Bachelor of Visual Arts
Program code
1651
Available at
Nathan
Gold Coast
Mount Gravatt
Logan
South Bank
Online
Offshore
Other
Duration
3 years full-time
Credit points
240
Indicative fee
$35,500.00* per year (more)
* 2025 indicative annual fee
About this program
Join a creative community and explore your passion for the visual arts
The Bachelor of Visual Arts will equip you with historical, theoretical and practical knowledge to begin a career in the visual arts, either in Australia or internationally. Working with accomplished artists, art historians and other industry leaders, you will learn how to navigate and succeed in the visual arts sector. This studio-first degree includes a range of opportunities to connect with potential employers and industry professionals.
In the first year, you'll undertake introductory courses in Painting, Sculpture, Performance and Installation, Photography, Drawing and Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art. First year students may also undertake elective courses such as Printmaking or Jewellery and Small Objects.
In second year, you'll choose a major:
- Painting
- Sculpture, Performance and Installation
- Photography
You'll also have a choice of electives including Public Art, international study tours, museums and galleries internships, or courses across other Griffith University degrees.
In the third year, you'll continue in major studies, while learning important professional practice skills including the production of a major cross-disciplinary project and exhibition.
Courses in art theory underpin all three years of the program and provide an important foundation for studio practice or further art historical and curatorial study.
Learn in innovative, creative studio spaces at the Queensland College of Art and Design and leverage unique opportunities in our world-class facilities, including galleries and purpose-built visual arts studios.
With the option to apply via portfolio submission, you can showcase your creative potential upfront. This inclusive degree embraces individuals who are passionate about creativity and creation.
Industry and expert connections
Work on real projects for real clients, build your portfolio and establish critical contacts and networks before you graduate. You'll learn from and work alongside practising industry experts who are pushing artistic boundaries in Australia and internationally. Our industry partnerships and collaborations unlock unique opportunities, like access to on-campus exhibitions, networking events, screenings, guest lectures and much more.
Opportunities to engage industry and build career readiness include:
- working with guest artists, curators and arts workers through studio and other courses;
- undertaking internships in galleries, libraries, events, archives or museums;
- producing and participating in exhibitions including our major QCAD Graduate Exhibitions;
- completing professional industry projects through QCAD's LiveArt courses (Public Art);
- and embarking on international study tours for course credit (including tours to Europe, the Americas, the Pacific, Indo-Pacific and North, East and Southern Asia).
To experience this type of learning, you may need to enrol in specific courses, such as 2009QCA Public Art 1, or 2381QCA Griffith University Art Museum Internship. These courses may be either core or elective to your degree.
Graduate outcomes
This internationally recognised degree will prepare you for a career in the visual and creative arts. You will become a skilled communicator and collaborator, able to innovate and express your ideas in a range of diverse environments where knowledge of visual and creative art practices is vital to a thriving sector.
The Bachelor of Visual Arts also serves as the foundation for further studies in education, research or professional practice.
Flexibility
Tailor your timetable - Even if you study full-time on-campus, you may still be able to customise your degree to suit your needs. From a range of tutorial times to online access to lectures and other course material, we're here to help you fit study in with your work and life commitments.
Global mobility
Expand your knowledge and your world-view through our mobility courses. Inspiring overseas study opportunities, ranging from a few weeks to a year, are available for students in this degree. Visit Go Global Griffith for more information.
Attendance information
The Bachelor of Visual Arts program is offered full-time and on-campus at South Bank.
If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
My career opportunities
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Visual Arts, you'll be equipped for a career in the visual and creative arts. Potential positions range from gallery director and professional artist, to curator, educator, government arts worker or creative consultant. The skills and knowledge you gain during your studies will prepare you to adapt and succeed in the expanding visual arts sector.
Career opportunities in the visual arts are dependent on the specialisation, talent, skill and determination of the individual. Visual arts careers may also include: installation artist; public artist; arts researcher; artistic director; media producer; curator; arts writer; gallerist or gallery assistant; arts worker in the field of welfare, recreation and community.
International students
An International student is one who is not:
- an Australian or New Zealand citizen or
- a Pacific Engagement visa holder or
- a person who has Australian permanent resident status.
Indicative annual tuition fee
The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points (two full-time trimesters).
The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
Tuition fees
- An International student pays tuition fees.
- Students are liable for tuition fees for the courses they are enrolled in as at the census date.
- The tuition fee is charged according to the approved program fee for the trimester in which the student is enrolled.
Program fees for the Bachelor of Visual Arts (1651)
If the fee rate for your program is not displayed above, please contact Student Connect for assistance.
Changing programs
If an International student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.
Permanent resident status
If an undergraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will be provided with a domestic fee-paying place.
The student may then apply for a Commonwealth supported place at the next admission period provided that the student satisfies the conditions for transfer from a domestic fee-paying place to a Commonwealth supported place as set out in the Fees and Charges Procedure.
If a postgraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth supported place (subject to availability) or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.
If a research student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.
Further information
- Fees and Charges Procedure
- 3.6 - Fees for International Students
- 3.9 - Administrative and Miscellaneous Charges
- Cost of studying in Australia