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Bachelor of Visual Arts

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BVA

  • Course code

    3003160

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Visual Arts provides a comprehensive grounding in the practical and theoretical aspects of contemporary visual arts practice. The theoretical component of the course instils an appreciation of both contemporary and historical perspectives applicable to contemporary art practice, curatorial practice and other careers in the arts industry.

Students gain a diverse and rich studio experience in an atmosphere that nurtures and inspires creativity. They develop their skills working in well equipped, purpose-built studios for painting, printmaking, three-dimensional studies (including ceramics and sculpture), DAD (digital art and design), drawing and photography. Students work under the guidance of academic staff who are all practising artists.

The Lismore campus is a cultural hub at the centre of the dynamic arts scene of the Northern Rivers. Our visual arts graduates have featured in some of Australia’s most prestigious art awards and their work regularly features in commercial and public galleries nationally and internationally. Many have gained further qualifications through Honours and PhD studies to become art researchers and academics, while continuing their art practices.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Apply intellectual rigour and critical analysis to complex visual arts social, economic, environmental, political and historical issues.

Develop research and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes through critical and reflective thinking and practice.

Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies, techniques and critical reflective thinking in Visual Arts discipline research.

Creativity

Negotiate and develop creative and innovative responses to specific visual arts challenges.

Apply relevant skills and knowledge to produce creative works and artefacts.

Develop research and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes through critical reflective thinking in the production of creative works.

Ethical practice

Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments with reference to principles of social justice and visual arts ethical frameworks.

Evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and visual arts ethical frameworks.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate a command of visual arts world views and contemporary issues relating to professional or scholarly settings in visual arts industries and communities.

Demonstrate knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques in the visual arts.

Lifelong learning

Independently access, manage and evaluate sources of information in contemporary formats.

Develop the qualities of a reflective, responsible and inclusive practitioner in culturally diverse settings.

Work independently and collaboratively in the visual arts discipline in response to project demands.

Communication and social skills

Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form.

Work collaboratively to achieve mutually agreed outcomes.

Interpret, communicate, collaborate and present ideas, problems and arguments in modes suited to a range of audiences.

Cultural competence

Demonstrate cultural proficiency, cultural competency and cultural safety in a range of professional and scholarly community contexts.

Recognise, develop cultural understanding and reflect on social and cultural issues, and apply local and international perspectives to practice in the visual arts.

Students have the opportunity to undertake internships with the dynamic arts industries of the New South Wales North Coast. They can also study for a session at universities overseas including the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York, University of Hertfordshire in England, Universitat de Barcelona in Spain, University of Massachusetts in USA, and Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.

Core studies

  • Studio studies: 3D studies, painting, printmaking
  • Art theory
  • Studio drawing
  • Design.

Major in either:

  • Arts industry and media arts (including optional units in digital art and design, digital photography, online animation, online media design, professional placement, and arts project);
  • Arts industry and technology (including optional units in digital art and design, digital photography, photography, studio drawing, studio elective and professional placement).

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1 333102 053021

Career Outcomes

Southern Cross University Visual Arts graduates have featured in some of Australia's most prestigious art awards and their work regularly features in commercial and public galleries nationally and internationally.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants for admission shall be required to show evidence, through a portfolio review and interview, of acceptable aptitude for, and commitment to, the proposed area of study.

Credit for prior learning

Candidates who can demonstrate artistic expertise at a professional level may be granted advanced standing up to four (4) double-weighted Visual Arts Studio Studies units from Part A of the Schedule provided that such artistic expertise has been demonstrated within seven (7) years prior to admission to candidature.

Course requirements

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Visual Arts degree a candidate shall successfully complete not less than 24 units comprising:

  1. All 10 units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to the rules; and
  2. Eight (8) units from one of the majors listed in Part B of the Schedule.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Contact the School of Arts and Social Sciences for this course progression.

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
ART00600 Introduction to Visual Culture Introductory
ART00601 Framing Modernity Introductory
ART00621 Visual Arts Studio Studies I: Foundation Introductory Note 1
ART00622 Visual Arts Studio Studies II Introductory Note 1
ART00630 Design Introductory
ART00406 Studio Drawing I Introductory
ART00623 Visual Arts Studio Studies III Intermediate Note 1
ART00624 Visual Arts Studio Studies IV Intermediate Note 1
ART00625 Visual Arts Studio Studies V Advanced Note 1
ART00626 Visual Arts Studio Studies VI Advanced Note 1

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Compulsory:
ART00498 Contemporary Debates in Visual Culture Intermediate
ART00602 Australian Visual Cultures Advanced
CAR10503 Arts Industry Studies Intermediate
Choose five (5) from the following:
ART10094 Digital Art and Design I Intermediate
ART10095 Digital Art and Design II Intermediate
ART10096 Digital Art and Design III Advanced
ART10275 Digital Photography I Introductory
COM00455 Online Media Design Intermediate
COM00456 Animation Theory and Practice Intermediate
COM10112 From Page to Production: Essential Screen Skills Intermediate
COM00471 Professional Placement Advanced
SOY10114 Independent Project Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Compulsory:
ART00498 Contemporary Debates in Visual Culture Intermediate
ART00602 Australian Visual Cultures Advanced
CAR10503 Arts Industry Studies Intermediate
Choose five (5) from the following:
ART10094 Digital Art and Design I Intermediate
ART10095 Digital Art and Design II Intermediate
ART10096 Digital Art and Design III Advanced
ART00456 Photography II Intermediate
ART10275 Digital Photography I Introductory
ART00407 Studio Drawing II Introductory
ART00408 Studio Drawing III Intermediate
COM00471 Professional Placement Advanced
ART00641 Studio Elective I (Visual Arts) Introductory