Term 1 begins on Monday 30 January 2023 with a compulsory full-day Orientation Day. Classes begin in the week of February 6, 2023.

Term 1          6 February to 31 March 2023
Term 2          24 April to 16 June 2023
Term 3          10 July to 1 September 2023
Term 4           2 October to  24 November 2023

Campus Location The National Theatre, St Kilda, Melbourne.

Uniform Requirements Individual teachers may have specific clothing and equipment  requirements for their classes and students will be informed  of these in the first class. Comfortable loose clothing should  be worn (no jeans or jewellery). Towels, deodorant, and basic  hygiene product use are essential.

Resources Set readings will be provided during course of study. The school has a library with secondary sources that are available to be loaned to students. Computer and internet facilities are provided in the library for students to use whilst in the building. A diary or notepad is required for the journaling of class activities. Students will require access to a laptop and the internet to submit assignments electronically as well as access online lessons if changes to the delivery mode are required. Students will be required to purchase key texts for study at a cost of approximately $100 per year.  Texts have been chosen for their relevance to career development and will be the basis of students’ personal library.

Student ID Cards

All students will be issued with a yearly student card and student number. This card must bear a current photo and be signed by both the student and administrator to be valid.  Concessions are available to students of the National Theatre Melbourne on presentation of their card.  Public Transport concessions are available to students of full time courses.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

All students (including International) undertaking vocational education and training must hold a USI and provide it to the National Theatre Melbourne during the enrolment process.  If students do not provide their USI, the National Theatre Melbourne will not be able to issue any Certificates or Statements of Attainment for units of competency or qualifications completed.  For more information about the USI visit www.usi.gov.au or speak to the School Administrator.

Facilities

The National Theatre Melbourne has 4 studios, all with tarquet flooring and mirrors, whiteboard, projector, desks and video equipment.  A large theatrette is used for rehearsals and performances.

There is a small library for students consisting of relevant drama and dance related plays, books, journals, magazines, sheet music, videos, CDs. Students also have access to IT facilities (computers, printer and photocopier) and kitchen facilities.

Professional Representation

Students who have professional representation should advise their agent at the commencement of their course that they will generally not be available to take work or attend auditions or castings whilst studying at the National.  Any exceptions will be at the discretion of the School Directors.

Orientation Day

Students are required to attend an orientation day prior to the start of their course.  The aim of the day is to provide students with information about studying at the National Theatre Melbourne, and for interstate or international students, about living in Melbourne.  It will include information on the following:

  • Information on course of study and timetable for the year
  • Fees, charges and VET Student Loans (where applicable)
  • Student Handbook, including information on Policies and Procedures (support services, refunds, deferral, suspension and withdrawal, complaints)
  • Student ID cards
  • Contact details
  • Melbourne information, public transport, banking, health services.
  • Fire safety, evacuation and OHS
  • Unique Student Identifier information

You will be notified by your School with the details once you have accepted your place on the course.

Access and Equity

The National Theatre Melbourne is committed to ensuring that we offer training opportunities to all people on an equal and fair basis. This includes people with disabilities, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, Indigenous Australians, and rural and remote learners.

All Students have equal access to our courses irrespective of their gender, culture, linguistic background, race, socio-economic background, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or carer’s responsibilities. All Students who meet our entry requirements will be accepted into any of our courses where a place exists. Where our courses have a limited number of available places, these will be filled in order of completed applications.

Access to Student Records

Students are allowed access to their records; contact the School Administrator for more information.

Change to Personal Details

If there are changes to your personal details, particularly changes to your address, email or phone number you must notify the School Administrator immediately.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer

The National Theatre Melbourne recognises Qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations.  Where a student has already completed a unit of competency that is part of the course they are enrolling on they can apply for a credit and will not be expected to repeat the unit.  This is at the discretion of the Director of Drama. You must advise the School Administrator on enrolment if you wish to claim any credit transfers.

Where students have relevant and significant training and life experience there may be an opportunity to apply for recognition of prior learning.  This may allow a student to enter a course at a certain point without being expected to complete all the units of competency e.g. entry at second year.  Please speak to a School Administrator for further information.

Complaints and Appeals

Complaints and appeals will be dealt with through a fair and equitable process.  Initially any issues should be raised with the School Administrator, Trainer/Assessor or Director as applicable and we will try to deal with the issue informally.  If the issue cannot be resolved the complaint must be detailed in writing to the School Administrator.  The formal complaints and appeals process will then commence.

For a copy of the Complaints and Appeals policy contact the School Administrator or download from the website.

Support Services

All students including international and under 18 years of age, who are studying with the National Theatre Melbourne can be provided with information on what support services are available.

Orientation days for all students are provided as an introduction to the Theatre, the surrounding area and life in Melbourne, Australia.