Bachelor of Music Theatre

Entry criteria

Academic Requirements

University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:

• Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
• Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4) or equivalent

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/

Additional Requirements

You will be required to attend an audition. Auditions are held during September and October of each year, however, early or late applications and audiitions may be arranged in consultation with the Programme Leader.

• Absentee auditions may be arranged (such as overseas applicants) via digital media platforms such as Skype or Zoom or via YouTube and Vimeo with applicants interviewed by phone

Submit a completed Audition form with the requested information

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.5 Speaking

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
• You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Selection Requirements

Applicants are responsible for submitting the completed Additional Requirements form with the requested information

Applicantions are accepted throughout the academic year

Candidates must attend an audition which includes solo singing, a group acting workshop and a group movement class

Candidates are assessed and awarded scores under the following headings:

• Interpretation, Communication, Intonation, Technique, Vocal Quality, Sense of Pitch and
• Rhythm, Comprehension, Acting Technique, Spoken Voice Quality, Alignment, Physical Expressiveness

Candidates are ranked, and based on this ranking together with the rest of the application, applicants may be offered a place in the Bachelor of Music Theatre