Postgraduate Certificate in Voice Studies

The major focus of the POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN VOICE STUDIES is the application of voice pedagogy and skills through experiential teaching and learning. It is particularly likely to appeal to professionals who already have a knowledge and interest in the voice e.g. actors, directors, drama teachers and trained singers.

Students completing this course will:
• have developed skills in the practice of using the voice, language and text in preparation for rehearsal and production in school and community settings or for their own professional development;
• have critically examined, learned and practised a range of approaches suitable for working with the voice and speech in a variety of specialist environments;
• have learned, practised and implemented vocal pedagogical skills;
• have a sound understanding of their own voice and speech;
• have developed an approach to working with the relationship between voice, speech and text.

Core subjects:

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• an undergraduate degree with a relevant major (such as Acting, Theatre, Creative Arts or Performance Studies) or equivalent.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Student Application and Selection Procedure.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Note: Students enrolled in the Diploma who complete the first 50 points of the program with a weighted average mark of less than H2A (75%) will exit the program and receive the Certificate. Applicants may be admitted into the Diploma with 50 points credit if they have (a) previously completed the Certificate with a weighted average mark of at least H2A (75%), or equivalent, or (b) can demonstrate extensive relevant professional experience, subject to a suitable level of performance in an interview and audition.

Communication: Students must be able to participate in and produce performances and exhibitions as required; they will also need to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms. Communication with fellow students, professional and academic staff, and the wider public about their knowledge and application of practising Arts disciplines is essential.
Creative, Intellectual and Organisational Abilities: Students require the capacity for high-level creative performance or production. They are also expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and to comprehend disciplinary and cross-disciplinary information. Students must have the ability to establish study plans and prioritise training objectives and outcomes.
Behavioural and Social Attributes: Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning. Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.
Disability: Students who have a disability which may prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability; however, students will need to participate in the course in an independent manner.

Pathway to proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Voice Studies* and Master in Voice Studies*

* courses are pending academic board aprpoval and may not be available

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html

On completion of this course students will have:
• a capacity for self-directed learning and the motivation for continued skills and professional development in voice;
• an advanced level of oral and written communication;
• a capacity to manage competing demands on time;
• an appreciation of the team approach to learning in complex areas;
• a capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems;
• initiated and implemented a constructive change to the knowledge and skills base in voice within their communities, including professions and workplaces;
• an advanced understanding of the underpinning knowledge in voice skills;
• an ability to develop creative and imaginative vocal techniques which promote safe healthy practices;
• an ability to promote evidence-based practice in the implementation of a voice program;
• excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations;
• an ability for critical and creative thinking, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
• an advanced knowledge of voice techniques.