Bachelor of Arts (Screen Arts)

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. explain critical theories relating to film, video and other forms of screen production and apply them to the development and production of high quality screen-based materials
2. apply critical thinking and creative approaches to resolve issues and respond to challenges in their own creative practice
3. access, evaluate and synthesise appropriate information in order to realise production outcomes
4. communicate ideas to a range of audiences across a variety of media and purposes
5. utilise media production technologies and apply them to create effective programs and screen-based materials
6. apply learning strategies to build on skills and understandings in order to adapt to continually changing industry needs
7. recognise the significance of global media and be able to apply international standards and practices in their creative practice
8. value the cultural and intercultural nature of screen-based media and represent this knowledge at a personal and professional level
9. demonstrate professional behaviour and standards and work collaboratively to apply them in all aspects of production-related activities.

The screen arts degree combines essential analytical, creative and practical production skills to provide an excellent springboard for a career in the film and television industries. Students work intensively with professional-level equipment in a challenging, creative environment in which they can focus on film and television production, screenwriting, or screen studies. Curtin was the first tertiary institution in Western Australia to offer a degree in film and television and graduates have been successful in the local, national and international industries.

Film, television, and new interactive media have become the primary expression of contemporary culture, and the Screen Studies stream develops students' abilities to critically analyse programs and materials produced within their own culture as well as those of cultures around the world. It is a key area of cultural studies and provides a strong grounding for those students who wish to use it to inform their creative practice or post-graduate research.

Recommended study pattern

If you haven't studied at university level before, we recommend you start with OUA Pathways (please see Option 1 below). OUA Pathways is ideal for students who want a structured start to their studies. Learn more about OUA Pathways

If you have studied at university level before, please follow Option 2.

If you're already enrolled in this degree, please continue with your Level 1 subjects, followed by the Level 2 and Level 3 Major subjects.

Option 1 - Pathways

• Step 1 - Complete 4 subjects from the Humanities Pathway table below.
• Step 2 - If you did not complete COM155 Culture to Cultures as part of the Humanities Pathways subject, you will need to complete this subject now. If you have completed COM155 Culture to Cultures as part of the Humanities Pathways subjects, please proceed to Step 3.
• Step 3 - Complete 2 more core Humanities subjects (1 subject of MED104 OR MCA110; 1 subject of MCA120 OR MCA100) in the 'Media Culture & Creative Arts First Year Stream' table
• Step 4 - Complete Level 1 Major subjects i.e. SCA100 and SCA110
• Step 5 - Complete the SCA200, SCA210 and SCA240 in Level 2 Major subjects
• Step 6 - Complete either SCA220 OR SCA230 in Level 2 Major subjects
• Step 7 - Complete the Level 3 Major subjects
• Step 8 - Complete the remaining electives

Option 2

• Step 1 – Complete APC100 and COM155 in the 'Media Culture & Creative Arts First Year Stream' table
• Step 2 - Complete 2 more core Humanities subjects (1 subject of MED104 OR MCA110; 1 subject of MCA120 OR MCA100) in the 'Media Culture & Creative Arts First Year Stream' table
• Step 3 - Complete Level 1 Major subjects i.e. SCA100 and SCA110
• Step 4 - Complete the SCA200, SCA210 and SCA240 in Level 2 Major subjects and also select either SCA220 OR SCA230
• Step 5 - Complete Level 3 Major subjects
• Step 6 - Complete 10 electives

NOTE: No more than 10 subjects can be completed from Level 1 subjects.

Award requirements

Successful completion of 24 subjects.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Humanities Pathway

• Media Culture and Creative Arts First Year Stream

• Level 1 Core Subjects

• Level 2 Core Subjects

• Level 3 Core Subjects

We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact OpenCurtin via email to OpenCurtin@curtin.edu.au

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $19,680

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

Learn more about Curtin University.

Explore Curtin courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

13

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

14

• Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required).

• Successful study through OUA – either:
  • Successful completion of Humanities Pathway OR
  • Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
  • Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

• Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.  To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre link http://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/prerequisites-comparison.tisc

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady - https://www.open.edu.au/degrees/uniready-enabling-subjects-curtin-university-cur-unr-deg
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies - http://karda.curtin.edu.au/
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications - https://courses.curtin.edu.au/course_overview/admission-requirements/

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at http://students.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/English_List.pdf.

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning manual (PDF).

If you have any questions, please contact opencurtin@curtin.edu.au