Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting for Screen and Theatre)

Summary

Working in an environment that is framed by the values of our Te Noho Kotahitanga partnership, you will learn practical and professional skills in an environment of wrap around support.

Throughout the three years of training, you will be challenged to strengthen your capacity for expression in your body and voice, while working to deepen your understanding of character. You will also build the professional skills you need, not only to get jobs and make your own work, but make ends meet as a working artist.

Highlights

• Numerous opportunities for live and screen performance.
• A vibrant collaborative environment that includes dance, screen arts, design and contemporary arts.
• Close links to the live performance and screen industry
• 30 years training experience with a rich history of successful graduates, many of whom are now influencers and leaders in the industry.
• Masterclasses, workshops and projects led by local and international practitioners
• Strong international connections.
• Pathway to Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice or Master of Creative Practice.

Programme Structure

Year One: Begin to develop core skills in voice, movement, singing, and acting for screen and stage. Apply new skills in scene work and collaborations with screen students. Dive into  Mātauranga Māori and Māori performing arts, as you start to discover who you are as an artist.

Year Two: Deepen your skills in acting, voice, and movement. Perform publicly and collaborate with other students on screen and live performance projects. Work on specialized skills including accents and audition technique. Expand your knowledge of the industry and how to operate as a professional actor. Explore other creative practices through electives including writing for comedy, hybrid art, and more.

Year Three: Apply your learning in master classes, scripted live performance, screen work, and devised theatre while engaging in industry secondments and professional skills development. Work towards entering the industry with excellent relationships, skills, and professional practices.

Auditions

Each year we have a large number of applicants for the 24 places offered in Year One.

If you’re not sure that you’re ready to audition for this highly competitive programme yet, please look at the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) – Screen Arts, Acting and Technical Production, which is a semester-long (full-time) programme designed to help upskill students who are interested in progressing to the degree.

Career Options

• Actor for theatre, film and television,
• Theatre deviser/creator,
• Presenter,
• Performing arts manager,
• Acting trainer/teacher

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students

$12,100

(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. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students

$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save up to $2,000 (NZD) with the Unitec International Study Grant 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun

Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov

For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.

For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

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Downloads and resources

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