New Delhi, Jul 17 (IANS): The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has started admission to various courses in performing arts such as singing, dancing and acting, the varsity said Tuesday.

The courses on offer include Certificate in Performing Arts-Theatre Arts (CPATHA), Certificate in Performing Arts-Hindustani Music (CPAHM), Certificate in Performing Arts-Karnatak Music (CPAKM), Certificate in Performing Arts-Bharatnatyam (CPABN) and Certificate in Performing Arts-Kathak (CPAKT).

The CPATHA course aims to introduce the art of theatre to learners while the two music courses aim to provide basic knowledge of theory and practical aspects of Hindustani and Carnatic music, said a university statement.

"The dance programmes offers training in the basics of bharatnatyam and kathak. The university study centres will tie up with the reputed bharatanatyam and kathak dance schools located across the country for the course," the statement said.

The fee for each course is Rs.12,000 and the last date for submitting applications is July 30.