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Bachelor of
Performance (Directing)
Entry requirements
Key information
VIEWING DOMESTIC
VIEWING INTERNATIONAL
Start dates
March
Delivery mode*
In person
(Bedford Park)
IELTS Overall
6.0
Speaking: 6.0
Writing: 6.0
Pearson Overall
50
CRICOS code
113438H
Duration
3 years full-time
Delivery mode
In person (on campus)
Bedford Park
Start dates
March
Annual fee
$35,500 (2026)
About these fees
Australia’s only specialist undergraduate directing course will help you take the next step in your performance career.
Leadership roles in theatre, film, television, digital media and emerging technologies demand a mixture of creativity, project management, empathy, and discipline. Flinders’ Bachelor of Performance (Directing) will give you the practical skills and knowledge to help guide, inspire and lead others to bring your vision to life.
Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)
Ranked No.1 in SA
in Creative Arts for full-time employment, student support and teaching quality
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
Australia's No.1
Creative School
The Rookie Awards 2024
Shape the future of arts and culture
Flinders graduates have the capacity to work professionally in many highly competitive commercial settings, and to impact the evolution of art form and community development, cultural leadership and change.
Flinders graduates include award-winning actors, animators, directors, cinematographers, editors, producers and writers. Your diverse range of skills and portfolio of creative achievements will make you attractive to a wide range of employers in the arts and communication industries internationally.
Distinguished alumni include Noni Hazelhurst, Benedict Andrews and Xavier Samuel.
Salary
$73K
typical salary in Australia
Director
A theatre director oversees the artistic vision of a stage production, guiding actors, designing staging, and collaborating with technical teams. They interpret scripts and bring stories to life through performance.
Playwright
A playwright writes scripts for theatrical productions, crafting dialogue, characters, and narrative structure. They may work independently or with theatre companies to develop original plays or adaptations.
Salary
$111K
typical salary in Australia
Sources: SalaryExpert
Screenwriter
Screenwriters craft scripts for film, television, and digital media, developing characters, dialogue, and storylines. They often collaborate with directors and producers to bring narratives to life.
Stage manager
Stage managers oversee the logistical aspects of live performances, coordinating rehearsals, managing technical cues, and ensuring smooth operations during shows. They serve as the central point of communication between cast, crew, and production teams.
Producer
Theatre producers oversee all aspects of a production, from securing funding to hiring creatives and managing budgets. They coordinate rehearsals, schedules, and marketing, ensuring artistic vision aligns with financial realities. Success requires strong leadership, budgeting skills, and a passion for live performance.
Australia's only named undergraduate directing degree
Train as a director and develop your artistic voice. This unique degree offers hands-on experience, industry connections, and a clear path to a career in live performance.
What will you study to start your career in directing?
Study a variety of core topics and get hands-on experience with professional productions.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
GENERAL
In your first year, you'll study core topics.
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Communication
- Theatre
- Voice and movement
- Acting
- Drama
- Production Laboratory
GENERAL
In your second year, you'll study core topics and your choice of option topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with productions and build industry connections.
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
GENERAL
In your third year, you'll study core topics and your choice of options topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with productions and undertake an industry project.
Year 3 - Core topics
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
Boost your knowledge with an Honours in Performance.
Refine your skills with exciting opportunities for industry engagement. Working as an ensemble with actors and theatre-makers, create a live and digital portfolio of industry-standard performance work.
Deepen your knowledge and prepare for the possibility of post-graduate study through the creation of a practice-based project, and a written reflection and analysis.
Ranked No.1 in SA
in Creative Arts for full-time employment, student support and teaching quality.
(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate))
Get inspired.
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Performance (Acting).
“Studying Directing at Flinders University was invaluable to me. It provided me with fantastic skills, knowledge, and industry opportunities. I’m currently in a role as Associate Artist with State Theatre Company of South Australia, which simply wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t trained as a professional director at Flinders.”
Shannon Mackowski
Bachelor of Performance (Directing)
The audition process
Find out what is involved in the audition process for the Bachelor of Performance (Directing), how to prepare and what alternative pathways you have should you not get into the degree the first time around.
In addition to submitting an application, you must also submit the following as part of the entry requirements:
- a supporting statement - responding to why you wish to study the course
- a Curriculum Vitae - including details of publications, performance, work history, training or other experience you consider relevant to your application
- a recent photograph or headshot of yourself
Once a complete application has been submitted, applicants will be sent further information by Flinders University (to the email address in their SATAC application) about how to submit the above information.
The audition process
Find out what is involved in the audition process for the Bachelor of Performance (Directing), how to prepare and what alternative pathways you have should you not get into the degree the first time around.
Applicants must also submit:
- a supporting statement - responding to why they wish to study the course
- a curriculum vitae - including details of drama/drama studies subjects taken, previous tertiary education/professional or specialised training or other relevant experience (as well as referee details for confirmation)
- a recent photograph/headshot of yourself
Applicants will also be required to attend an audition, and if applicable, a call-back audition.
Auditions and call-backs will be held at Flinders University Drama Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia.
Auditions will be held from Monday 8 – Friday 12 December 2025. This means, to be considered for a selection, directing applicants must be available one of December 8, 9, 10 or 11 for audition; and December 15 for a directing call-back.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Lecturer
Dr Christopher Hurrell
Christopher is the Drama Centre Manager. He is a stage director and dramaturg who has worked nationally and internationally in the areas of new writing, Shakespeare and musical theatre. He has developed and directed numerous new Australian plays with writers such as Debra Oswald, Stephen Sewell, Caleb Lewis and Justin Fleming. Christopher has directed many of Australia’s finest actors of stage and screen, including Rebel Wilson, and AFI Award winners Nicholas Eadie and Victoria Longley. He has directed and trained acting students at institutions such as NIDA, the Rose Bruford College, Anglia Ruskin University and La Salle College of the Arts.
Lecturer
Dr Renato Musolino
Renato Musolino is one of South Australia’s most respected, experienced, and acclaimed actors and actor trainers. He has worked nationally and internationally with leading companies including State Theatre Company South Australia, Sydney Theatre Company and Belvoir Theatre. He specialises in Laban Movement Analysis, movement for actors, psycho-physical acting, devising, improvisation, directing as well as text/scene work and has made significant contributions to the development of the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) curriculum, along with the Drama Well-being and Welfare protocols.
Lecturer
Dr Tiffany Lyndall-Knight
Tiffany is an actor, director, and teaching artist. She has performed with theatre companies across Australia and Canada, including State Theatre Company South Australia, Queensland Theatre, and eight seasons with Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. On screen she has been in projects including Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, Wanted, and A Sunburnt Christmas, which she dramaturged. Tiffany has worked as a teaching artist with the University of Adelaide, Adelaide College of the Arts, and the University of British Columbia. She also works as a dialect and voice coach with clients and companies including State Theatre Company South Australia, STAN, and Netflix.
Connect with industry.
Undertake rigorous practical training in the entertainment arts and gain hands-on experience in devising and performing in a variety of arenas.
Students will engage with leading South Australian performing arts organisations, such as State Theatre Company South Australia and Heesom Casting.
You might also be interested in other courses.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
- Entry requirements
- Application options
Applicants are required to attend an audition and submit a completed and signed audition application form.
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
How to apply
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Application options.
Apply online
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Find an agent
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Contact us
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.
Preparatory courses
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
Flinders University Academy
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Although you'll study many of the same subjects as Acting students, the Directing degree approaches these topics from a director's perspective. You'll focus on developing the creative and leadership skills needed to guide productions and devise original work. The program provides a strong foundation in the art and craft of directing, preparing you to lead with vision and confidence.
Becoming a theatre director involves a combination of training, hands-on experience, and artistic development. Studying directing at university provides a strong foundation in theatre history, script analysis, collaboration, and production. Aspiring directors gain practical experience by directing scenes, assisting professionals, and engaging with live performance. A degree also opens doors to networking, mentorships, and industry opportunities, helping students develop their unique artistic voice and leadership skills.
Along with your SATAC application you will need to submit a supporting statement, CV and headshot of yourself. You will then be invited to attend an audition. For further information, download the additional application requirements and recommended audition monologues.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.40 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 73.35 | 77.78 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 65.50 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 46 | 34% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
| Work and life experience | 11 | 8% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 37 | 28% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | 2 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 13% |
| International Students | 18 | 13% |
| All students | 134 | 100% |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
