What is this programme about?

It’s a unique diploma programme that covers two fields: theatre and audio-visual production. It gives professional training as well as an academic education in performance and all aspects of theatre and film production.

What kind of classes do students attend?

Students take practical classes in acting, directing, scripting, shooting, sound recording, editing, production planning and management. They also take history and theory classes in theatre, cinema and media studies, which involve critical thinking and writing. In a nutshell, they learn all the fundamental skills and knowledge related to performance, theatre and audio-visual production, and also industry-related skills through internship and career management classes.

As they learn, students are required to apply their skills and knowledge by participating in projects which include the production of short videos and performances. This means they have to work outside of class for project planning, rehearsals, shooting, editing, etc.

How are students assessed?

Two types of assessment are practised: on-going coursework and final essays or projects. On-going coursework assessments include tests, quizzes, in-class assignments, presentations, participation or contributions to discussions, journals and written reports. Project-based assessments include video projects and performances.

Is it an easy programme?

It’s hard work plus fun. The programme can be quite a shock to those who think that the creative arts is easy, just get up and act or just shoot with the camera. But actually one needs to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenge. Rehearsals, shoots and editing can be exhausting, taking long hours. Students who do well are self-motivating, focused and have self-discipline.

What are the entry criteria?

Because the level of difficulty of the programme is high, we encourage those with good results in SPM or O-levels to apply although the minimum qualification is a pass in SPM or O-levels with three credits. Potential candidates should have a distinction in English or at least a strong credit. It doesn’t matter if their subjects were from the Arts or Science stream.

Besides SPM and O-levels, what about other qualifications?

We also accept students with qualifications such as UEC, CIMP, STPM and diploma and degree. Mature students are accepted, so long as they meet the entry criteria.

Must potential students have experience in the performing arts?

Experience is good but what is most important is their interest, and their desire to learn new things. Very often a student comes in with an expressed interest in only one area of performance, such as acting. But because the programme requires them to take classes in all aspects of performance and audio-visual production, they may discover, for example, a new talent and interest in directing for the camera or theatre-stage management along the way. They find their options for work and further education gradually expanding.

For this reason, we have students who have prior training or interest in other related fields such as music, dance and writing also joining this programme precisely because it helps to open up the horizon for their future. Their existing skills stand them in good stead on the programme, because they can make use of them in their projects.

I have good results for my SPM. My family and friends think it would be a waste if I joined this programme.

The more A’s the better – your scholastic skills will be put to good use on our programme. One of our star students is Joanna Soh, who scored 10 A’s in her SPM. She graduated with a Diploma in Performing Arts with distinction. She then joined a degree programme in the UK using the one-year transfer pathway to enter the University of Glamorgan and graduated with a BA in Performance & Media with first-class honours.

As a matter of fact, many of our students have come in with excellent results and were given entrance scholarships by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (see list below, 2011-2007 scholarship recipients).

What about jobs?

The Diploma in Performing Arts makes a great starting point to where one wants to go in the future.

Students who want to pursue an academic career can progress from the Diploma to a Bachelor’s Degree, then Masters, and finally to a PhD or its equivalent MFA (Masters of Fine Art, the highest level in post-graduate studies for arts practitioners). The post-graduate qualifications would enable them to teach at tertiary institutions of learning.

Those who want to work can also do so. Usually when students finish their studies, they are about 19 or 20 years old. They are young but they can start work in supporting positions such as production assistants, production crew, director’s assistants, junior administrators, assistant editors, drama teachers and so on. Where one goes from here is really up to individual effort and talent.

The performance and creative industries are open fields with a lot of possibilities, a lot of scope to do good and worthwhile things. They may not be the most lucrative in terms of income, but they yield a kind of satisfaction and an understanding about life that can’t be found in other professions.

What about scholarships?

They are available. Please visit the University’s website www.sunway.edu.my/university/scholarships for updated information.

What about study loans?

Fees can be paid using PTPTN loans and EPF funds.

Can I work and study part-time?

No, this is a full-time course. Besides attending classes, students are required to spend time outside of class, including evenings and weekends when necessary, on rehearsals, editing, research, group projects and discussions.