Bachelor of Visual Arts

The Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Australian National University offers students a comprehensive and dynamic education in contemporary art practices, theory, and history. This program is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills, enabling graduates to develop a distinctive artistic voice and critically engage with visual culture. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, digital media, installation, and more, guided by experienced faculty members who are active practitioners and scholars in the field. The curriculum combines core courses in studio practice, art history, and theory with innovative electives, encouraging interdisciplinary experimentation and personal artistic development. Throughout their studies, students are supported to pursue individual projects, participate in exhibitions, and engage with the broader arts community, both within and outside the university. The program also emphasizes the importance of professional development, offering workshops, internships, and networking opportunities to prepare students for careers as artists, curators, educators, and arts administrators. With access to specialized facilities, studios, and galleries, students can realize ambitious artwork and build impressive portfolios. The Bachelor of Visual Arts at ANU aims to cultivate innovative artists who are aware of contemporary issues and capable of contributing meaningfully to the visual arts sector locally and globally. Graduates leave equipped with advanced skills, a strong conceptual foundation, and a versatile portfolio, ready to pursue further study or commence their careers in diverse artistic fields.

The Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Australian National University offers students a comprehensive and immersive educational experience designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency in various artistic disciplines. This program provides students with the opportunity to engage deeply with contemporary and classical art practices through a dynamic curriculum that combines theoretical study with practical application. Students will explore a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital arts, installation, and performance art, enabling them to develop versatile skills adaptable to various artistic careers.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to investigate the historical, cultural, and social contexts of art, fostering a nuanced understanding of their own work and the wider art environment. The program emphasizes critical analysis, encouraging students to develop an analytical perspective on their creations and the artworks of others. This approach helps cultivate a reflective practice essential for professional artistic development. Students will have access to state-of-the-art studio facilities and technical resources, allowing them to experiment and refine their techniques under the guidance of experienced faculty members who are active practitioners and scholars in their fields.

The curriculum includes studio-based projects, theoretical seminars, and opportunities for exhibition and public engagement. Students are encouraged to participate in exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects, enhancing their professional development and visibility in the art community. The program also emphasizes innovative approaches and interdisciplinary practices, preparing graduates for diverse careers in art, education, curatorial work, arts administration, and creative industries.

Throughout their studies, students will be supported by a vibrant academic community committed to fostering originality, experimentation, and a lifelong engagement with the arts. The Bachelor of Visual Arts at ANU aims to produce well-rounded artists who are not only skilled in their craft but also possess a strong conceptual and critical foundation to respond to contemporary artistic challenges. On successful completion, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue professional practice, further study, or entrepreneurial ventures in the arts sector.

Program requirements for the Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Australian National University include a combination of coursework, studio practice, and research components designed to develop students' artistic skills, critical thinking, and theoretical understanding. Candidates must complete a minimum number of credit points as specified in their program structure, typically around 144 credit points over the course of three years full-time study. The program emphasizes studio-based learning, where students are required to engage in regular practical classes, workshops, and independent studio practice under the guidance of experienced faculty. Students must also undertake theoretical courses covering art history, contemporary art theory, and contextual analysis to complement their practical work.

In addition, students are encouraged to participate in exhibitions, internships, and collaborative projects to broaden their professional experience and industry connections. A significant component of the degree involves a culminating capstone project or thesis, which requires students to prepare a substantial body of artwork and an accompanying written reflection or research paper demonstrating their conceptual development and technical mastery. Entry into certain specialized units or advanced courses may require prior coursework or portfolio submissions to assess artistic potential. The program also includes assessments such as studio presentations, reflective journals, research essays, and peer reviews. To graduate, students must meet all assessment, attendance, and participation requirements as specified in their course handbook. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-equipped for careers in art, design, or further postgraduate study while fostering their individual artistic voice and critical engagement with contemporary visual culture.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Australian National University (ANU) offers various financing options to support students pursuing the Bachelor of Visual Arts. Tuition fees for domestic students are currently aligned with the Australian Domestic fee structure, which is subject to annual adjustments and may vary based on the specific courses undertaken within the program. For international students, tuition fees are generally higher and are set according to the international fee schedule, with the exact amount depending on the course load and specific disciplines selected within the Visual Arts program.

Students are encouraged to explore scholarships available through ANU's Scholarships Office, which provides a range of funding opportunities based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as regional background or specific areas of study. For students demonstrating exceptional talent or potential in the field of art, there are also targeted scholarships and awards offered on a competitive basis. Additionally, government funding options such as the Australian Government's Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available for eligible domestic students, which significantly reduce the overall cost of study by subsidizing tuition fees.

In terms of financial aid, ANU provides access to student loans, including the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), which allows students to defer paying their tuition fees until after graduation when they are earning above a certain income threshold. This program includes specific loan schemes like the HECS-HELP for domestic students and the FEE-HELP for domestic students enrolled in non-Commonwealth supported courses, which can cover tuition fees for the duration of the program.

Living expenses are not covered by tuition fees and students need to plan for accommodation, books, supplies, and personal expenses. Many students finance their studies through part-time work, which is possible given the flexible nature of ANU courses and the availability of various on-campus employment opportunities. The university's career services and student support offices often assist students in finding suitable employment and managing their finances effectively.

Overall, financing a degree in Visual Arts at ANU involves a combination of government-supported schemes, scholarships, university grants, and personal resources. Prospective students are advised to carefully review the specific financial aid options and funding opportunities available at ANU, which aim to reduce the financial barriers to obtaining a high-quality education in visual arts and to support students throughout their academic journey.

The Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Australian National University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to develop students' skills, knowledge, and understanding of contemporary and historical art practices. The program offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and new media. Through a combination of theoretical and practical courses, students are encouraged to critically engage with visual culture, develop their individual artistic voice, and critique their own work as well as that of others. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on studio practice, complemented by coursework in art history, theory, and critical analysis, ensuring a well-rounded education in the field of visual arts.

Students in this program benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, computer labs, and exhibition spaces, which facilitate experimentation and innovation. The program also promotes engagement with the broader arts community by providing opportunities for exhibitions, internships, and collaborative projects with local and international arts organizations. Coursework is structured to foster creativity, technical skill development, and theoretical understanding, preparing graduates for careers in fine arts, curatorial work, arts administration, education, and other related fields.

In addition to traditional art practices, the program explores contemporary issues and the role of visual arts in society, encouraging students to consider ethical, cultural, and social perspectives within their work. The ANU’s vibrant campus environment and connection with Canberra’s dynamic arts scene offer valuable networking and professional development opportunities for students. The Bachelor of Visual Arts at ANU typically [note: assume 3 years] provides a rigorous academic experience that integrates studio practice with critical thought, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to pursue innovative careers in the diverse and evolving world of visual arts.