Subjects offered may change from year to year. 

dance science in terms of injury prevention 

and management, to develop you as a 

versatile, kinaesthetically intelligent dance 

artist and to ensure sustainable career 

prospects. Specialist dance studies 

include Dance Technique, Allied Dance 

Studies, Choreography, Kinetic Studies and 

Performance. 

Dance Technique involves daily technique 

classes in contemporary dance and ballet. 

The rigorous training is anatomically based 

in order to achieve good dynamic alignment 

and maximum movement efficiency. 

In Allied Dance Studies, offered in first 

and second year, you can choose from 

a selection of Duo, Pas de Deux, Ballet 

Repertoire, Contemporary Repertoire, 

Improvisation and Pointe, giving you the 

flexibility to pursue your own interests in 

contemporary dance and/or ballet. 

Studies in Choreography and dance 

analysis are closely interrelated to 

encourage experimentation, exploration, 

reflection and artistic inquiry. 

Kinetic Studies introduces you to current 

dance science knowledge through 

theoretical and studio-based work in 

anatomy, kinesiology, Conditioning with 

Imagery Training (CIT), Feldenkrais, yoga and 

other body-based practices. 

In Performance, each semester you will 

perform in an innovative program of new 

work by leading and emerging Australian 

choreographers, curated by the Head 

Performance 1 

Performance 2A 

Performance 2B 

Performance 3A 

Performance 3B 

Choreography 

1A 

Choreography 

1B 

Choreography 

2A 

Choreography 

2B 

Choreography 

3A 

Choreography 

3B (Dance 

Making) 

Kinetic 

Studies 1A 

Kinetic 

Studies 1B 

Kinetic 

Studies 2A 

Kinetic 

Studies 2B 

Choreography 

3C 

(Performance) 

of Dance. Regular dance performances 

provide a real experience of a professional 

environment and enhance your growth as a 

dance artist. 

You will also undertake studies in 

performance management, career planning 

and management, music and production, in 

order to broaden your knowledge and skills 

for a sustained career in dance. 

More information: www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au 

Breadth – developing 

knowledge across disciplines 

In this multidisciplinary arts environment, 

students in the Bachelor of Dance will 

undertake subjects through the Centre 

for Ideas. The common curriculum is a 

cross-disciplinary sequence of subjects 

examining the interaction between artistic 

practice and wider social, political and 

cultural contexts. The integration of 

intensive specialist dance training with 

critical studies aims to produce artists 

who are not only highly technically and 

artistically skilled but also culturally and 

technologically literate. 

Allied Dance 

Studies 1A 

Allied Dance 

Studies 1B 

Allied Dance 

Studies 2A 

Allied Dance 

Studies 2B 

Performance 

Management 

Career 

Planning and 

Management 

Special Study 

The Artist in 

the World 1A 

The Artist in 

the World 1B 

The World in 

the Artist 2A 

The World in 

the Artist 2B 

Collaborative 

Contract 

Professional 

Development 

7

8 

“My dream job is both to 

be a successful dancer and 

choreographer as well as 

pursuing other interests 

such as filmmaking. After 

graduation, I would like to 

travel overseas and work 

with new choreographers.” 

My favourite subject at Uni is: 

Choreography. I enjoy choreography 

because I am free to challenge my 

creative thinking and find new ways to 

explore dance-making. 

To me, studying Dance at Melbourne 

means: Working with a diverse range 

of industry professionals to create 

innovative and inspiring work of a 

professional standard. 

The highlight of my experience at 

Melbourne so far is: Getting to connect 

with peers, including professionals, 

through my course. It’s great to work 

with people that are so different but that 

are all driven by the same desire for their 

art form. 

In a week as a Bachelor of Dance 

student: I spend about nine hours a 

day dancing, five days a week. I work 

two days a week and spend the rest of 

the time either getting all the homework 

finished or relaxing. 

Rennie McDougall 

Third Year, 


Knowledge transfer – 

connecting with other 

students, industry, the 

community and the world 

Our courses attract highly motivated, 

disciplined and creative dancers who 

are interested in shaping the future of the 

profession. 

> Regular performance seasons each 

semester in high-quality productions 

provide you with experience of a 

professional environment. 

> Throughout the course, you are 

exposed to the work of professional 

choreographers, engaging collaboratively 

with them to make new work. 

> You will benefit from our close links with 

choreographers and practitioners in the 

dance industry. 

> You will have access to our strong 

exchange program with overseas 

institutions. 

> You are encouraged to seek secondments 

with professional companies during the 

course. 

Careers in Dance 

Developing specialised and 

transferable skills for your career 

As a student in the Bachelor of Dance, 

you will be trained to a high level in 

contemporary dance and ballet, with regular 

performances each semester providing you 

with the real experience of a professional 

environment. You will be encouraged to take 

creative risks, to be articulate and socially 

conscious, and to develop your own artistic 

language to enable you to graduate as a 

self-determined and autonomous artist. 

You will develop: 

> extensive ability within contemporary 

movement and ballet techniques 

> a high level of kinaesthetic awareness in 

all practical work 

> capacity for artistic imagination, creativity, 

transformation and interpretation 

> capacity for critical analysis, problem 

solving, report writing, and oral and 

written communication 

> the ability to participate effectively as a 

team member in projects with a shared 

focus 

> planning, management and selfpromotional 

skills. 

Creating a world of career 

opportunities 

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dance 

become performers, choreographers, 

freelance and artistic directors of dance 

ensembles, collaborators, teachers, 

dance researchers and artistic leaders 

in local, national and international dance 

communities. 

Graduates are currently employed as 

performers in Australian contemporary 

dance companies such as Australian Dance 

Theatre, Chunky Move, Tasdance and Leigh 

Warren Dancers, as well as companies 

overseas in Europe, USA and Asia. 

Graduates are also working as artistic 

directors of their own companies or as 

independent artists performing in a wide 

range of contexts. 

Careers in Dance 

Company member (in Australia or 

internationally), ballet teacher, performer, 

choreographer, freelance artist, freelance 

director, artistic director, contemporary dance 

teacher, animateur, dance researcher. 

More information: www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au

Professional and international 

degree recognition 

Dance staff in the School of Performing 

Arts are recognised nationally and 

internationally for their work as performers, 

choreographers, directors and teachers. 

VCAM Dance is a member of Tertiary Dance 

Council of Australia and Ausdance. 

> A number of staff and guest 

choreographers have won prestigious 

industry awards, including the 

Green Room award for Best Original 

Choreography, the Robert Helpmann 

award for Professional Choreographers 

(awarded by the Australian Institute of 

Classical Dance), and the Australian 

Dance Awards for Outstanding 

Achievement in Dance Education and 

Outstanding Achievement in Independent 

Dance. Staff are regularly commissioned 

to make new work or invited to remount 

work for contemporary dance companies, 

ballet companies and other tertiary 

programs. 

> The Faculty has a strong exchange 

program with overseas institutions. 

> Our reputation is best realised by the 

success of our alumni, who have gone 

on to work with renowned national and 

international companies. 

Honours 

The Honours year (a fourth year) provides 

an opportunity for dance graduates from 

the University of Melbourne Bachelor of 

Dance and from other institutions to extend 

their knowledge and dance experience 

by undertaking a specialised advanced 

program in a fourth year of study. The 

program will extend your technical, artistic 

and creative skills and deepen your 

knowledge of dance. 

The Honours year may lead to formal 

graduate studies and/or provide 

opportunities for you to enter the dance 

industry with enhanced knowledge and 

experience. 

A substantial part of the Honours year 

program involves practical studies 

undertaken as field experience in the 

professional dance sector. There are 

opportunities to perform and create new 

work, independently or in collaboration 

with others, and to undertake an original 

research project. 

Completion of an Honours year will 

enhance career prospects within the 

professional dance sector and also ensure 

adequate preparation for graduate studies. 

Graduate study opportunities 

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dance have 

the opportunity for further study in specialist 

areas such as Choreography, Performance 

Creation, Animateuring and Dance 

Performance in our graduate courses. See 

pages 32–33 for more information about 

graduate study opportunities. 

Blind Mind. Dancers: Anna Simm, Sarah Pratt. Choreography: Lina Limosani. 

9

10 

Bachelor of Dramatic Art 


available) 









Note for students applying in 2011 

and 2012: See page 37. 


The Bachelor of Dramatic Art selection 

process includes an audition for all 

applicants, plus a call-back audition, 

interview and/or workshop for selected 

applicants. Visit the web site for audition 

dates and locations. You must prepare 

two monologues (Shakespeare and 

contemporary) for the initial audition, 

selected from the list set out on the web 

site, which must be learned, not read. 

Audition Technique Workshops are 

available prior to audition. 




Alexander England and Mike Steele, Company 2009, Manbeth (after Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’), directed by Tanya Gerstle. 

Choose Dramatic Art at 

Melbourne 


Arts encompasses all of the course 

offerings for undergraduate and graduate 

students within Dance, Theatre and 

Production. Dedicated to rigorous creative 

exploration in tandem with technique 

training and skills development across each 

of the disciplines, the School of Performing 

Arts advances the contemporary practice 

and creative heritage of live art through 

intensive, hands on experience with 

teachers, artists and professionals in the 

field. 

The vibrant and innovative School 

of Performing Arts is committed to 

providing you with an environment for 

the development of virtuosity through 

the investigation of form and meaning, 

the discovery and mastery of skills, the 

expansion of boundaries in all aspects of 

the art of theatre and the integration of the 

creative work of its practitioners. 

The actor training undertaken through 

the Bachelor of Dramatic Art enables you 

to explore acting, movement and voice 

in theatre, film, television, radio and new 

media. 

The Faculty of the VCA and Music believes 

that such training is best delivered by staff 

who are practising artists. Visiting teachers 

and directors are of the highest calibre 

and represent all aspects and genres 

of performance and production, giving 

you access to leaders in all fields. The 

Faculty maintains an international profile, 

researching and developing the theory and 

practice of theatre. 

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dramatic Art 

work at the highest levels of excellence in 

mainstream theatre and have contributed 

enormously to the development of original 

work in Australia and throughout the world. 

Graduates are renowned for their capacity 

to work creatively and collaboratively 

in both traditional and groundbreaking 

performance contexts. 


The Bachelor of Dramatic Art is a three-year 

intensive actor-training program, designed 

to train an ‘Autonomous Actor’. The 

structure of the course provides intensive 

skills training, performance-making 

projects, studio productions and a wide 

variety of performance opportunities. The 

structure of the course incorporates skills 

classes in the morning and rehearsals in the 

afternoon.

First year – the discovery of self, 

laying the foundations 

The emphasis of the first year is upon 

releasing the spontaneity and creative 

fluency of all performers. 

Second year – the development 

of a methodology 

The second year is devoted to the 

continued development of the actor’s 

creative process. The training includes the 

investigation of elements inherent in the 

making and interpreting of work within the 

contexts of rehearsal and performance. The 

focus of second year is upon the translation 

of text into performance; the actor works 

towards combining training experiences 

and developing a working methodology. 

Third year – performance 

Third year refines the actor’s creative 

process within the context of performance 

practice. 



The following values are interwoven through 

the structure and content of the Bachelor of 

Dramatic Art: 

> Creative Conflict – the educational 

environment is distinguished by an 

atmosphere of permission and freedom 

overlaid by specific values related to the 

attainment and mastery of skills. 

> Process – the course provides a context 

in which students can undergo the 

Course plan – Bachelor of Dramatic Art Q 

Year 1 

Year 2 

Year 3 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 



process of becoming actors with full 

access to their potential. 

> Experiential Research – work methods 

are open-ended, enabling the actors’ 

work to be process-oriented rather 

than product-oriented. This practice 

emphasises the importance of starting 

from a point of innocence or from a place 

of ‘not knowing’ and proceeding, through 

experiential investigation, to a state of 

knowledge and understanding and the 

accomplishment of artistic achievement. 

> Mastery of Skill – students are required 

to attain a high level of psychological, 

physical, emotional, sensory and vocal 

fluency. 

> Accountability Through Self-Awareness 

– students develop the disciplines of 

self-evaluation and self-awareness and in 

so doing, take responsibility for their own 

learning. 

> Artistic Autonomy – students have the 

freedom to explore and investigate the 

acting process. 

Please see www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au for 

additional information. 





The Bachelor of Dramatic Art trains 

independent artists with a passion for 

theatre and a desire to contribute in a 

meaningful way to its evolution. Students 

work cooperatively on common projects 

and acting students in all three years work 

with undergraduate and graduate students 

from across the School of Performing Arts. 

You will undertake Acting Projects: a series 

of plays directed either by staff members, 

guest directors or student directors. These 

plays are performed to the public and take 

place in a variety of venues. 

You will also participate in Performance 

Making Projects: performances may be 

developed utilising a selection of skills 

including narrative, character, metaphorical 

coherence, thematic unity, theatrical 

conventions and the rule of significance. 

Careers in Dramatic Art 



Graduates of the Bachelor of Dramatic 

Art contribute their skills, energy and 

creativity through individual endeavour 

and collaborative enterprise within arts 

organisations and companies throughout 

the world. 

The Bachelor of Dramatic Art trains 

professional actors for the theatre. 

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Dramatic 

Art, you are well equipped to reach out into 

fields such as: 

> Professional theatre 

> Community arts and education 

> Film, television, radio and new media 

> Theatre in education 

The interaction with graduate students 

in Directing and Performance Making 

provides an unequalled opportunity for 

further work after graduation. 

Acting 1 Voice 1 Movement 1 Singing 1 Critical Studies 1 

Acting 2 Voice 2 

Acting 3 Voice 3 

Physical 

Performance 2 

Physical 

Performance 3 

Singing 2 Language 

Singing 3 Acting Projects 

The Artist in 

the World 1A 

The Artist in 

the World 1B 

The World in 

the Artist 2A 

The World in 

the Artist 2B 

Collaborative 

Contract 


Development 

11

12 

“Graduating from 

Melbourne gave me a 

strong creative network, 

the confidence and rigour 

to expect a lot from myself 

artistically, the ability to 

create my own work and 

friends for life.” 

The highlight of my career to date 

has been: Playing Nick in MTC’s Who’s 

Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 

The best part about my job is: 

Constantly meeting and working with 

new people. 

During a typical day at work: There 

isn’t really a ‘typical’ day in the life of an 

actor. Bad day: You hear from your agent 

that a job didn’t go your way. Your car 

breaks down. You curse yourself for ever 

wanting to be an actor. Good day: Voiceover 

first thing in the morning. Cycling in 

the sun to rehearsals for a play that you 

adore. You see an incredible film that 

evening which inspires you to write until 

3 am. 

My favourite work gadget is: My 

awesome rehearsal pants. 

I feel inspired when: The house lights 

are going down. 

In five years’ time, I see myself: Having 

a stronger professional base. Making 

more of my own work. 

Steven Phillips 

Graduate, Bachelor of 

Dramatic Art, Actor 


opportunities 

Over the years graduates of the Bachelor 

of Dramatic Art have progressed to many 

areas of employment. These include: 

> Actors: Alison Whyte, Natasha Herbert, 

Margaret Mills, Belinda McClory, Rhys 

Muldoon, Jack Finsterer, Angus Grant, 

Felicity Price, Marta Dusseldorp, Justin 

Smith, Vince Colosimo, Ross Williams, 

Sybilla Budd, Stephen Phillips, Lucy 

Taylor, Alison Bell and Luke Mullins. 

> Arts administrators, managers and 

directors: Maud Clark, Maude Davey, Kim 

Durban, Tom Gutteridge, Andrew Upton, 

Tee O’Neil, Andrea James, Brett Adam, 

Vanessa Pigrum and David Wicks. 

> Writers: Hannie Rayson, Andrew Bovell, 

Mirra Todd, Gareth Ellis and Andrew 

Upton. 

> Ensemble directors and creators of new 

theatre works: Sarah Cathcart, Andrea 

Lemon, Liz Walsh, Mary Sitarenos, Nick 

Giannopolous, David Symons, Raimondo 

Cortese, Luke Mullins, Daniel Schlusser, 

Anna Tregloan, Simon Stone and Sam 

Strong. 

> Companies: Ranters, Stuck Pigs 

Squealing, Uncle Semolina and Friends, 

Liminal Theatre and Hayloft Project. 



Staff in the School of Perfoming Arts are 

recognised nationally and internationally 

for their work as playwrights, directors, 

choreographers and voice teachers. 

> Richard Murphet, Head of Theatre, has 

directed extensively overseas. His plays 

have been produced in the USA, China, 

Singapore, India, Norway, the Netherlands 

and Belgium. He is a recipient of the 

National Award for Excellence in Tertiary 

Teaching from the Carrick Institute. 

> Geraldine Cook, Head of Voice, has 

recently completed research with 

the Cochlear Institute, the School of 

Otolaryngology at the University of 

Melbourne, into the effect of hearing upon 

previously hearing-impaired children. 

> Jenny Kemp, Lecturer in Theatre Making, 

is an internationally renowned playwright 

and director. Her most recent project was 

part of the 2008 Melbourne International 

Arts Festival. 

> Tanya Gerstle, Leisa Shelton and Kirsten 

Von Bibra are all professional artists 

whose work is presented in Melbourne 

and nationally. 

> Staff have conducted research in 

England, the Netherlands, Belgium, 

Indonesia and the USA. 

> The Faculty of the VCA and Music has 

developed collaborative connections with 

schools such as DASARTS (Amsterdam) 

and the Utrecht School of the Arts. 

> Practitioners from international theatre 

companies, such as the Wooster Group 

(USA), the Maly Theatre (Russia) and the 

Richard Foreman Theatre (New York), are 

regularly engaged as visiting staff. 


Graduates of the Bachelor of Dramatic Art 

have the opportunity for further study in 

specialist areas such as Directing, Actor 

Training, Voice, Performance Creation, and 

Animateuring. Graduates may also apply 

for a range of graduate professional entry 

programs across the University. See pages 

32–33 for more information.



available) 






Extra requirements: Test, interview and 

folio presentation required. See details 

opposite. 




2012: See page 37. 


The Bachelor of Film and Television 

selection process includes a test for all 

applicants, in which you are required to: 

> Write a story outline for a five-minute 

film aimed at testing your ability to 

create an original and engaging 

narrative 

> Complete a sequence of images 

illustrating a dramatic theme by visual 

means 

> Provide a statement outlining the 

skills and potential, which you believe 

demonstrate your suitability for 

undertaking this course. 

Applicants are given a choice of three 

topics in the test and have approximately 

one month to complete it. Following 

assessment of the test, selected 

applicants attend an interview where 

you have the opportunity to provide 

further evidence of your suitability 

for the course. You will be expected 

to bring examples of creative output, 

ideally a short (5–7-minute) video or 

film. Interviews are conducted in late 

November. 




Choose Film and Television at 



gives students the skills to create screen 

programs with high artistic and technical 

standards. Students are encouraged to 

be innovative, to experiment, to explore 

ideas and develop the expertise to express 

ideas for an audience. Students gain a 

broad understanding of the motion picture 

industry and the development of world 

cinema. 


promotes independent learning with a 

large component of the course focused 

on practical screen production. Students 

develop production skills with a special 

emphasis on screenwriting, direction and 

editing. The degree produces graduates 

who can generate and develop ideas and 

who have a comprehensive understanding 

of the specialist skills of a number of craft 

areas. 


Film and Television is located at the Faculty 

of the VCA and Music Southbank campus 

in a modern, purpose-designed building, 

with equipment for industry-standard 

production and post-production together 

with fully equipped animation and visual 

effects studios. There are two film studios, 

13

14 

digital post-production facilities, two rushes 

screening rooms, a 90-seat cinema and 

access to a 220-seat cinema/recital hall. 

Bachelor of Film and Television staff are 

all practising filmmakers. Classes with 

Film and Television’s academics are 

complemented by guest lectures given by 

local and international cinema practitioners 

and specialists. 

More information: 



During this rigorous three-year course, 

you will develop creative, technical and 

analytical skills by attending small-group 

workshops, lectures and masterclasses 

focused on experiential learning. You will 

be trained to a high level in production 

techniques, including cinematography, 

sound recording and non-linear editing. 

Practical skills are developed in short 

productions, and collaborative skills are 

developed through crewing on fellow 

students’ productions. However, the course 

focus is on creativity for the screen and 

these practical skills are developed as tools 

to discover and express your distinctive 

creative voice. 

In each of the three years you will write, 

direct and edit short production exercises. 

In the final year you will continue your 

studies as a director, focusing on a major 

production of 5 – 15 minutes duration, or 

you will choose to specialise in an area 

such as cinematography, sound, editing or 

production management. 

In the final year, you have the opportunity to 

team up with students in the Postgraduate 

Diploma in Film and Television – Producing 

course for your major production. Many 

fruitful director–producer partnerships 

have been fostered in this way, and these 

teams often go on after graduation to work 

successfully in the professional industry. 

Developing a specialisation 

In Assigned Projects, each student directs 

short production exercises, as well as 

crews for other students in areas such as 

production management, sound recording, 

assistant directing, cinematography, art 

direction, continuity, assistant editing and 

sound design. 

In Screenwriting, the inherent advantages 

and challenges of writing for the screen are 

examined. Screenwriting principles such 

as character, dialogue, point of view and 

internal logic are discussed. Each student 

writes original scripts to be produced as 

part of their Assigned Projects subject. 

In Screen Studies, a diverse range of 

cinematic approaches and styles are 

screened and discussed. Commencing 

with an introduction to the development 

Course plan – Bachelor of Film and Television Q 

Year 1 

Year 2 

Year 3 

of narrative, its codes, conventions and 

structures, this subject then examines 

filmmakers who have challenged the 

assumptions of conventional narrative, 

producing interesting new approaches. In 

the final year, the focus is on aspects of 

production such as performance. 

Actor Direction introduces students to the 

principles and practices of the auditioning, 

casting and direction of actors for the 

screen. Professional screen directors 

guide students, in a supervised workshop 

environment, to direct performance in short 

scenes. Students have the opportunity to 

work with experienced screen actors on an 

individual level. 






students in the Bachelor of Film and 

Television will undertake subjects through 

the Centre for Ideas. The common 

curriculum is a cross-disciplinary sequence 

of subjects examining the interaction 

between artistic practice and wider 

social, political and cultural contexts. The 

integration of intensive specialist Film and 

Television training with critical studies aims 

to produce artists who are not only highly 

technically and artistically skilled but also 

culturally and technologically literate. 

Semester 1 

The Artist in the World 1A 

Assigned Projects 1 Screenwriting 1 Screen Studies 1 Actor Direction 1 

Semester 2 The Artist in the World 1B 

Semester 1 

The World in the Artist 2A 


Semester 2 The World in the Artist 2B 

Semester 1 

Collaborative Contract 


Semester 2 Professional Development 


Q 

Subjects offered may change from year to year.

“My time at Film and 

Television was a great 

creative playground 

because I was continuously 

putting out work. The 

course allowed me to 

go through the creative 

process of working out what 

I did and didn’t like my films 

to be. So Marry Me is the 

result of going through this 

journey.” 

The highlight of my career to date has 

been: Winning Tropfest 2008 (with the 

film Marry Me) was a dream come true 

but you never ever think the dream is 

actually going to come true. To win an 

award of this magnitude has reinforced 

my passion and my drive to keep going. 

The best part about my job is: Doing 

something I love. 

During a typical day at work: I work 

on ideas, pre-production tasks, answer 

emails. 

Graduating from Melbourne gave me: 

The confidence and skills to continue 

with film making. 

My favourite work gadget is: My list 

book to write down the hundreds of 

things I have to do. 

In five years’ time, I see myself: 

Making feature films. 

Michelle Lehman 

Graduate, 


Independent filmmaker 

Winner, Tropfest 2008 





The staff in Film and Television are leaders 

in their field, with many achievements 

nationally and internationally. The Bachelor 

of Film and Television also invites 

internationally renowned filmmakers to 

conduct guest lectures and masterclasses, 

which brings a unique experience to the 

student cohort and contextualises current 

filmmaking trends. 

Graduating students’ work is presented 

annually at the end-of-year Screening 

Season at ACMI Cinemas, Federation 

Square, Melbourne. 

The Faculty of the VCA and Music enjoys 

wide recognition among the international 

Film and Television industry for its courses, 

in particular, as a member of CILECT, 

the International Association of Film and 

Television Schools. 

During the three-year degree, students 

develop creative and technical skills by 

attending lectures, workshops and master 

classes. Students write, direct and edit their 

own work and also crew on fellow students’ 

productions. Student filmmakers also 

recruit volunteer crew members. Graduating 

students host an evening where they pitch 

their production ideas and indicate crewing 

role vacancies. Actor direction classes 

provide students with the opportunity to 

work with experienced screen actors on 

an individual level, guided by professional 

screen directors. 

Careers in Film and Television 



Students are encouraged to be innovative, 

to experiment, to explore ideas and develop 

the expertise to express their ideas for 

an audience. The Faculty of the VCA and 

Music promotes independent learning, with 

a large component of its courses focused 

on practical screen production. Students 

develop crewing skills with a special 

emphasis on screenwriting, direction and 

editing. Film and Television aims to produce 

well-rounded graduates who can generate 

and develop ideas and who also have skills 

in a number of craft areas. 

On completion of the Bachelor of Film and 

Television, students will be able to: 

> exhibit extensive theoretical and practical 

knowledge of the film, television and allied 

industries, including relevant professional 

knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as 

they relate to these industries 

> demonstrate capacities for artistic 

imagination, creativity, transformation and 

interpretation 

> demonstrate a flexible and innovative 

approach to the national and international 

challenges for the professional filmmaker 

in the 21st century 

> work at various levels, both as an 

individual and as a team member, in a 

wide variety of industry environments. 


opportunities 

The Faculty of the VCA and Music has 

an international reputation for the high 

quality of its graduates and its student 

productions. Our students are successful in 

local and international film festivals, winning 

numerous awards with their productions. 

Most graduates become employed in 

the industry, often working initially in an 

assistant capacity as freelancers. Many 

students go on to develop high-profile 

careers in the film, television or allied 

industries. 

Careers in Film and Television 

Director, scriptwriter, editor, producer, director 

of photography, camera operator, lighting 

operator, cameraman, production coordinator, 

post-production supervisor, AV technician, 

production assistant, animator, visual 

effects specialist, documentary filmmaker, 

tv commercial producer, casting director, 

screen educator, film festival director. 

15

16 

Alumni of Film and Television include: 

> Directors Gillian Armstrong (Death Defying 

Acts, Charlotte Gray); Geoffrey Wright 

(M); Ana Kokkinos (Book of Revelations); 

Andrew Dominik (The Assassination 

of Jesse James by the Coward Robert 

Ford, Chopper); Sandra Sciberras (The 

Caterpillar Wish, Max’s Dreaming); Jamie 

Blanks (Long Weekend, Urban Legends); 

Robert Luketic (21, Monster-in-Law, 

Legally Blonde, The Ugly Truth – released 

in 2009); Matthew Saville (Noise, We Can 

be Heroes, East of Everything); Clayton 

Jacobson (Kenny); Alkinos Tsilimidos 

(Em4Jay); Stuart McDonald (East of 

Everything, Summer Heights High, The 

Secret Life of Us, Stranded); Andrew 

O’Keefe (The Independent) 

> 2003 Cannes Short Film Palme d’Or 

winner Glendyn Ivin (Cracker Bag) 

> BAFTA and AFI award-winning producer 

Jonathan Shiff (Thunderstone) 

> Academy Award nominated editor Jill 

Bilcock (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, 

Japanese Story, Moulin Rouge) 

> Writer Jacqueline Perske (Little Fish, Love 

My Way, The Secret Life of Us) 

> Director of Photography Ian Baker (Evan 

Almighty, Japanese Story, 6 Degrees of 

Separation) 

> Animators: Oscar winner and five-time 

AFI award winner Adam Elliot (Harvey 

Krumpet, Mary and Max – released in 

2009); Oscar nominee Anthony Lucas 

(The Mysterious Geographic Explorations 

of Jasper Morello) 

> Animation Graduate Sarah Watt, Best 

Picture Award at the AFIs and Australian 

Film Critics Award (Look Both Ways, My 

Year without Sex – released in 2009) 

> 2008 Cannes Short Film Jury Prize 

winners Justin Kurzel and Adam Arkapaw 

(Jerrycan) 

> 2008 Cannes Short Film nominated 

animator Anthony Lucas (My Rabbit 

Hoppy) (15 films selected worldwide in 

this category, only two Australian – both 

films by Film and Television alumni) 

> 2008 Tropfest winner Michelle Lehman 

(Marry Me) 

> Masters student Andrew Wiseman, Silver 

Logie winner for Best Australian Drama 

(Curtin) on ABC Television. 






wide recognition among the international 

arts community for its courses. It is a 

member of CILECT, the International 

Association of Film and Television Schools, 

as well as the European League of Institutes 

of the Arts (ELIA), the International Council 

of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD), and is an 

international affiliate of the Association of 

Independent Colleges of Art and Design. 

Honours 

An Honours year is available after 

completion of the Bachelor of Film and 

Television or equivalent. During Honours 

you will write and direct a major screen 

production or specialise in a craft area 

such as cinematography, production 

management, or editing. As an Honours 

student, you will take a strong self-directed 

approach to your studies and work with 

your supervisor to develop concepts for 

your production or specialisation and minor 

research thesis. 


Graduates of the Bachelor of Film and 

Television have the opportunity for 

further study in specialist areas such 

as Documentary, Narrative, Animation, 

Visual Effects, and Producing. Graduates 

are well placed to apply for professional 

programs at the University of Melbourne in 

a range of areas. Faculty of the VCA and 

Music students also have access to highly 

regarded international arts institutions 

around the world for academic exchange, 

artistic practice and research collaboration. 

A wide range of graduate professional entry 

programs are also available to graduates, in 

areas including law, teaching and business. 

See pages 32–33 for more information.

Bachelor of Fine Art 


available) 


Fee Type: Commonwealth supported 




Extra requirements: Interview and folio 

presentation required. See details below. 




2012: See page 37. 


The Bachelor of Fine Art selection 

process includes an interview and folio 

presentation, where you are expected 

to show evidence of artistic potential, 

imagination and your experience and 

competence in the production of objects 

and images. Intending students usually 

need to concentrate their studies in 

visual art subjects. This will enable the 

development of vision and skills with a 

suitable folio. Interviews are conducted 

in late November. 




Choose Fine Art at Melbourne 

The School of Art provides studio and 

workshop facilities which offer you the 

opportunity to explore both traditional and 

new media under the guidance of some of 

Australia’s most progressive art educators 

and respected artists. The Bachelor of 

Fine Art offers Studio Programs with an 

academic focus in drawing, printmaking, 

painting, photography and sculpture and 

spatial practice. The three-year program 

aims to create an environment that fosters 

and promotes the advancement of practice 

and theory in the visual arts. 

The Bachelor of Fine Art at the Faculty 

of the VCA and Music has consistently 

produced exciting and committed artists. 

Many graduates have established national 

and international profiles, and a number 

of alumni have been awarded Australia’s 

most prestigious art prizes: Lewis Miller 

was the winner of the 1998 Archibald Prize 

for Portraiture; Marcus Wills won the Brett 

Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship in 1999 

and the Archibald Prize in 2006; in 1999 

Ricky Swallow received Australia’s richest 

contemporary art award, the Contempora 5, 

and was named by Australian Art Collector 

magazine as Australia’s Most Collectable 

Artist; Patricia Piccinini represented 

Australia at the 50th Venice Biennale of 

Art in 2003; Ricky Swallow represented 

Sherry McLane Alejos, Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) 

Australia in 2005 and Callum Morton 

and Susan Norrie in 2007; current PhD 

candidate Trinh Vu won the Georges Mora 

Prize in 2007; and Amber Wallis won the 

Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship in 

2008. 




The School of Art occupies a customdesigned 

studio complex which has 

immediate access to Victoria’s most 

important art venues. The School of Art 

also houses the Student Gallery and the 

Margaret Lawrence Gallery: a public art 

space which performs an integral and 

critical function within the community as a 

professional exhibiting space for graduate 

and alumni work; School of Art studio 

projects; artists in-residence; Art staff 

work; as well as independent local and 

international exhibitions. 

The C>LAB is the multimedia hub of 

the School of Art. Within its walls is the 

cutting-edge equipment required for any 

contemporary arts practice: DVD authoring; 

digital video editing and creation; high-end 

scanning; and large-scale archival printing. 

17

18 

“Being at the School of 

Art affords an opportunity 

to work with a broad 

range of professional and 

practicing artists with a 

deep understanding of 

contemporary modes of art 

making.” 

My favourite subjects at Uni are: 

Sculpture and Spatial Practice, which 

includes an exploration of different 

methods of art making (both traditional 

and contemporary). Emphasis is 

placed on the establishment of a strong 

theoretical mind in the Centre for Ideas; 

a seminar subject which allows for 

interdisciplinary communication between 

students from music, drama, art, dance, 

production and film and television. 

My dream job is: Working as an 

independent, professional, international 

artist. 

The highlight of my experience at 

Melbourne so far is: My participation 

with several other students in the 

Contempora 2008 project at Docklands 

for the Victorian Harbour Young Artists 

Initiative – an opportunity to gain 

industry experience by exhibiting public 

sculptures. We were able to experience, 

first hand, the mechanics of the arts 

industry with the guidance of our 

lecturers. 

After graduation, I see myself: Further 

developing my art practice from the 

foundations I have gained at the VCA. 

Ren Gregoric 

Second Year, Bachelor of Fine 

Art (Sculpture and Spatial 

Practice), 

Yvonne Cohen Sculpture 

Scholarship, Commonwealth 

Learning Scholarship 


In first year you are introduced to a range 

of activities and begin to approach 

self-directed studio practice. You 

are encouraged to undertake studio 

projects that foster investigation and 

experimentation with a range of materials 

and processes. 

In second and third year you are involved in 

sustained exploration and experimentation 

with ideas, materials, procedures and 

methodologies of practice, leading to 

consolidation of a resolved body of artwork 

for inclusion in the Graduate Exhibition. 

The introduction of a professional practice 

component in second year begins 

to prepare students for independent 

professional artistic activity. 



In the Bachelor of Fine Art, you will 

undertake study in one of the following 

Studio Programs: 

> Drawing 

> Printmaking 

> Painting 

> Photography 

> Sculpture and Spatial Practice 




students in the Bachelor of Fine Art 

undertake subjects through the Centre for 

Ideas. The common curriculum is a crossdisciplinary 

sequence of subjects examining 

the interaction between artistic practice and 

wider social, political and cultural contexts. 

The integration of intensive specialist art 

training with critical studies aims to produce 

artists who are not only highly technically 

and artistically skilled but also culturally and 

technologically literate. 

Course plan – Bachelor of Fine Art Q 

Year 1 

Year 2 

Year 3 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Studio 

Studies 1 

Studio 

Studies 2 

Studio 

Studies 3 

Studio 

Studies 4 

Studio 

Studies 5 

Studio 

Studies 6 

Key: Compulsory subjects Elective subjects 






Students’ work from across the five 

Studio Programs in Fine Art is exhibited 

in the Student Gallery each semester. 

The culmination of three years of study 

is an end-of-year exhibition displaying 

graduating students’ work. Third-year 

students have the opportunity to apply 

for the Wallara Travelling Scholarship, 

where their work will be exhibited in the 

Margaret Lawrence Gallery. The Gallery is a 

professional exhibiting space for graduate 

and alumni work, art studio projects, 

artists in-residence, art staff work, as well 

as independent local and international 

exhibitions. 

The Faculty regularly hosts renowned 

visiting international artists and scholars. 

As a student in the Faculty of the VCA and 

Music, you also have access to highly 


around the world for the purposes of 

academic exchange, artistic practice 

and research collaboration, including the 

Korean National University of the Arts, the 

Massachusetts College of Art, the Glasgow 

School of Art in Scotland and Pennsylvania 

State University in the United States. 

Careers in Fine Art 



Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Art can 

expect to: 




> demonstrate practical skills in respect of 

critical analysis, problem solving, report 

writing, teamwork and oral and written 

communication 

Critical and 

Theoretical Studies 1 











Related Studies 1 

Related Studies 2 

Elective or 

Independent 

Studies Program 

The Artist in 

the World 1A 

The Artist in 

the World 1B 

The World in 

the Artist 2A 

The World in 

the Artist 2B 

Collaborative 

Contract 


Development

demonstrate a flexible and innovative 


challenges for the professional visual 

artist in the 21st century 

> work at various levels, both as an 

individual and as a team member, in a 

wide variety of visual artistic environments 

> demonstrate an open, independent and 

inquiring attitude towards contemporary 

cultural developments and new ideas 

> understand their relationship with and 

responsibility to their cultural environment 

and society. 


opportunities 

The major function of the Bachelor of Fine 

Art is to prepare you for a career as an art 

practitioner. Professional visual artists are 

judged by the quality and proportion of their 

work exhibited in public and commercial 

galleries in Australia and throughout 

the world. As visual artists usually work 

independently as self-employed individuals, 

their achievement is normally measured by 

critical reaction to their public exhibitions, 

the quality of their artistic output, and their 

contribution to cultural life. Consequently, 

you are advised not to embark on 

this course with a preconception that 

appropriate job vacancies await you at 

the culmination of your studies; advertised 

positions specifically designed for artists 

are extremely rare. 

Many graduates support their studio activity 

through part-time employment while others 

obtain full-time art-related employment. Art 

education has been a major employer – in 

universities through to specialist secondary 

art teaching. Usually this option requires 

graduates to undertake graduate studies 

in education. Graduate qualifications in the 

visual arts are increasingly demanded by 

the higher education sector. 

An education in the visual arts usually 

produces people who are creative, 

flexible and able to adapt specific skills 

to occupations with a visual or aesthetic 

component. Past graduates have 

established satisfying careers in museums, 

galleries and community arts centres, 

in occupational therapy, in ceramics or 

photography studios, art packaging and 

transportation, as art advisers to corporate 

and government bodies, in film, television 

and theatre, in art materials supplies and as 

managers or coordinators of art or cultural 

events. 

Careers in Art 

Independent artist exhibiting locally and 

internationally, arts educator, exhibition curator, 

work in museums, galleries and arts centres, 

arts adviser, art supplies, manager of art event. 





Courses offered at The Faculty of the 

VCA and Music enjoy wide recognition 

among the international arts community. 

The Faculty is a member of the European 

League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA), the 

International Council of Fine Arts Deans 

(ICFAD), and is an international affiliate of 

the Association of Independent Colleges of 

Art and Design. 

The School of Art draws on the strong 

legacy of the National Gallery Art School 

and the Prahran Art School, whose 

graduates include Arthur Boyd, Rupert 

Bunny, Margaret Preston, Hugh Ramsay, 

Fred Williams, Joy Hester and Clifton Pugh. 

More recent graduates include Bill Henson, 

Jenny Watson, Patricia Piccinini, Susan 

Norrie, Ricky Swallow and Callum Morton. 

Honours 

The Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) is a 

more advanced and specialised course 

of study requiring a higher standard 

of performance than the pass degree. 

Students undertake a major studio project 

supported by a research paper. Major areas 

of study may be chosen from Drawing, 

Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and 

Sculpture and Spatial Practice. 


As a graduate of the Bachelor of Fine Art 

you have the opportunity to extend your 

study through graduate Masters (research 

or coursework) and PhD programs. 

Graduates are well placed to apply for 

graduate professional entry programs at the 

University of Melbourne in a range of areas 

including law, teaching and business. See 

pages 32–33 for more information. 

Photography Studio, Graduate Exhibition 2008. Artist: Georgia Rose. 

19

20 


For students who intend to specialise in performance, composition, musicology or ethnomusicology. 

Duration: 3 years full-time (part-time 

study available) 




Campus: Parkville and Southbank 

Entry requirements: See pages 36–39 


musicianship test required. See details 

on page 21. 



School of Music, Faculty of the VCA and Music 

On 6 April 2009, the Faculty of the VCA and Music was established from the former 

Faculty of Music and Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts. The integration of these 

two faculties resulted in the creation of a single School of Music at The University of 

Melbourne. The strengths of two nationally prominent music schools have now joined to 

form the largest university School of Music in Australia. 

The School of Music offers outstanding nationally and internationally recognised 

programs of the highest quality in performance, improvisation, composition, musicology, 

ethnomusicology, music education and music therapy. 

The School also provides a variety of pathways into professional graduate coursework 

programs, and strengthens interaction with the profession and with research and 

research higher degree education, locally, nationally and internationally. 

Which music course should you take? 

Symphony Orchestra Concert, South Melbourne Town Hall, July 2009 

In 2010, the School of Music will offer two music courses: 

> the Bachelor of Music, for students who would like to specialise in performance, 

composition, musicology or ethnomusicology 

> the Bachelor of Music Performance, for students wishing to specialise in Improvisation.


The Bachelor of Music selection process 

requires applicants to pass an audition 

and complete a musicianship test. For your 

audition to be at a competitive standard, 

we recommend that the repertoire you 

present be at the equivalent standard of 

Grade 7 AMEB (Grade 8 ABRSM) on your 

instrument or Grade 5 AMEB for voice. 

Audition: Live auditions are usually 

held in November and early December. 

Applicants from overseas, interstate or 

regional Victoria should submit an audition 

recording in CD audio format. 

For your audition, you should prepare 

three pieces demonstrating your skill on 

Choose Music at Melbourne 

As a Bachelor of Music student at the 

University of Melbourne you will benefit 

from: 

> a highly flexible new generation degree, 

tailored to meet your interests, skills and 

needs in preparation for your future life in 

music 

> a degree delivered by a prestigious 

institution with a reputation for producing 

outstanding graduates for careers in all 

aspects of the music profession, and 

especially performance, composition, 

musicology and ethnomusicology 

> an extensive practical program, offering 

one-to-one instrumental/vocal tuition, and 

regular masterclasses with national and 

international visiting artists 

> a comprehensive and musically 

stimulating suite of ensemble 

opportunities, from chamber to large 

orchestra, and across all genres of music, 

including many types of instrumental, 

early music and vocal ensembles 

> exciting opportunities for specialisation 

in early performance practice, 

contemporary performance, non-western 

ensembles (e.g. Javanese Gamelan), 

contemporary ensembles (e.g. Big Band), 

Wind Ensemble, World Music Choir, 

and many other formal and informal 

performance opportunities 

> a diverse student body, selected from 

all Australian states, with 15 per cent of 

students coming from abroad 

> a student support network including an 

extensive orientation program, Mentor 

and Transition Program, Piano at Home 

Scheme, easy access to staff, state-ofthe-art 

computer facilities, 24/7 practice 

facilities and student groups 

> a lively concert life, with regular lunchtime 

and evening concerts by students, 

professionals, and visiting artists. 

the instrument you wish to study. The 

pieces should be of contrasting styles and 

periods, and the audition program should 

be no longer than 20 minutes. 

A sample program might include works 

from the Baroque, Romantic and 20th 

century repertoires. You may also be 

asked to demonstrate some technical 

work. 

The audition panel will not hear your entire 

program and will make its own selection 

from the works prepared. 

Musicianship test: The musicianship 

test assesses your aural and theory 

skills, which is used to design a first-year 

course structure tailored to meet your 


First year: focuses on performance/ 

composition skills, historical, theoretical 

and contextual studies, aural studies and 

applied music skills. 

Second and third years: Specialised study 

intensifies while the flexibility and capacity 

for you to move between specialisations 

and keep your graduate study options open 

is retained. 

You can select from a wide range 

of electives across various and 

interchangeable categories, for example 

Applied Skills electives, which include 

ensemble subjects, Academic electives 

and Music Studies electives. Electives are 

often selected based on relevance to your 

particular specialisation. 

A breadth subject is also taken in each 

semester of enrolment. 

Depth – developing your 


You may choose to focus your studies in 

one of the following areas of specialisation: 

> Performance 

> Composition 

> Musicology 

> Ethnomusicology 

There is flexibility to move between 

Performance and Composition 

specialisations from first and second 

year. Specialisation in Musicology and 

Ethnomusicology commences in second 

year, with the flexibility to combine these 

specialisations with further Performance 

study. 

specific needs. The test is held three 

times during the live audition period and 

for those that audition via recording, 

again in the orientation period, prior to the 

commencement of classes. 

Instrument: You need to confirm that 

your instrument is one in which tuition is 

available. 

If you are advanced on two instruments, 

and are unsure on which instrument to 

specialise, you are welcome to audition for 

both instruments. 

For more information see: 

www.bmus.unimelb.edu.au/apply 

There is a wide range of electives to 

complement your area of specialisation 

which are available across all 

specialisations: 

Applied Skills electives encompass our 

ensemble program and include Computing 

for Musicians and Music Technology 

(popular with composition students), Art of 

Piano Teaching (for piano students), and 

Language and Diction (for singers), plus a 

host of other subjects such as Improvisation 

Techniques, Afro American Percussion 

Ensemble, and Improvisation Vocal 

Ensemble, all of which are designed to 

extend students’ musical expertise in ways 

that will help broaden and shape their future 

musical careers. 

Academic Electives include subjects 

such as Art Music and Postmodernism; 

Broadway and the Music of the Theatre; 

Music of the World; Music and Film; Music 

Criticism; Notation and Music Editing; 

Paris! Berlioz to the Ballets Russes; 

Ragtime to Rap: Popular Music since 1900; 

Composition for Film; Chamber Music 

(Style and Context); History of Australian 

Improvised Music; Jazz History; Romantic 

Piano Music; Sex, Death and the Ecstatic in 

Music; Stravinsky and the Music of the 20th 

Century; and Studies in Opera 

Music Studies electives include Music 

Psychology; Pop Song Writing; Indigenous 

Music and Culture; Arts Management; 

Music and Health; Composition Studies; 

Music Analysis and Historical Performance 

Practice; and Career Preparation in Music; 

which offers work experience in fields such 

as concert management, music retail, 

sound recording, arts administration, and 

instrument making/repair, with opportunities 

available across over 40 different 

organisations. 

21

22 

For full details on course structures and 

subject options across all specialisation 

areas, as well as the range of elective 

opportunities, please see: 

http://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/ 



One of the cornerstones of the new 

generation undergraduate degrees at the 

University of Melbourne is the opportunity 

for all students to take subjects from outside 

their major area of study. The breadth 

component enables you to tap into other 

areas of knowledge, methods of enquiry 

and personal and professional skills. 

You can choose from University breadth 

subjects – specially designed subjects 

that include a multidisciplinary approach 

to teaching and learning from across the 

humanities, social sciences and sciences 

– and core and non-core subjects from 

other degrees. Students are encouraged to 

choose those subjects that best reflect their 

personal goals, talents and passions. 

Breadth subjects allow Bachelor of Music 

students to develop pathways of study 

that coincide with their own interests and 

to acquire the adaptability and breadth of 

vision necessary to succeed in the music 

industry. 

For example, languages can be invaluable 

for musicians performing on the international 

stage, or undertaking research or fieldwork 

overseas. Business skills in management 

and marketing can support the development 

of your own private teaching studio, or 

a career in arts or events management. 

Psychology subjects can assist in your 

preparation for entry to the Master of Music 

Therapy course and a career as a music 

therapist. Education subjects can inform 

your own teaching and can also assist 

in your preparation for entry to graduate 

programs in music education. 

Breadth subjects also give you the 

opportunity to follow your interests and 

passions. Be it mathematics or chemistry, 

information technology or the environment, 

history or literature; breadth study allows you 

to build these interests into your Bachelor of 

Music. 

Breadth for non–Bachelor of 

Music students 

For non–Bachelor of Music students 

enrolled in another new generation 

undergraduate degree, breadth studies are 

available across a wide range of musical 

disciplines such as ensemble performance, 

introductory music studies, music language 

and the history and social context of music. 

While one-to-one tuition in music 

performance or composition is not available 

through breadth studies, performance 

opportunities do exist through ensemble 

subject options. Your current level of musical 

background will determine which music 

subjects are most appropriate for you. 

For those with little or no musical 

background, Gateway Subjects such as 

Discovering Music; Close Encounters with 

Music in Melbourne; Riffs: Discovering the 

Acoustic Guitar; Music Psychology; Music 

and Health; Cabaret!; and Music of the 

World are available. They are designed 

for students new to studies in music and 

provide a gateway to more advanced 

music study. Students from all musical 

backgrounds are welcome. 

As you progress through your degree, 

more and more subjects will become 

available to you, allowing you to undertake 

subject sequences in many different areas 

including: 

> Composition Skills 

> Contemporary Music 

> Great Composers 

> Music Language 

> Music, Mind and Body 

> Music Through the Ages 

Non–Bachelor of Music students can also 

participate in our extensive ensemble 

program. Whether you’re an advanced 

musician or a complete beginner, there is an 

ensemble opportunity for everyone. 

“I am working towards a 

career as an orchestral 

performer and I’ve had 

the opportunity to work 

with Melbourne University 

Symphony Orchestra. There 

are fantastic performance 

opportunities in the 

Bachelor of Music with 

many ensembles, including 

a chamber music program, 

performance class, concert 

class, bassoon class and 

woodwind class.” 

Chloe Turner 


(bassoon) 

Capstone activities – drawing 

it all together 

Each specialisation has a capstone 

activity – a final recital for performance, 

a final folio of works for composition, or a 

research methods activity for musicology/ 

ethnomusicology. Students can also take 

a Career Preparation capstone through 

our Music Placement Program, offering 

work experience in fields such as concert 

management, music retail, sound recording, 

arts administration and instrument making/ 

repair, with opportunities available across 

over 40 different organisations.





Knowledge transfer is embedded into 

the core curriculum of the Bachelor of 

Music, with students making a significant 

contribution to musical life in the City of 

Melbourne. 

Our extensive program of performances 

links our students to both the wider 

University community and the general 

public, and provides real-life performance 

experiences, preparing students for a career 

in the music industry. Our annual concert 

program includes: 

> Concert Series featuring performances 

from students, staff and visiting artists 

> public performances from many of our 

ensembles, including the Melbourne 

University Symphony Orchestra 

> a public recital series for final-year 

performance students. 

See www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au/_news_ 

events.htm for full details of our concert 

program. 

Careers in Music 



The Bachelor of Music degree not only 

provides pre-professional music training, 

but also develops generic professional 

skills, highly valued by employers in all 

fields: 

> creative thinking – through the many 

performance-based activities in the 


> teamwork and leadership – through 

playing in ensembles and organising 

rehearsals and performances 

> critical thinking, analytical and problemsolving 

skills – through assessment tasks 

in music history and theory subjects 

> communication skills – through written 

and spoken presentations in many 

subjects 

> intercultural understanding and sensitivity 

– through contact with the culturally 

diverse student population. 

Graduates of the Bachelor of Music 

can expect to experience ‘real-world’ 

performance conditions and to have 

established relationships and developed 

networks that will last a lifetime. 


opportunities 

Because a single career pathway for 

a musician is rare, opportunities for 

Bachelor of Music students range widely, 

from professional solo and ensemble 

performances to music administration, 

classroom and studio teaching, and music 

journalism. 

For example, life as a performer is highly 

competitive, with openings in orchestras 

or on the solo platform hotly contested. 

A performer may commonly form his or 

her own chamber ensembles, work as 

an accompanist and develop a private 

teaching network as part of their career 

progression. 

A musician’s ‘portfolio career’ may include 

many of the common career options from a 

Bachelor of Music degree: 

Accompanist; audio technician; chamber 

musician; classroom music teacher; commercial 

arranger; composer; concert agent; concert 

manager; Instrumental music teacher; music 

administrator; music critic/reviewer; music 

editor; music researcher; music therapist; music 

tutor/lecturer; music wholesaler or retailer; 

opera company/chorus member; orchestral 

musician; orchestrator; sessional musician 

for film, television, live shows and recording 

sessions; specialist performance teaching; 

touring soloist or ensemble member 

“I have had great 

opportunities to create 

music for a variety of 

cross-art projects. This 

interdisciplinary activity 

was one of my motivations 

in applying and it is 

probably the experience 

I will treasure most after 

graduation.” 

Julian Langdon 

2008 Graduate 


(Honours, Composition) 



The Bachelor of Music’s international 

standing is emphasised by our musicspecific 

exchange agreements that 

benchmark us with some of the most 

prestigious music schools worldwide. 

Our partner institutions include Graz 

Conservatory, Austria; Chicago College of 

Performing Arts, US; Royal Holloway, UK; 

and Sibelius Academy, Finland. 

We offer the opportunity to study with, and 

be inspired by, some of the most talented 

musicians in this part of the world, as well 

as renowned research scholars. 

23

24 

Bachelor of Music Graduate Pathways 


Duration: 3 years full-time 

Choose from the following 

major areas of study: 

> Performance 

> Composition 

> Musicology 

> Ethnomusicology 

www.bmus.unimelb.edu.au 

Q Selection into these programs is based on performance in an undergraduate degree, and additional selection criteria may also apply. Note this information 

indicates many but not all possible pathways to graduate study. Guaranteed pathways to graduate professional entry degrees exist for high-achieving school 

leavers. See pages 32–33 for details. 

Honours 

The Bachelor of Music with Honours is a 

highly specialised year of music-only study, 

focusing on: 

> Performance – with a concerto and 

recital requirement, chamber music and 

professional project; 

> Composition – with a major folio 

requirement and professional project; or 

> Musicology/ Ethnomusicology – with 

a thesis requirement and professional 

project. 

Bachelor of Music (Honours) 

Duration: 1 year full-time 

Available in: Performance, Composition and Musicology/ 

Ethnomusicology 

An Honours year enables you to extend your knowledge of your 

area of specialisation through higher-level Honours subjects and 

by undertaking professional engagement subjects, linking you to 

the music industry. 

Graduate professional development degrees Q 

Duration: 1 year full-time 

Master of Music Studies 


Doctor of Musical Arts 

For more graduate professional development degrees, visit: www.music.unimelb.edu.au/courses/pgrad 

Graduate professional entry degrees Q 

Duration: Generally 2 years full-time 

Title: Master of (unless specified): 

Including: Music Therapy, Law – The Melbourne JD (Juris Doctor), Teaching and Management (Accounting). 

See pages 32–33 for more information. 

Employment: Many of our graduates have become noted performers, composers, educators, musicologists and music therapists, or have occupied the most 

important offices in the music profession both in Australia and internationally. See: www.bmus.unimelb.edu.au/pathways/careers.html 

Honours-year subjects 

Music Performance Honours 

> Concerto 

> Recital 

> Chamber Music 

> Ensemble 

> Research for Musicians 

> Electives (including Conducting and 

Professional Project) 

Composition Honours 

> Honours Composition 1 

> Honours Composition 2 

> Research for Musicians 

> Conducting 

> Electives (including Professional Project) 

Musicology/Ethnomusicology Honours 

> Dissertation 

> Professional Project 

> Electives 

Graduate research degrees Q 

Duration: 1.5 years full-time 

Master of Music 


Doctor of Philosophy 


As a graduate of the Bachelor of Music 

you have the opportunity to extend your 

study through graduate-level courses 

such as a Masters, PhD or Postgraduate 

Certificate/Diploma. Areas of study include 

Performance, Conducting, Composition, 

Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Instrumental/ 

Vocal Teaching, Music Therapy and Early 

Music. 

Graduates are also well placed to apply 

for graduate professional entry programs 

at the University, for example the Master of 

Music Therapy, as well as programs in law, 

teaching and business. 

See pages 32–33 for more information. For 

a full range of graduate study options, visit: 

www.music.unimelb.edu.au/future/pgrad


For students pursuing a specialisation in improvisation. 


available) 










Note for students wishing to apply in 

2011 or 2012: See page 37. 


School of Music, Faculty of the VCA and Music 

For the 2010 intake, the Bachelor of Music 

Performance will be offered for students 

wishing to specialise in Improvisation. 

Entry to the degree requires an audition 

on your main instrument, and an interview. 

Applicants are required to prepare two 

contrasting works which demonstrate their 

skills as performers and improvisers. 

Applicants are also required to submit 

a 100-word statement outlining musical 

goals, undergo a Performance Related 

Studies test (viva voce format) and are 

asked to sight-read a short melodic piece 

as well as a rhythmical piece. 

Auditions and interviews are conducted in 

November. 

For application information and details 

on selection procedures, please visit the 

website: www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au 

On 6 April 2009, the Faculty of the VCA and Music was established from the former Faculty of Music and Faculty of the Victorian 

College of the Arts. The integration of these two faculties resulted in the creation of a single School of Music at The University of 

Melbourne. The strengths of two nationally prominent music schools have now joined to form the largest university School of Music in 

Australia. 

The School of Music offers outstanding nationally and internationally recognised programs of the highest quality in performance, 

improvisation, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, music education and music therapy. 

The School also provides a variety of pathways into professional graduate coursework programs, and strengthens interaction with the 

profession and with research and research higher degree education, locally, nationally and internationally. 

Which music course should you take? 

In 2010, the School of Music will offer two music courses: 

The Gathering, 2007. Photo: Jeff Busby 

> the Bachelor of Music, for students who would like to specialise in performance, composition, musicology or ethnomusicology 

> the Bachelor of Music Performance, for students wishing to specialise in improvisation. 

25

26 

Choose Music Performance 

(Improvisation) at Melbourne 

For those wanting to specialise in 

improvisation, the Bachelor of Music 

Performance is a three-year degree 

dedicated to providing you with the 

education and training needed to become a 

multifaceted improvising artist. It is taught 

by an impressive academic staff consisting 

of highly regarded musicians and teachers 

within Australia and is concerned with 

harnessing and nurturing your musical 

talent through an integrated program of 

education and training to assist you on your 

journey to becoming a leading practitioner 

in the field. 

In addition to course activity designed to 

promote the highest level of improvisation 

skills, knowledge and understandings, 

you will participate in an eclectic range of 

concerts, recitals and events reflecting the 

School’s ethos and commitment to music 

making in a broad range of musical styles 

and media. 

Facilities within the School of Music 

include a Sound Research Studio, a 

rehearsal space, numerous individual and 

ensemble practice rooms, live performance 

equipment and a large and diverse 

collection of instruments. 

Students from around the world are 

attracted to the Bachelor of Music 

Performance for the diverse programs 

offered, the strong focus on improvisation 

– defined in its broadest sense – and the 

inherent approach to cross-disciplinary 

music making. The degree is unique in its 

practical basis, and offers the opportunity 

to work on projects with students from other 

disciplines within the Faculty, providing 

diverse collaborative opportunities that are 

essential for musicians to develop the skills, 

knowledge and understandings necessary 

to flourish in the new and emerging forms of 

music in the 21st century. 


The Bachelor of Music Performance 

provides specialist training in improvisation, 

and prepares graduates for a range 

of careers as professional musicians. 

This course covers a wide selection of 

musical styles encompassing jazz, world 

music (including African, Latin American, 

Middle Eastern, South and South East 

Asian styles), free-form improvisation, 

experimental, crossover styles, electronics, 

intermedia concepts, Australian improvised 

music and Indigenous Australian music. 

For the full details on the Bachelor of Music 

Performance course structures and subject 

options, please see: 

http://www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au 



The core subjects in the Bachelor of Music 

Performance are Principal Study, Specialist 

Related Studies, Ensemble, Aural Studies 

(Years 1 and 2), and Languages of Music 

(Years 1 and 2). In year three, you are 

required to complete four elective modules 

chosen to enhance your individual areas of 

musical interest. 



All Bachelor of Music Performance students 

study a common curriculum through the 

Centre for Ideas. The integration of intensive 

specialist artistic training with crossdisciplinary 

critical studies reflects the 

Faculty’s commitment to training artists who 

are not only highly skilled but also culturally 

and technologically literate. 

“I made the decision 

to move to Melbourne 

from Sydney to study 

Improvisation purely on 

the basis of the School 

of Music’s reputation 

in promoting individual 

pathways for each 

improvising musician. The 

emphasis was on creating 

original Australian music, 

and expressing individual 

artistry. 

I cannot praise the program 

highly enough for its 

contribution to my musical 

career. Without the support 

and guidance, I would never 

have been able to achieve 

the goals that I have set for 

myself, and I continue to 

strive towards new levels 

of artistic excellence as an 

ambassador of Australian 

music and culture.” 

Nadje Noordhuis 

Trumpeter, composer, 

improviser, educator





You are given regular opportunities to 

perform both within the Faculty environment 

and externally. A wide range of public 

concerts by students, staff, distinguished 

artists and artists-in-residence are 

programmed each year. 

As the name suggests, the Bachelor of 

Music Performance has a practical focus, 

with the provision of individual instrumental 

or vocal tuition and small and large 

ensemble tuition. 

You gain vital experience and networks 

through the Faculty’s active links with 

local and international artists and creative 

organisations. 

Working alongside creative professional 

improvisers of the highest calibre is an 

integral part of your learning experience. 

Careers in Music 



The Bachelor of Music Performance, 

through its practical emphasis, develops: 

> extensive theoretical and practical 

knowledge of improvisation practices, 

including relevant professional 

knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as 

they relate to the practicing musician 

> a flexible and innovative approach to 

the challenges for the professional 

improvisation musician in the 21st century 

> critical and creative engagement with 

topics of cultural significance across the 

broader community 

> an understanding and appreciation of 

how the arts connect with the broader 

society and culture. 


opportunities 

The specialist tuition in performance, and 

training in practical, creative, academic and 

communication skills, enables Improvisation 

graduates to work in a wide variety of 

professional and community contexts. 

Careers in Improvisation 

The contemporary Improvisation graduate is a 

creative performer, composer and improviser, 

whose unique and highly developed skills 

lead to a multifaceted portfolio career that 

may incorporate work as an ensemble leader, 

composer, developer, arranger and performer; 

a session musician for film, television, theatre, 

live concert, touring and recording; an artistic 

and commercial composer and arranger; a 

researcher; a specialist in instrumental, ensemble, 

performance and improvisation teaching; a 

creative real-time composer; an academic lecturer 

or classroom teacher, a festival and events 

producer; a music administrator; a music agent; 

a music critic/reviewer; an accompanist; an audio 

recording and audio mixing engineer; or a record 

label developer, administrator and producer. 

With a reputation in excellence the Faculty of 

the VCA and Music Improvisation graduate is 

a wellgrounded and versatile contemporary 

creative cultural producer, who explores the space 

between existing ideas and originality in music 

making. 



Graduates contribute their skills, energy 

and creativity through individual endeavour 

and collaborative enterprise within arts 

organisations and companies throughout 

the world. The School of Music enjoys wide 

recognition among the international arts 

community. 

“I moved to Melbourne 

from Canberra to study in 

the Improvisation Stream. 

For me, the course was the 

standout in my university 

preferences and offered a 

nurturing and disciplined 

environment to hone my 

skills and develop my 

artistic voice. I left with a 

very balanced and focused 

approach to music and a 

discipline that has carried 

me through my career thus 

far.” 

Gian Slater 

Vocalist, composer, 

improviser, educator 

27

28 

Honours 

Selected students may choose to study a 

fourth year to complete an Honours degree, 

which allows students to pursue a range of 

studies to expand their music practice and 

focus on establishing a professional career. 

Through related units of study the Honours 

program provides advanced training in 

specialist, creative and communication 

skills that enable the graduating student to 

work in various professional and community 

contexts. The program is flexible in that it 

provides the student with a range of studies 

that form a bridge to a professional career 

as a practising musician. This flexibility is 

crucial in providing the student with the 

opportunity to make their own choice in 

determining future directions and ways of 

making music within the community. 


Graduates of the Faculty of the VCA and 

Music have the opportunity to extend their 

study through graduate, Masters and PhD 

programs. Graduates are well placed to 

apply for professional programs at the 

University of Melbourne in a range of areas. 

See pages 32–33 for more information. 

Students also have access to highly 



academic exchange, artistic practice and 

research collaboration. 

The Improvisation Stream ‘Straight No Chaser Ensemble’, directed by Reg Walsh, at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Bachelor of Production 


available) 






Extra requirements: Interview, 

workshop and test required. See details 

below. 




The Bachelor of Production selection 

process involves submission of written 

support material, interview, discussion 

of text and presentation of work, and 

participation in a workshop. 

For more information visit: 


Choose Production at 



Arts encompasses all of the course 

offerings for undergraduate and graduate 

The Castle on the Sand (with Film and Television), July 2007. Photo: Tama Neill. 

students within Dance, Theatre and 

Production. Dedicated to rigorous creative 

exploration in tandem with technique 

training and skills development across each 

of the disciplines, the School of Performing 

Arts advances the contemporary practice 

and creative heritage of live art through 

intensive, hands on experience with 

teachers, artists and professionals in the 

field. 

The Bachelor of Production educates 

students in the various roles of performance 

production including set, costume, lighting 

and sound design, workshop, wardrobe, 

stage and production management. 

Students apply knowledge gained in the 

studio to practical projects generated both 

within the Faculty and beyond. 

The course is unique in that it provides 

students with the opportunity to participate 

in productions staged both on the campus 

(collaborations with Dance, Theatre, Music, 

Film and Television and Art projects) and 

beyond the campus (collaborations with 

professional companies and other training 

institutions). Given the breadth of projects 

in the performance calendar, students 

may expect to be working on a variety of 

performance forms in a range of capacities 

in any one year. 

The Bachelor of Production develops 

students’ collaborative skills and the 

ability to adapt them to a wide range of 

structures. Creative problem solving and 

articulate communication across art forms 

and personalities, in addition to developing 

relationships for creating and securing 

properties, costume and scenic elements 

within the campus and professional sector 

alike, are key aspects of the course. 

Students have the opportunity for 

secondments within the industry, a unique 

feature of the degree which links students 

with a network of professionals within their 

chosen field. Visiting artists production and 

design professionals frequent the School, 

and are integral to the curriculum. 


Staff in the Bachelor of Production include 

leading teachers/practitioners across the six 

streams of study within the degree. Visiting 

lecturers also contribute to the teaching 

program. 

The School of Performing Arts has 

strong links with the local and national 

performance community through its 

position in the heart of Melbourne’s cultural 

precinct. Staff are encouraged to maintain 

29

30 

their professional connections, as this 

is seen as a key element in connecting 

students with their future profession. 



“I have had access to 

Melbourne’s leading theatre 

practitioners; many of my 

lecturers still work in the 

industry and their insights 

and knowledge have been 

invaluable.” 

My dream job is: Artistic Director for the 

Melbourne Festival. 

My favourite subjects at Uni are: We 

have had some prominent practitioners 

of theatre design, lighting and sound 

share their thoughts and insights with us, 

and I find these occasions inspirational. 

Often the artist’s fears and concerns are 

the same as mine and that is comforting. 

I often leave these talks feeling as if, I 

can do this. 

In a typical week as a Bachelor of 

Production student: I am currently 

working on The Masque of Red Death 

(3rd year graduating drama), and 

Production Week is rapidly approaching. 

The week before opening night, it’s 9 am 

to 11 pm every day including weekends. 

Meetings, building the set, painting, 

sourcing, and sitting in rehearsal which 

leads into ‘teching’ the show. It’s an 

intense time, exhausting but also very 

exciting. No matter how much there is to 

do you always know the show will go on. 

Jeminah Alli Reidy 

Honours, Bachelor of 

Production (Design) 

Anne and Ian Foote Travel 

Bursary, Commonwealth 

Scholarship 


Formal classes for first- and secondyear 

students are combined with work 

on performances and projects. You are 

required to take on more responsibility and 

demonstrate greater initiative in your own 

learning program progressively over the 

three years. Peer teaching is an intrinsic part 

of the course. 

In third year, formal classes are at a 

minimum and an individual program is 

negotiated which can include major stage 

management, design and technical theatre 

assignments and an industry secondment. 

Secondments involve a period of 

attachment by third-year students to a 

theatre company, film company, dance 

company or other suitable organisation 

or professional practitioner. The subject 

provides you with an opportunity to test and 

develop the skills learnt over the previous 

two years within a professional environment. 

This course may be followed by a fulltime 

fourth year for selected students to 

complete an Honours degree. The Honours 

year is designed to provide high-achieving 

students the opportunity to further develop 

their artistic practice as well as their 

analytical, critical and research skills. 




students in the Bachelor of Production 

undertake subjects through the Centre for 

Ideas. The common curriculum is a crossdisciplinary 

sequence of subjects examining 

the interaction between artistic practice and 

wider social, political and cultural contexts. 

The integration of intensive specialist 

training in Production with critical studies 

aims to produce artists who are not only 

highly technically and artistically skilled but 

also culturally and technologically literate. 

Course plan – Bachelor of Production Q 

Year 1 

Year 2 

Year 3 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 


Production 

Skills 1A 

Production 

Skills 1B 

Production 

Skills 2A 

Production 

Skills 2B 

Production 

Placement 3 


Knowledge transfer 

Studio practice is the key element in 

the teaching program in the Bachelor of 

Production. You apply knowledge gained in 

classes to practical projects generated both 

within and beyond the Faculty. Given the 

broad span of work mounted by the Faculty 

of the VCA and Music (dance, drama, music 

theatre, opera and film as well as one-off 

events), you may reasonably expect to be 

working on a variety of performance forms 

in a range of capacities in any one year. 

Opportunities are also available for students 

to become involved in projects generated 

by Film and Television students. 

In third year you will be seconded to a 

theatre, film or dance company, another 

suitable organisation or a professional 

practitioner. This provides a valuable 

opportunity to become part of the 

professional network for which you have 

been training. 

Careers in Production 



The Bachelor of Production develops your 

collaborative skills and the ability to adapt 

them to a wide range of structures. You 

also have the opportunity for secondments 

within the industry – a unique feature of the 

degree which links students with a network 

of professionals within their chosen field. 

Through this course, students will be able to: 

> exhibit extensive theoretical and practical 

knowledge of their discipline including 

relevant professional knowledge, skills, 

discipline and ethics as they relate to a 

practising visual/performing artist 




> work at various levels, both as an individual 

and as a team member, in a wide variety of 

Production 

Placement 1A 

Production 

Placement 1B 

Production 

Placement 2A 

Production 

Placement 2B 

Secondment 

The Artist in 

the World 1A 

The Artist in 

the World 1B 

The World in 

the Artist 2A 

The World in 

the Artist 2B 

Collaborative 

Contract 


Development 

Performance 

Project

visual/performing arts environments 

> contribute to a range of visual/performing 

arts environments as artistic collaborators 

and leaders 

> demonstrate a flexible and innovative 


challenges for the professional visual/ 

performing artist in the 21st century 

> understand their relationship with and 

responsibility to their cultural environment 

and society. 


opportunities 

Graduates of the Bachelor of Production 

have a tradition of high employment 

success. 

Graduates demonstrate capacities 

for artistic imagination, creativity, 

transformation and interpretation. They 

work at various levels, both as an individual 

and as a team member, in a wide variety 

of visual/performing arts environments 

including large-scale events such as the 

Olympic Games and Commonwealth 

Games opening ceremonies, major 

festivals, subsidised theatre, dance and 

opera companies, and commercial theatre. 

Students are encouraged to make links 

with other students both within Production 

as well as in other artistic disciplines, 

which often lead to long-term collaborative 

partnerships. Most graduates become 

employed in the industry on a freelance 

basis, often initially in an assistant capacity, 

in their field of specialisation. 



Courses at the Faculty of the VCA and 

Music enjoy wide recognition among the 

international arts community. The Faculty 

is a member of the European League of 

Institutes of the Arts (ELIA), the International 

Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD), and is 

an international affiliate of the Association of 

Independent Colleges of Art and Design. 

Honours 

The one-year Honours program is available 

following the successful completion of 

the Bachelor of Production or equivalent. 

The Honours year is designed to highachieving 

students the opportunity to further 

develop their artistic practice as well as their 

analytical, critical and research skills. As an 

Honours student, you will further develop 

your ability to participate effectively and 

collaboratively on a production. The course 

is also designed to produce students who 

are able to work creatively at a senior level in 

a production team, either as a designer or in 

the technical crafts. 

The Honours program (Production 

Placement) builds on knowledge, 

experience and skills developed in the 

Bachelor of Production in the student’s field 

of specialisation (set, costume, lighting and 

sound design, or the allied crafts). Each 

student will be assigned at least two major 

productions drawn from the production 

schedule. They will be assigned in senior 

roles as either part of the creative team, or 

as leaders in the technical and craft areas. 

Each student will also complete an Honours 

Research Thesis in an area of enquiry 

pertaining to their chosen field of study. In 

consultation with their supervisor; through 

a number of research methods classes, the 

student will develop a research question or 

hypothesis, conduct a literature review in 

relation to this question and then research 

and submit a paper interrogating this 

hypothesis. 


Graduates of the Bachelor of Production 

have the opportunity to extend their study 

through graduate, Masters (research or 

coursework) and PhD programs. Graduate 

study is available in various roles of 

performance production including set, 

costume, lighting and sound design, stage 

and production management. 

Production students also have access to 

highly regarded international arts institutions 


academic exchange, artistic practice and 

research collaboration. 

Production graduates are well placed 

to apply for graduate professional entry 

programs at the University of Melbourne in 

a range of areas including law, teaching and 

business. For more information see pages 

32–33. 

A Little Night Music (with Music Theatre), November 2007. Costume design: Emily Collett. 

31

32 

Graduate study at Melbourne 

The University of Melbourne offers over 

340 graduate programs ranging from 

professional entry degrees for students 

wanting to gain a qualification or change 

career path, to graduate professional 

development programs designed for 

professionals interested in advancing 

their career opportunities. Increasingly 

well-regarded by prospective employers, 

graduate qualifications offer employees an 

edge over competitors and often attract 

higher salaries. 

At Melbourne you can undertake 

graduate study in coursework or research. 

Coursework is similar to an undergraduate 

degree in that you have tutorials and 

lectures, exams and ongoing assessments. 

Research is a more independent style of 

learning where you focus on a particular 

research topic and have an academic, 

highly skilled in your area of expertise, 

supervising you and keeping you on track 

to produce your assessed research report. 

Admission to all graduate programs 

requires the prior completion of an 

undergraduate degree either from the 

University of Melbourne, a university in 

another country or another Australian 

institution. Some programs also require 

professional work experience. 

Graduate professional 

development programs 

Graduate professional development 

programs offer the opportunity to extend 

professional understanding, update existing 

skills or pursue a personal interest in a 

particular area. You can view what’s on 

offer at: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu. 

au/grad 

Q Pending Academic Board approval. 

Graduate professional entry 

programs 

The University has introduced a range of 

new coursework graduate professional entry 

programs. These provide a focused and 

intense course of study qualifying students 

for employment in various professional 

occupations. Students who complete a 

professional entry program will be awarded 

a Masters or doctoral degree in their chosen 

field – a prestigious qualification offering 

an important edge in the workplace. For 

Australian students, Commonwealth 

supported places (CSPs) are available in 

many of the graduate professional entry 

programs. Some programs have at least 

50 per cent of designated places available 

as CSPs (for example, the Melbourne JD 

and the Master of Architecture), while others 

offer the majority of places as CSPs (for 

example, the Master of Teaching and the 

Master of Nursing Science). 

In addition, all graduate professional 

entry programs provide access to Youth 

Allowance/Austudy for eligible students. 

Graduate professional entry degrees are 

available in the following areas: 

Architecture; Clinical Audiology; 

Construction Management; Dental 

Surgery; Education and Teaching; 

Engineering; Food Science; Forest 

Ecosystem Science; Genetic Counselling; 

Landscape Architecture; Law; Medicine 

(from 2011); Music Therapy; Nursing 

Science; Optometry (from 2011) Q ; 

Physiotherapy (from 2011); Property; 

Science; Social Work; Teaching; Urban 

Horticulture; Urban Planning; Veterinary 

Medicine (from 2012) Q . 

For more information 

More detailed information about the range 

of graduate professional entry programs 

is contained in the 2010 Graduate Study 

Guide and 2010 International Graduate 

Prospectus. More information about 

graduate programs in music, visual and 

performing arts is available at 


Guaranteed entry for 

school leavers to graduate 

professional entry programs 

For most students, entry to graduate 

programs will be based on their 

performance in undergraduate studies and 

additional requirements such as interviews, 

personal statements and aptitude tests. 

See www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu. 

au/grad/ for graduate professional entry 

course information. 

Guaranteed entry to graduate professional 

entry programs exists for high-achieving 

school leavers commencing an 

undergraduate course at the University 

of Melbourne in 2010. In addition there is 

a range of guaranteed entry pathways to 

graduate programs based on University 

performance. 

Students who meet the prerequisite 

requirements for entry into graduate 

professional entry degrees will be 

guaranteed entry to their course of choice 

(applies to most graduate professional 

entry degrees) if they meet the following 

criteria. 

For a Commonwealth supported 

place in the graduate degree: 

> achieve an ENTER (or equivalent) of 99.9 

(achieved in the final year of schooling in 

Australia by 2010); and 

> commence an undergraduate course at 

the University of Melbourne following the 

completion of schooling; and 

> complete the undergraduate degree with 

an H2A (75 per cent) weighted average. 

Note: Graduate selection into Medicine, 

Dental Science and Physiotherapy is also 

subject to satisfactory performance at 

an interview to demonstrate adequate 

communication skills.

For a fee place (Australian or 

international) in the graduate 

degree*: 

> achieve an ENTER (or equivalent) of 99.0 

(achieved in the final year of schooling by 

2010); and 

> commence an undergraduate degree 

at the University of Melbourne following 

completion of schooling; and 

> complete the undergraduate degree with 

an H2A (75 per cent) weighted average. 

Note: Graduate selection into Medicine, 

Dental Science and Physiotherapy is also 

subject to satisfactory performance at 

an interview to demonstrate adequate 

communication skills. 

*Guaranteed places in specific graduate 

professional entry degrees (including 

Medicine, Dental Science, Physiotherapy, 

Optometry and Veterinary Science) will 

be limited by the number of fee places 

available in the year of entry. 

Graduate Access Melbourne 

Graduate Access Melbourne provides 

access to applicants whose personal 

circumstances have had a sustained 

adverse effect on their academic 

achievement at undergraduate level or who 

are members of a specified group known to 

be under-represented in higher education. 

Graduate Access Melbourne applicants will 

be allocated a minimum of 20 per cent of 

the Commonwealth supported places W in 

our graduate professional entry programs. 

Consideration through Graduate Access 

Melbourne will enhance your opportunity 

for selection to a Commonwealth supported 

place. 

Up to 100 Graduate Access Melbourne 

Bursaries will be awarded annually to 

eligible Graduate Access Melbourne 

applicants. 

Graduate courses in Music, 

Visual and Performing Arts 

The University of Melbourne offers a 

range of graduate courses across Music, 

Visual and Performing Arts disciplines. 

Graduate study and contemporary arts 

research emerge from an intense spirit of 

enquiry and discovery that motivates and 

creates new, innovative work. Our graduate 

programs are characterised by a culture of 

curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to 

challenge discipline boundaries. 

Courses are available at a variety of levels 

for students of different educational, 

professional and artistic backgrounds, 

from Graduate Certificates, Graduate and 

Postgraduate Coursework programs to 

Masters by Research and PhD programs. 

Academic staff are dedicated practitioners 

and theorists from all spheres of national 

and international art forms and represent 

a wide spectrum of experience, skills, 

knowledge and expertise. 

The Faculty of the VCA and Music offers 

a wide range of programs in the following 

areas: 

School of Music 

> Accompanying (Keyboard) 

> Composition 

> Conducting 

> Early Music 

> Improvisation 

> Music Education 

> Music Performance 

> Music Therapy 

> Musicology/Ethnomusicology 

School of Art 

> Drawing 

> Installation 

> New Media, digital technologies, 

cross-medium 

> Painting 

> Photography 

> Printmaking 

> Sculpture 

School of Performing Arts 

> Actor Training Methodologies 

> Animateuring (Dance and Theatre) 

> Dance Choreography 

> Lighting 

> Performance Creation 

(Dance and Theatre) 

> Production Management 

> Sound Design 

> Theatre Design 

> Theatre Direction 

> Voice Training 

Film and Television 

> Animation 

> Documentary 

> Narrative 

> Producing 

> Visual Effects 

Interdisciplinary Studies 

> Community Cultural Development 

Practice 

> Indigenous Arts Management 

For full details of graduate study options 

please visit: www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au 

W From 2009 to 2012 at least 50 per cent of designated places in most graduate professional entry programs will be Commonwealth supported places. 

33

34 

Enrich your degree 

Go on exchange 

Student mobility internationally is an integral 

component of the Melbourne Model as 

the University seeks to broaden learning 

experiences, not only across academic 

disciplines, but also around the world. By 

taking part in an exchange, or another 

student mobility program, you have an 

opportunity to immerse yourself in a different 

social, cultural and intellectual milieu, thereby 

adding to your international experience. 

Beyond our list of formal exchange 

partners, the University of Melbourne has 

an increasing number of study abroad 

short-term opportunities available, including 

intensive subjects, international internship 

subjects, and opportunities to undertake 

research and participate in international 

conferences abroad. 

The University of Melbourne offers a range 

of scholarships, bursaries, and other 

funding options to help you complete part 

of your course at one of over 130 exchange 

partner institutions in 32 different countries, 

or at another approved study destination. 

From 2009 onwards, a minimum of 800 

Melbourne Global scholarships will be 

awarded each year. The scholarships, with 

a value of up to $2500, will be awarded 

to eligible students to support their 

participation in study abroad or exchange 

programs in their second or third year of 

undergraduate study. The University also 

has a number of additional scholarships 

available, including travel grants for 

students electing to study at Universitas 21 

(U21) partner institutions. 

To read about student exchange 

experiences as they take place across the 

globe, visit: http://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/ 

mobility 

For more information about how to make 

this experience your own, visit: 

www.mobility.unimelb.edu.au 

Get involved in leadership and 

volunteering 

Volunteer, community and leadership 

activities are a key part of the Melbourne 

Experience. The University of Melbourne 

provides a wide range of opportunities 

for students to get involved, experience 

the wider community and gain a huge 

range of skills. The LIVE Unit (Leadership, 

Involvement and Volunteer Experience) 

at the University is there to facilitate your 

involvement in all these types of programs 

and activities, both locally and globally. 

For more information: 

www.services.unimelb.edu.au/live 

Study a diploma alongside 

your undergraduate degree 

Concurrent diplomas offer University 

of Melbourne students another way of 

following a passion. Available in the areas 

of mathematics, languages, music and 

informatics, most diplomas allow students 

to structure their study to suit themselves. 

Diplomas allow students many flexible 

options – from studying the diploma 

totally alongside their bachelors degree 

(and adding a further year of study) to 

cross-crediting some of the study in their 

bachelors degree to their diploma and 

taking a ‘fast track’ to completion (potentially 

completing the diploma in the same time 

that it takes to complete the bachelors 

degree). Students can also work with course 

advisers to create any combination in 

between that suits their needs. The mode 

of undertaking the diploma will depend on 

each student’s particular circumstances. 

The Diplomas in Mathematical Sciences 

and Languages also offer eligible students 

the bonus of a HECS exemption for the 

final half of diploma study. Applications for 

most diplomas can be made at any time – 

from the commencement of the bachelors 

degree right up to the second semester of 

third year. Entry is competitive. 

Students graduating with a diploma will 

have completed a major in that area of 

study, which may allow them to continue to 

graduate study in the field without holding a 

related bachelors degree. 

Diploma in Informatics 

The Diploma in Informatics is designed 

to provide students with a range of data 

manipulation and presentation techniques 

that will complement their major studies. 

The diploma will complement students’ 

core studies and broaden career prospects. 

As well as developing skills in the 

information technology and communication 

fields, they will be encouraged to bring 

problems and challenges from their 

main study areas to diploma subjects for 

discussion and resolution. 

Students enrolled in the following degrees 

may apply: Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, 

Engineering, Environments, Music and 

Science (unless majoring in any of 

Computer Science, Science Informatics or 

Software Systems). 


www.informatics.unimelb.edu.au 

Diploma in Languages 

The Diploma in Languages is designed to 

cater for students without previous training 

in the language or for those seeking to 

further develop their existing language 

skills. The Diploma in Languages enables 

students to gain a language qualification 

while completing an undergraduate degree. 

Students may be eligible to receive the final 

50 points of the Diploma HECS-free. 

The Diploma is available in: 

> Arabic (beginners and post-VCE) 

> Chinese (beginners, non-dialect speakers 

with VCE Chinese, and background 

speakers) 

> French (beginners, intermediate and 

post-VCE) 

> German (beginners, intermediate and 

post-VCE) 

> Hebrew (beginners and post-VCE) 

> Indonesian (beginners, post-VCE and 

advanced)

Italian (beginners, intermediate and post- 

VCE) 

> Japanese (beginners and post-VCE) 

> Russian (beginners) 

> Spanish (beginners and intermediate) 

> Swedish (beginners). 

Please note that the Diploma in Languages 

is not available to students in the Bachelor 

of Arts (Media and Communications). 

Students in this program can apply to study 

languages through the Diploma in Modern 

Languages. 




Science. 

More information: www.arts.unimelb.edu.au/ 

futurestudents/programs/concurrent.html 

Diploma in Mathematical 

Sciences 

The Diploma in Mathematical Sciences 

enables students to gain a mathematics 

qualification while completing an 

undergraduate degree. Students will 

study first-year calculus and linear 

algebra, followed by a choice of later-year 

subjects from applied mathematics, pure 

mathematics, probability, statistics, discrete 

mathematics and operations research. 

Mathematics and statistics provide 

important insights into nature, technology 

and business. They are ‘enabling’ 

disciplines which are directly relevant to 

many other disciplines and complement 

most majors in all new generation degrees. 

Students may be eligible to receive the final 

50 points of the Diploma HECS-free. 




Science. 

Prerequisites: Students with a study score of 

at least 35 in VCE Mathematical Methods or 

Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) are 

likely to be selected. 

More information: www.undergraduates. 

ms.unimelb.edu.au 

Diploma in Music (Practical) 

The Diploma in Music (Practical) comprises 

a three-year sequence of practical, 

ensemble and elective subjects, studied 

alongside Bachelor of Music students, 

giving students the opportunity to build 

valuable friendships and networks in a 

challenging musical environment. 

Study areas cover music performance 

and ensemble studies and, via elective 

subjects, students should also gain a 

basic understanding of the historical and 

theoretical knowledge that forms part of 

advanced musical training. 

The Diploma provides students with 

the opportunity to engage in one-toone 

instrumental or vocal tuition and is 

particularly designed for students interested 

in musical study but not wishing to commit 

themselves to professional training in a 

Bachelor of Music degree. 



Engineering, Environments and Science. 

Prerequisites: Admission is by audition, and 

students are asked to prepare a 15-minute 

program of two or three contrasting works 

chosen from the classical repertoire. 

Auditions are usually held in early February. 

More information: www.bmus.unimelb.edu. 

au/bmus/enrich/dip.html 

U21 Diploma in Global Issues Q 

The Diploma in Global Issues is designed 

to meet the needs of students who are 

considering careers that require an 

international perspective. Students gain 

knowledge of the current principles relating 

to globalisation and an understanding of the 

interconnectedness between individuals, 

societies and countries. 

Six Universitas 21 (U21) universities 

collaborate in the teaching of the Diploma, 

which offers collaborative learning in 

an international setting, drawing on the 

capacity of the participating institutions. 

Students enrolled in the following 

undergraduate degrees may apply: Arts, 

Biomedicine, Commerce, Engineering, 

Environments, Music and Science. 

Prerequisites: Students must have completed 

at least 100 points of study in the concurrent 

degree course at the time of applying, and 

obtained a weighted grade point average of 

at least H2B (70 per cent) across all subjects 

so far completed in the bachelor degree 

course. 

Student Union 

The Student Union offer an array of support 

services as well as a wide range of cultural 

and extra-curricular activities for students. 

Clubs and societies 

There are over 100 international, religious, 

cultural and social student clubs on campus. 

From the Chocolate Lovers’ Society to the 

Arabic Culture Club and the Star Trek Club to 

Amnesty International, you will find something 

to engage, entertain, fill your belly or make 

you laugh. Join up and get involved. 

More information: www.union.unimelb.edu.au 

Sport 

Melbourne University Sport’s services and 

facilities are state-of-the-art. A ski lodge at 

Mt Buller and a boatshed on the Yarra River 

complement the vast array of on-campus 

facilities, which include a 25-metre heated 

indoor six-lane lap pool, gymnasium, 

squash and tennis courts, indoor stadiums, 

athletics track, hockey field and more than 

40 sports clubs. The Sports Centre also 

provides massage, physiotherapy and 

personal training. 

More information: www.sports.unimelb.edu.au 

Q Pending CRICOS registration. 

35

36 

Admission and selection for 

Australian students 

Students can find information on courses in their area of interest tailored to their citizenship and qualifications, including course 

descriptions, prerequisites, tuition fees, application process and relevant information, via our online Course Search at: 

http://coursesearch.unimelb.edu.au 

Applying 

Citizens of Australia and New Zealand, 

Australian permanent residents and holders 

of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa apply 

for undergraduate courses at the University 

of Melbourne through the Victorian Tertiary 

Admissions Centre (VTAC). 

All applicants should carefully read the 

2010 VTAC Guide to be aware of the course 

requirements and application procedures 

before applying. 

The 2010 VTAC Guide will be available in 

late July 2009 from major newsagencies 

throughout Australia. Visit the VTAC web site 

for more information, including the closing 

date for applications, at: www.vtac.edu.au 

Mid-year entry may be offered in some 

courses, to commence study in second 

semester. This is subject to the availability 

of places, and applications can be made 

directly to the University. Mid-year entry is 

limited, and is considered on a case-bycase 

basis for music, visual and performing 

arts courses. 

Extra requirements for music, 

visual and performing arts 

courses 

Selection into all music, visual and 

performing arts courses requires successful 

completion of the VCE (or an equivalent 

qualification) with a study score of at 

least 25 in Units 3 and 4 English/English 

Language/Literature, or a study score of at 

least 30 in Units 3 and 4 ESL. 

Application also involves additional entry 

requirements which may include a folio 

presentation, interview, test and/or audition. 

Applicants who are required to attend 

an interview or supply any additional 

information will be required to demonstrate 

a range of attributes, for example skill 

level, relevant experience or training, 

an understanding of the discipline and 

personal motivation. 

For further details see ‘Extra requirements’ 

under your course of interest. 

Application fees for music, 

visual and performing arts 

courses 

Courses in the Faculty of the VCA and Music 

have special requirements that require an 

audition and/or interview. Applicants who list 

any of the courses offered at the Southbank 

campus in their VTAC preferences will 

be required to pay $65 per course to be 

eligible for audition/interview. This fee will be 

payable with the VTAC application fee. 

Refunds of the audition/interview fee will 

not be granted to applicants on the basis 

of non-submission of the supplementary 

application form. Where refunds of the 

audition/interview fee are approved the 

refund will not include the $11 administration 

fee charged by VTAC. 

Early closing dates for music, visual and performing arts applications 

Please note that the application closing dates for some VCAM courses differ from the 

standard VTAC dates: 

Timely closing date Late closing date 

Bachelor of Dance 31 August 15 October 

Bachelor of Dramatic Art 30 September 15 October 

Bachelor of Film and Television 31 August Not applicable 

Bachelor of Fine Art 30 September 30 October 

Bachelor of Music 30 September 12 December 

Bachelor of Music Performance 30 September 30 October 

Bachelor of Production 30 September 30 October 

Applicants for music, visual and performing 

arts courses will also be required to submit 

a supplementary application form directly 

to the Faculty of the VCA and Music. For 

the Bachelor of Music, the form is available 

at www.bmus.unimelb.edu.au. For all 

other music, visual and performing arts 

courses, the forms are available from the 

MyInfo section of the VTAC web site. Your 

application will not be considered complete 

unless the supplementary application form 

is submitted. 

Entry standards 

In addition to course-specific extra 

requirements (see above), applicants for 

music, visual and performing arts courses in 

2010 must satisfy these prerequisites to be 

eligible for admission: 

VCE Units 3 and 4 

Successful completion of VCE, including a 

study score of at least 25 in English/English 

Language/Literature, or at least 30 in ESL. 

International Baccalaureate (IB) 

Completion of the IB Diploma having 

passed IB English at Grade 5 Standard 

Level or Grade 4 Higher Level or higher. 

Interstate qualifications 

Please refer to the University of Melbourne 

2010 National Undergraduate Course Guide. 

Other qualifications 

Applicants who have undertaken other 

equivalent qualifications such as Cambridge 

A Levels, New Zealand National Certificate 

in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 

3, Trinity Foundation Year etc, must ensure 

they have completed subjects equivalent 

to those listed under ‘VCE Units 3 and 

4’ above. Details of these subjects are 

available from the online Course Search at: 

http://coursesearch.unimelb.edu.au

Note for students wishing to 

apply in 2011 or 2012 

From 2011, undergraduate studies in 

music, visual and performing arts will be 

offered as Melbourne Model degrees. 

Undergraduate studies in Music will 

be combined into a single Bachelor of 

Music, offering specialisations in Music 

Performance, Improvisation, Composition 

English language 

requirements 

All applicants must satisfy the University’s 

English language requirements in order to 

be eligible to be offered a place. 

All applicants who use an Australian Year 

12, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma 

or the New Zealand NCEA for the purposes 

of entry must have completed Year 12, IB 

Diploma or NCEA Level 3 English studies 

to a specified level to be considered for 

entry to any course. This applies regardless 

of whether or not English is a compulsory 

subject within the qualification. 

For more information about the University’s 

English language requirements refer to: 

www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/ugrad/ 

apply/english-req.html 

Access Melbourne – special 

entry scheme 

Enhance your opportunity for selection and 

a scholarship by applying for the University 

of Melbourne’s combined special entry and 

access scholarships scheme. 

In 2010, 20 per cent of the University’s new 

undergraduate Commonwealth supported 

places will be offered to students who 

have applied through Access Melbourne. 

In addition, many of these students will be 

awarded a Melbourne Access Scholarship. 

There are a number of categories under 

which Access Melbourne applicants may 

apply: 

> non-English speaking background 

> recognition as an Indigenous Australian 

> difficult family circumstances 

> disadvantaged socioeconomic 

background 

> rural or isolated 

> under-represented school 

and Musicology/Ethnomusicology. 

Undergraduate studies in Visual and 

Performing Arts will be offered within the 

Bachelor of Fine Arts Q , with major areas 

of study in Art, Dance, Film and Television, 

Production and Theatre. 

Under the Melbourne Model, the emphasis 

is on in-depth studies in a chosen discipline 

as well as breadth studies, so that 

> personal disability or long-term medical 

condition 

> refugee status 

> mature-age consideration (non-school 

leaver entry pathway). 

You must complete the relevant application 

forms in VTAC’s Special Entry Access 

Schemes (SEAS) Access and Equity 

process. SEAS information booklets are 

available from: www.vtac.edu.au 

Further information about eligibility criteria, 

Melbourne Access Scholarships and the 

Access Melbourne application process can 

be obtained from www.access.unimelb. 

edu.au or from the 2010 Access Melbourne 

brochure. 

Non-school leaver applicants 

The University of Melbourne is committed 

to significantly increasing the participation 

of students from diverse backgrounds 

and welcomes applications from nonschool 

leavers. Applicants who don’t 

meet the standard entry requirements for 

undergraduate courses may be eligible 

for entry using the non-school leaver entry 

pathway. 

To be eligible for this pathway, applicants 

must: be 23 years or older; be an Australian 

or New Zealand citizen or Australian 

permanent resident or holder of a 

Permanent Humanitarian Visa; and have 

no qualifications from the past seven years 

which could be used as a basis for selection. 

Applicants for this pathway will need to: 

> meet course prerequisites; 

> meet any other extra course 

requirements; and 

> complete a general aptitude test or 

complete Community Access Program 

(CAP) subjects. 

graduates have the broad knowledge and 

practical experience required to become 

creative practitioners and professionals. 

The curriculum of these two courses 

is currently under development. When 

available, more information will be 

published at www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au 

Q Pending approval by Academic Board 

All applicants under the non-school leaver 

entry pathway are required to: 

> achieve competitive results in the Special 

Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (both 

sections); or 

> achieve competitive results in the 

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (all 

sections); or 

> achieve competitive results in 50 points 

(typically four subjects) of study in 

assessed mode through CAP. 

For more information about the pathway 

visit the Future Students web site: www. 

access.unimelb.edu.au/nsl 

Deferral 

Applications to defer the offer of a place 

in University of Melbourne music, visual 

or performing arts courses will not be 

accepted in 2010. Information about the 

University’s Deferral Policy is available 

on the Future Students web site: www. 

futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/ugrad/apply/ 

deferpolicy 

Transferring 

To apply to transfer from another tertiary 

institution you need to submit an application 

through VTAC. To be eligible to transfer, 

you must meet the course prerequisites. 

It is important to check in advance the 

requirements for transferring from one 

course to another to get a realistic idea of 

the chances of success and of the level 

of academic achievement required. Your 

application will be assessed based on your 

entire academic record. 

37

38 

Credit for previous studies 

If you have completed studies at another 

university and wish to have these credited 

towards your studies at the University of 

Melbourne, you should apply for credit 

when you first enrol in the course. You 

should consult the credit guidelines for 

the course before applying for credit. The 

University reserves the right to award credit 

as it deems fit and sets a maximum limit 

on the credit that can be awarded. Credit 

is only awarded for completed subjects 

deemed equivalent in content and standard 

to those that can be completed within the 

University of Melbourne course. 

Tuition fees 

Commonwealth supported 

places 

A Commonwealth supported place 

is an enrolment subsidised by the 

Commonwealth Government. The number 

of Commonwealth supported places the 

University can offer is determined by the 

Government. 

A student enrolled in a Commonwealth 

supported place contributes to the tuition 

fee for their course by paying the relevant 

HECS contribution. Subject fees are 

grouped into discipline fee bands by the 

Department of Education, Employment and 

Workplace Relations. 

Details of the student contributions payable 

by Commonwealth supported students 

in 2010 will be available in September 

2009. Please refer to: www.futurestudents. 

unimelb.edu.au/fees/aust/csp 

HECS-HELP 

Students are able to pay HECS 

contributions up-front and may be eligible 

to receive a discount of 20 per cent. In 

addition, HECS-HELP loans are available 

to all eligible students who wish to defer 

payment. For more information, visit the 

government web site at: www.goingtouni. 

gov.au 

Student Services and Amenities 

Fee 

Depending on the passage of 

Commonwealth Government legislation, 

students will be charged a Student Services 

and Amenities Fee in addition to the cost of 

their tuition. Further details will be available 

when legislation is passed, later in 2009. 

Songs of Ourselves (Masters Design Performance), July 2007. Photo: Margie Mckay.

Admission and selection for 

international students 

Students can find information on courses in their area of interest tailored to their citizenship and qualifications, including course 

descriptions, prerequisites, tuition fees, application process and relevant information, via our online Course Search at: 

http://coursesearch.unimelb.edu.au 

An international student is any student who 

is not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, 

or who is not an Australian permanent 

resident or holder of a Permanent 

Humanitarian Visa. 

Applying 

International students currently studying the 

VCE, IB or another Australian Year 12 in an 

Australian secondary school in 2009 should 

apply through VTAC (for VTAC details see 

‘Admission and selection for Australian 

students’ on page 36). 

All other international students should apply 

directly to the University of Melbourne via 

an online form at www.futurestudents. 

unimelb.edu.au/int/apply/how-to-apply, 

or using the application form included in 

the 2010 Undergraduate Prospectus for 

International Students or through one of the 

University’s overseas representatives. You 

can find contact details for the University’s 

representatives in your country at: www. 

futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/visitors/ 

osreps 

The closing date for international student 

direct applications is 20 December for 

commencement in Semester 1 (March) or 

31 May for commencement in Semester 

2 (July). For further information, please 

contact International Admissions. 

International students applying through 

VTAC should refer to the 2010 VTAC Guide 

or www.vtac.edu.au for details of the 

relevant closing dates. 

For more information on entry requirements 

for international students please visit: www. 

futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/apply/ 

ugrad 

Note for students wishing to 

apply in 2011 or 2012 

The University of Melbourne has introduced 

landmark educational reforms known 

collectively as the Melbourne Model. These 

reforms are designed to create an outstanding 

and distinctive Melbourne Experience for all 

students. In moving to the new model, the 


Please see information on page 36 for 

information about extra requirements for 

music, visual and performing arts courses. 

For further details see ‘Extra requirements’ 

under your course of interest. 

English language 

requirements 

In addition to course-specific extra 

requirements (see above), international 

applicants for music, visual and performing 

arts courses in 2010 must be qualified 

for university entry and have satisfied the 

University of Melbourne’s English language 

requirements to be eligible for entry. 

International applicants for undergraduate 

degrees at the University of Melbourne can 

satisfy the English language requirements 

in a number of ways: 

> Satisfactorily completing secondary 

studies in a country where English is 

the official language and gaining a 

satisfactory pass in an approved finalyear 

English subject. (Applicants from 

countries with more than one official 

language may be required to meet TOEFL 

or IELTS requirements.) 

> Satisfactorily completing the final 

two years of secondary studies at an 

approved secondary school where 

English is the language of instruction, and 

gaining a satisfactory pass in English in 

the final year. 

> Completing at least the first year of an 

approved tertiary program taught in 

English at an institution where English is 

the official language of instruction and 

assessment for the entire institution within 

the last two years. 

University is responding to the challenges 

of today’s changing environment as well as 

aligning itself with the best of European and 

Asian practice and North American traditions. 

From 2011, undergraduate studies in music, 

visual and performing arts will be offered 

as Melbourne Model degrees. Under the 

Melbourne Model, the emphasis is on academic 

> Satisfactorily completing at least a twoyear 

tertiary degree within the last five 

years at an institution where English is 

the official language of instruction and 

assessment across the entire institution. 

> Meeting the University’s TOEFL or IELTS 

(academic test) requirements in a test 

taken no more than 24 months prior to 

application. 

Test Score 

IELTS (academic test) 6.5 (no band 

less than 6) 

TOEFL (paperbased 

test) 

TOEFL (computerbased 

test) 

TOEFL (Internetbased 

test) 

577 (TWE 4.5) 

233 (Essay 4.5) 

90 (no section 

score below 21) 

Credit for previous studies 

If you have completed studies at another 

university and wish to have these credited 

towards your studies at the University of 

Melbourne, you should apply for credit 

when you first enrol in the course. 

Tuition fees 

Tuition fees for international students are 

based upon the actual subjects undertaken 

within a course. More details about course 

fees for international students are available 

online at: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu. 

au/int/apply/fees 

Student Services and Amenities 

Fee 

Depending on the passage of 

Commonwealth Government legislation, 

students will be charged a Student Services 

and Amenities Fee in addition to the cost of 

their tuition. Further details will be available 

when legislation is passed, later in 2009. 

breadth as well as disciplinary depth to ensure 

that graduates have the broad knowledge 

and practical experience to become creative 

practitioners. 

Graduates from all new generation degrees at 

the University can go directly into the workforce 

or further enhance their skills with a graduate 

program. 

39

40 

Scholarships 

Melbourne Undergraduate 

and Graduate Coursework 

Scholarships 

The Melbourne Undergraduate and 

Graduate Coursework Scholarships 

Program is one of the most generous and 

comprehensive programs in Australia. 

Our program recognises the outstanding 

academic achievement of students from 

across Victoria, interstate and overseas. 

We also acknowledge a special 

responsibility to provide access to 

higher education to those students 

who might otherwise be excluded by 

socioeconomic, cultural, geographic or 

other disadvantages. 

Our program incorporates the prestigious 

Melbourne National Scholarships as well as 

providing Melbourne Access Scholarships 

to Indigenous Australians and students from 

a broad range of access groups who have 

experienced ongoing circumstances which 

impact on their preparation for university 

study. 

The Scholarships Program comprises: 

Melbourne National Scholarships 

Melbourne National Scholarships are 

nationally recognised awards that are highly 

sought-after by high-achieving students in 

Victoria and interstate. Applications open 

in early August and close in late October. 

These scholarships are normally offered to 

students who have an ENTER or equivalent 

of 99.9 or above. Every year, some 

scholarships are reserved for Indigenous 

students. Benefits include exemption from 

tuition fees and an annual allowance for 

the normal duration of an undergraduate 

degree. 

Melbourne Access Scholarships 

Melbourne Access Scholarships provide 

an opportunity for students from a range of 

designated access groups to study at the 

University of Melbourne. Benefits include an 

annual allowance for the normal duration of 

an undergraduate degree. 

Graduate Access Melbourne 

Bursaries 

Graduate Access Bursaries are available for 

students enrolling in graduate professional 

entry programs through the Graduate 

Access Melbourne scheme. A list of eligible 

programs is available from our web site at: 

www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/ 

gradcoursework. See page 33 also for 

more information. 

Commonwealth Scholarships 

In May 2009 the Commonwealth 

Government announced changes to the 

Commonwealth Scholarships program. 

From 2010 Commonwealth Scholarships 

will provide an annual allowance for 

up to four years to students from a low 

socioeconomic background. Such students 

who relocate to take up their studies may be 

entitled to additional support. 

For more information please see the 

Scholarships web site at: www.services. 

unimelb.edu.au/scholarships 

Melbourne Global Scholarships 

Eight hundred Melbourne Global 

Scholarships with a value of up to $2500 

are available to eligible students to support 

their participation in approved International 

Student Mobility programs in their second 

or third year of undergraduate study. 

International Undergraduate 

Scholarships 

The University provides up to ten 50 per 

cent fee remission scholarships and up to 

ten 100 per cent fee remission scholarships 

for international students who are offered 

a course place at the University. No 

application is required and all students are 

automatically considered. The scholarships 

offer remission from tuition fees for the 

normal duration of an undergraduate 

course. 

More information 

Melbourne Scholarships Office 

Level 3 John Smyth Building 

Swanston Street 

The University of Melbourne 

Victoria 3010 Australia 

w www.services.unimelb.edu.au/ 

scholarships 

t 61 3 8344 8747 

f 61 3 9349 1740 

e via www.undergradschols.unimelb.edu. 

au/query 

Music, Visual and Performing 

Arts Scholarships 


substantial support from a number of 

generous donors and consequently has a 

broad range of scholarships, awards and 

prizes on offer to its students in all artistic 

disciplines. 

Faculty-wide scholarships, awards 

and prizes are available including the 

Commonwealth Learning Scholarships, 

as well as discipline-specific scholarships, 

awards and prizes. 

The School of Music is one of the most 

richly endowed music schools in the 

country, annually awarding a large number 

of merit-based scholarships and prizes. 

A number of scholarships for Indigenous 

students are available through the Wilin 

Centre, the Faculty’s Centre for Indigenous 

Arts and Cultural Development. 

See www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au for more 

information.

Getting involved at Melbourne 

Future Students web site 

Access the latest course information, 

read newsletters and find out about 

downloadable digital resources on iTunes U 

at www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au 

The Kwong Lee Dow 

Young Scholars Program 

The University of Melbourne’s Kwong 

Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is an 

academic enrichment program designed to 

support high-achieving Victorian and select 

New South Wales and South Australian 

border school students. 

The Program offers high-achieving Year 

11 and Year 12 students the opportunity to 

engage with the University and each other 

through an extensive program of events 

and activities at our Parkville campus. The 

students are selected into this Program 

while in Year 10. 

Participants are selected on the basis 

of their school’s endorsement and 

their own academic performance and 

leadership skills. The University particularly 

encourages nomination of Aboriginal and 

Torres Strait Islander students. 

The Program 

The University will select at least one 

student from each school to participate. 

Up to 700 Year 10 students going into Year 

11 the following year will be selected. 

Students selected as Kwong Lee Dow 

Young Scholars as Year 10 students retain 

their status as a Kwong Lee Dow Young 

Scholar through their Year 11 and 12 studies 

and the first year of University should 

they choose to enrol at the University of 

Melbourne. Participating students, their 

families and schools all receive benefits 

from the Program. 

While in secondary school, students: 

> have library access and participate in 

information tutorials 

> gain access to a dedicated online portal 

> participate in dedicated Kwong Lee Dow 

Young Scholars events and University 

events 

> stay informed via Kwong Lee Dow Young 

Scholars e-mail updates and newsletters 

> meet like-minded students from a diverse 

range of backgrounds. 

Upon enrolment at the University of 

Melbourne, Kwong Lee Dow Young 

Scholars receive further benefits. Please 

visit the web site for details. 

More information 

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Office 

t 61 3 8344 5403 

e young-scholars@unimelb.edu.au 

w www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/kld 


Extension Program 

The University of Melbourne Extension 

Program provides an exciting opportunity 

for high-achieving students to undertake 

first-year university study while in Year 12. 

The subjects offered through the Extension 

Program build on VCE studies and extend 

the study to a first-year level, providing an 

excellent way to broaden knowledge and 

interest. 

The University of Melbourne Extension 

Program offers first-hand experience of 

university life, which benefits students in 

their future transition to university study. The 

Program provides an academic challenge, 

a taste of university life, the opportunity 

to become part of a community of high- 

achieving students and the chance to 

gain an ENTER increment. Successful 

completion of a full year of the Extension 

Program can earn an increment of 4.0, 5.0 

or 5.5 points, depending on the level of 

results achieved. This increment can be 

used as a sixth study in the calculation of 

students’ ENTER. 

Credit for subjects completed through 

the Extension Program is available upon 

enrolment in an undergraduate course at 

the University of Melbourne, provided that 

the Extension Program subjects can be 

studied as part of your course. 


t 61 3 8344 5538 

e extension-program@unimelb.edu.au 

w www.services.unimelb.edu.au/umep 

Community Access Program 

The Community Access Program opens 

up study opportunities so that everyone 

has a chance to enrol in a single subject 

study and experience the benefits of expert 

tuition at the University of Melbourne. 

CAP students attend the same classes as 

degree students during semester. Students 

can undertake undergraduate and graduate 

subjects through the Community Access 

Program. 

More information: www.futurestudents. 

unimelb.edu.au/resources/cap.html 

Important dates for future students in 2009/2010 

Our events give you the opportunity to learn about what’s on offer and include school 

holiday events and interstate and regional information sessions. Check our web site for upto-date 

information: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/school 

Focus on Melbourne series various dates May–July 

Access All Areas School Holiday Event Friday 3 July 

Burnley Gardens Open Day Saturday 18 July 

Open Day Parkville and Southbank campuses Sunday 16 August 

VTAC timely applications close for most undergraduate courses Wednesday 30 September 

VCE results released Monday 14 December 

Course Information Day for Year 12s Thursday 17 December 

VTAC first round offers released Monday 18 January 2010 

University of Melbourne enrolment January 2010 Q 

Q Dates to be confirmed. Information will be updated on www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au once available. 

41

Need more information? 

Faculty of the VCA and Music (Southbank) 

t +61 3 9685 9419 

e vcam-info@unimelb.edu.au 

w www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au 

Faculty of the VCA and Music 

(School of Music – Parkville) 

t +61 3 8344 5256 

e via http://music-unimelb.custhelp.com 

w www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au 

Open Day 2009 

Sunday 16 August 10am – 4pm 

Parkville and Southbank campuses 

Authorised by: Deputy Principal, Office of Admissions, 

August 2009 

Copyright 

© Copyright University of Melbourne 2009. Copyright in this 

publication is owned by the University and no part of it may 

be reproduced without the permission of the University. 

CRICOS PROVIDER CODE: 00116K 

ISBN 978 0 7340 4084 8 

Disclaimer 

The University has used its best endeavours to ensure 

that material contained in this publication was correct at 

the time of printing. The University gives no warranty and 

accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness 

of information and the University reserves the right to make 

changes without notice at any time in its absolute discretion. 

Statement on privacy policy 

When dealing with personal or health information about 

individuals, the University of Melbourne is obliged to 

comply with the Information Privacy Act 2000 and the Health 

Records Act 2001. 

For further information refer to: 

www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/privacypolicy.htm. 

University Information 

Course search web site: http://coursesearch.unimelb.edu.au/ 

Call the University Information Centre: 1800 801 662 

Information Centre 

Gate 3, Swanston St 


t + 61 3 8344 6543 

f + 61 3 9349 1291 

e send an email via http://unimelb.custhelp.com 


Victoria 3010, Australia 

www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au 

Intellectual Property 

For further information refer to: 

www.unimelb.edu.au/Statutes 

Photos 

Charlotte Alldis, Aileen Chua, Tamara Johnson, 

Natalie Pestana, and Joe Vittorio.

music, visual and performing arts - University of Melbourne

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