Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Contemporary Dance)

at Unitec Institute Of Technology

Courses

Compulsory courses
 

Level 5
 

• Dance Practice 1A (PASA5221)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)To enable the student to understand the relationship between fundamental theoretical concerns and choreographic and performance practice. This course focuses on collaboration and establishing the fundamental habits and methodologies appropriate for contemporary dance choreography and performance.
• Contemporary Dance Techniques 1A (PASA5225)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)To introduce students to the fundamental theories, concepts and techniques of contemporary dance practice. The course focuses on building capability for dancers in a range of dance techniques and to build habits and attitudes required for the profession.
• Professional Development 1 (PASA5902)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)To introduce students to the basic professional practices associated with the performing and screen arts industries and their own professional development. This course focuses on building capability for students in self-management, communication and presentation, as well as academic literacies such as text analysis and academic writing.
• Contextual Studies (PASA5903)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)Students will develop a broad understanding of the history, contexts, language and relevant theoretical frameworks of performing arts and screen arts. Students will acquire skills in critical and analytical literacy through engaging in research and project work focused on performing and screen arts practices in Aotearoa and beyond.
• History of Dance (PASA5921)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)To enable students to examine, reflect and discuss the historical development of dance languages and theories in order to situate themselves in a wider dance context. This course focuses on placing selected movements and developments of production and performance in the context of the student’s specialist discipline. There is a focus on experiencing professional art making in the community through field trips and site visits.

Level 6
 

• Dance Practice 2A (PASA6221)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to gain a specific understanding and the confidence to experiment within the various strands of the choreographic/performance spectrum. This course focuses on enabling the student to gain an understanding of the whakapapa of New Zealand contemporary dance.
• Dance Practice 2B (PASA6222)30 credits (0.25 EFTS)
  To enable the student to integrate complex and multilayered aspects of the choreographic process and performance environment. This course focuses on consolidating fundamental habits and methodologies appropriate to contemporary dance choreography and performance. Students will also continue to gain an understanding of the whakapapa of New Zealand contemporary dance.
• Contemporary Dance Techniques 2A (PASA6225)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to integrate somatic practice and intermediate theories, concepts and techniques as foundation of contemporary dance practice. The course focuses on the further development of specialist skills and the evolution of a personal methodology that will give expression to individual creative development and practice.
• Contemporary Dance Techniques 2B (PASA6226)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to integrate intermediate somatic practice and dance techniques as foundation of contemporary dance practice. The course focuses on the further development of specialist skills and the application of individual creative development and practice.
• Audience, Context & Interpretation (PASA6901)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to examine the ways in which the creator/performer communicates with their audience in an interactive multi-disciplinary learning environment which includes an artist hui at Te Noho Kotahitanga marae. This course focuses on understanding through the analysis of the modes of address and conventions of representation and interpretation commonly associated with performing and screen arts culture.
• Professional Development 2 (PASA6902)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to utilise a range of concepts and skills, including business and professional practices, that will enhance their ability to operate independently in the creative industries.
• Contextual Studies 2 (PASA6903)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)Students examine the relationship between authors and audiences in Aotearoa and beyond within the context of performing and screen arts history and culture. Students will investigate different modes of practice and conventions of representation and interpretation commonly associated with performing and screen arts.

Level 7
 

• Dance Practice 3A (PASA7223)30 credits (0.25 EFTS)
  To enable students to confidently and critically participate in a variety of creative processes, choreographic collaborations and teaching scenarios; while developing the students’ ability to apply critical judgement to creative decisions. This course employs a noho marae to allow students to evaluate and develop responses to cultural/political perspectives as an emergent creative arts practitioner.
• Dance Practice 3B (PASA7224)45 credits (0.375 EFTS)
  To enable students to gain the confidence to create, critically examine and realise a personal practice, specific choreographic projects and dance performance. This course focuses on enabling students to demonstrate how these concepts contribute to their personal voice as a creative artist/practitioner.
• Contemporary Dance Techniques 3 (PASA7225)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to articulate a personal methodology for technique and training while consolidating a body of advanced theories, concepts and techniques relating to contemporary dance practice.
• Professional Development 3 (PASA7902)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to transition into the industry by acquiring advanced professional development skills. This course focuses on setting personal and professional goals for academic and professional achievement as well as the business and management practices associated with the performing and screen arts profession.

Elective courses

Level 6
 

• Motion Graphic Design (DACA6321)15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  The aim of this course is to investigate creative and communicative possibilities offered by motion graphics in a time-based media context. Students will investigate and analyse contemporary practices and trends in time-based media in order to create, plan and produce a well-developed narrative sequence using digital workflows.
• Skills in Screen Directing 2A (PASA6253)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To introduce students to specialised theories, concepts and techniques for directing. This course focuses on enabling students to practically engage with skills in directing for screen media.
• Skills in Screen Directing 2B (PASA6254)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to extend specific skills, knowledge and practices for screen directing needed to achieve standards that enhance creative decisions.
• Negotiated Creative Project 1 (PASA6605)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To enable students to engage practically in a theatre and/or screen production project in a negotiated role using a variety of individual and collaborative approaches. This course provides a practical environment for students to engage in collaborative creative projects from their own specialist perspective.

Level 7
 

• Writing the Short Film (PASA7257)15 credits (0.125 EFTS)
  To acquire the theoretical, creative and technical skills required to develop short scripts for the screen (or associated medium).

Admission requirements
 

For this programme, you will need the following:

42 credits at NCEA Level 3 or higher including:
 

• 14 credits in two different approved subjects; and

• 14 credits from up to two subjects (approved or non-approved)

• 8 credits at NCEA Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Maori (4 in reading, 4 in writing)
• 14 credits in NCEA Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau
• Interviews, submissions and/or auditions will be required - we'll notify you of what is required
• Complete a medical declaration form

Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have one or more of the following:
 

• Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance

• Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency

• Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years

Don't have NCEA? We also accept:
 

• A relevant qualification at Level 3 on the NZQF or above or an equivalent qualification; or

• Provide sufficient evidence to be eligible for special or discretionary admission.

ANNUAL TUITION FEES

Domestic/NZ students

$10,200 (NZD)

(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study)

International students

$24,360 (NZD)

CAREER OPTIONS
 

• Professional dancer
• Choreographer
• Dance and performance artist
• Dance teacher
• Performing arts manager
• Arts administrator