Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
The Bachelor of Performing Arts degree requires three years of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study and offers specialisations in the combined study of music, theatre and dance.
The degree totals 360 points and is made up of music, theatre and dance papers but may include up to 90 points (usually five papers) in further specialisations in music, theatre, dance or other subjects.
Graduates of the degree will be able to pursue careers in a wide range of musical/theatrical forms and styles, as well as in musical and theatrical education, media, and other related fields.
Information for new applicants
The Bachelor of Performing Arts is a blended specialist degree that contains practice-based training in some key areas for which students must pass an audition to be accepted.
Audition applications for singing and/or playing an instrument due by early September
In music, you must choose one or more areas of specialisation, including singing, playing a musical instrument and/or composing/song-writing. If you choose the singing and/or playing an instrument option/s, then you must audition for entry. These papers are MUSI 140, MUSI 143 and MUSI 144.
Auditions for these papers normally take place in Dunedin during the last weekend of September for entry the following year. It is also possible to audition by submitting a DVD or YouTube link, with these being due on 1 September for entry the following year.
Go to the Audition information page on the School of Performing Arts website for audition application forms.
The song-writing paper, MUSI 135, does not require an audition and is open to all students regardless of whether they can read or write music notation. However, the first year composition paper, MUSI 131, requires that beginning students are comfortable in both the reading and writing of music. There are no auditions required for entry into the theatre and dance papers.
Entry requirements
General entry requirements
A university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.
Domestic students
You need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.
International students
Check recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.
English language requirements
All students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.
The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.
For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:
Auditions for performance papers
Auditions are not required for admission to the degree, but you may be required to audition for certain individual papers.
About the provider
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation.
Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves.
The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents.