Diploma in Drama at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The Diploma in Drama (NQF 6, code DIDRM2) is a practice-based performing arts qualification that develops the actor and performer while introducing theatre theory, text analysis, performance practice and communication skills. Students train through a mix of theory and practical performance, create original productions across contexts and genres, and develop strong communication and collaboration skills. It is offered in Durban only (Ritson Campus), with timetabled after-hours rehearsals including Friday evenings and weekends.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Design | Department: Department of Drama and Production Studies | Duration: 3 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

Acting Techniques, Performance Techniques, Communication Techniques, Text Study and Theatre Study in all three years, with Arts Administration, Introduction to Entrepreneurship and English for the Arts in first year, and a specialisation elective in years two and three chosen from Educational Theatre, Scriptwriting, Singing or Theatre Dance.

Career pathways

Performer, director, theatre maker, arts facilitator, voice artist and theatre educator; pathway to the Advanced Diploma in Drama at DUT.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC with diploma entry and at least 22 points: English 4, a second language subject 3 and three further recognised 20-credit subjects at 3. Points are calculated from four subjects at 4 or higher, two at 3 or higher and one at 2 or higher. Senior Certificate: English D (HG) or C (SG) and another language E (HG) or C (SG). NCV: English 50% and another recognised language 40%. All qualifying applicants complete two audition rounds: an online video audition, then an on-campus audition (about 200-220 top scorers invited) with practical activities and an English proficiency assessment (SATAP); offers go to the top 50 first-time entering applicants. Applications close 30 September. Mature-age route (DUT rule G7): applicants without the standard school-leaving qualification may be admitted if they turn 23 in the first year of registration and have at least three years' appropriate work experience and/or demonstrate capacity through a Senate-approved assessment (SATAP, Academic Literacies and English for Academic Purposes and/or a department-set written assessment); applications on this basis are due at least four months before the academic year starts.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Duration: 3 years

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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