A Graduate Diploma in Performance Creation is a postgraduate qualification at Level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, designed for practising artists and creative professionals who wish to deepen and formalise their skills in contemporary performance-making. The course equips students with advanced knowledge across a range of disciplines including theatre directing, choreography, devised performance, ensemble creation, community arts facilitation, and production design. Students explore both the conceptual and practical dimensions of performance, investigating contemporary methodologies, dramaturgical strategies, and collaborative creative processes. Most programs are completed in one year full-time or up to two years part-time, and offer specialist streams allowing students to focus on areas such as directing, movement design, animateuring (the animateur's role as initiating and collaborative artist), or design for performance.

The course is designed for graduates from arts, humanities, or creative industries backgrounds who are already engaged in or transitioning into professional performance practice. It is also suited to mid-career artists seeking to refresh their artistic methodology, diversify their creative portfolio, or build leadership capabilities within the arts sector. Graduates are prepared for careers across Australia's vibrant performing arts landscape, working with employers such as major performing arts venues, independent theatre companies, dance organisations, community arts agencies, festivals, schools, arts centres, and screen and media production houses. The qualification can also serve as a pathway into further postgraduate study at the Master's level.

Most Australian providers offering a Graduate Diploma in Performance Creation or equivalent qualification require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) in a relevant discipline such as performing arts, theatre, dance, music, fine arts, or a related creative field. Some institutions may consider applicants from adjacent disciplines — such as education, humanities, or media — if they can demonstrate substantial professional experience in performance. A minimum academic standard is typically required, often equivalent to a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65–70% from the undergraduate degree. In addition to academic qualifications, most providers require applicants to submit a portfolio of creative work, an artist statement, a personal essay outlining their creative practice and intentions, and in many cases, attend an interview or audition to assess artistic potential and readiness for postgraduate study. Applicants with significant professional performance experience but without a formal undergraduate degree may be considered under recognition of prior learning (RPL) processes, particularly if they can demonstrate equivalent ability and maturity through their creative history.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is required, typically demonstrated via an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0), or an equivalent score from PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or other approved tests. Some providers may accept evidence of prior study conducted entirely in English as an alternative. Additional requirements may include a current resume or CV detailing all performance, production, and arts industry experience; references from industry professionals or academic supervisors; and access to appropriate rehearsal space or facilities for some practical assessment components. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection, as many programs apply competitive quotas and place strong weight on the quality and coherence of the creative portfolio.