Visual Art and Creative Practice

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art and Creative Practice at the University of South Australia offers students a comprehensive education in contemporary art disciplines, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and skilled practice. This program is designed to cultivate both technical proficiency and conceptually driven work, enabling students to develop their unique artistic voice within a dynamic and diverse creative environment. Students will engage with a broad range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, digital media, and performance art, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty. The curriculum emphasizes studio practice, theoretical understanding, and professional development, preparing graduates for careers in the arts sector, including gallery and museum work, arts administration, curation, and independent art practice. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to experiment with new technologies and interdisciplinary approaches, reflecting the rapidly evolving nature of contemporary art. The program also offers opportunities for internships, exhibitions, and collaborations with industry partners, enhancing students' practical experience and professional networks. Graduates of this program will possess a versatile skill set, a critical awareness of contemporary cultural issues, and the ability to produce innovative art that engages audiences and contributes to cultural discourse. With a focus on personal exploration and societal relevance, the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art and Creative Practice aims to nurture aspiring artists and creative practitioners who are ready to make meaningful contributions to the arts community locally, nationally, and internationally.

Graduates of the Master of Visual Art and Creative Practice will have knowledge of research methodologies tied to focussed discipline specific creative studio practices, advanced knowledge of the discipline specific creative professional fields either as a self-employed professional or as an employee, applied research and technical skills interpreted through visual art and design practice and an advanced understanding of reflective practice and critical analysis contextualised in an academic and professional/industry visual art and design setting.

Graduates of the Master of Visual Art and Creative Practice will have high level applied skills both in studio and in marketing the artist/designer in a professional context, professional skills in producing, presenting and marketing an exhibition, high level skills and knowledge in applying for public grants and private funding and high level skills and knowledge in practice led research producing creative and innovative texts and artefacts through intensive studio practice.

Graduates of the Master of Visual Art and Creative Practice will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills both in studio and with competence to market the artist/designer in a professional context, in producing, presenting and marketing an exhibition, to apply for public grants and private funding and in practice led research producing creative and innovative texts and artefacts through intensive studio practice. 

The students will complete 54 units of study over one and a half years of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

• Applicants must have completed a three-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution, or equivalent, in a related discipline. Applicants must submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.
• Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Visual Art and Creative Practice or the Graduate Diploma in Visual Art and Design from the University of South Australia are eligible to apply and are not required to submit a portfolio of work and statement of intent.

English language entry requirements

English language test

• IELTS total: - 6.5
• IELTS reading: - 6.0
• IELTS writing: - 6.0

Each year, more than 2,500 students at the University of South Australia benefit from scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. We welcome high achieving students from developing countries who are supported by the Australian government program, Australia Awards. We also host around 500 students who are sponsored by their home government, university or employer. 

The Bachelor of Visual Art and Creative Practice at the University of South Australia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with practical skills, technical knowledge, and critical understanding in various forms of visual arts and creative practices. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, allowing students to explore traditional and contemporary art forms, including painting, sculpture, digital media, installation, performance, and other mixed media. Throughout the degree, students engage with both studio-based work and theoretical studies, fostering innovative thinking and experimentation in art-making. The curriculum typically includes coursework in art history, contemporary art theory, and professional practice, preparing graduates for careers across creative industries, including gallery and museum work, art curation, arts administration, freelance artistic practice, and collaborative projects. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated art studios, digital labs, and exhibition spaces, enabling hands-on learning and portfolio development. The program encourages active participation in exhibitions and industry events, providing valuable networking opportunities and real-world experience. Additionally, students have opportunities to undertake internships and collaborative projects with local, national, and international arts organizations. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped to pursue further study or professional pathways in the arts sector. The program is led by experienced faculty members who are active practitioners and scholars, ensuring students receive mentorship rooted in current industry trends and academic excellence. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree aims to cultivate versatile art practitioners capable of responding creatively to cultural, social, and technological changes impacting contemporary art practices.