Bachelor of Visual Art
Duration: 3 years full time or part time equivalent
The Bachelor of Visual Art (BVA) is a three-year degree program, designed to give you the skills and knowledge to develop a career as a practising artist. Our focus on the fundamental art-making practices of drawing, painting and sculpture is complemented by an emphasis on conceptual development, art history & theory and professional practice. At Level 3 you will be supported to develop a coherent body of work based on comprehensive self-directed studio research.
On completion of the BVA you will be equipped to develop an independent studio practice and pursue a career as a professional practising artist. You will also be well-positioned to undertake further study or seek employment opportunities in related fields, such as arts administration, arts writing, education, marketing, events, commercial design and curating.
Honours
Associate Degree of Visual Art
Duration: 2 years full time or part time equivalent
The Associate Degree of Visual Art (ADVA) is a two-year program focused on building foundation skills in key aspects of visual art. The ADVA offers you an exit point from our Bachelor of Visual Art, enabling you to graduate with a stand-alone qualification after completing Level 1 and 2.
On completion of the ADVA, you will be equipped to pursue employment opportunities in the field of visual arts and in related occupations or undertake further study.
Diploma of Visual Art
Duration: 1 year full time or part time equivalent
The Diploma of Visual Art (DVA) is a one-year program, designed to prepare students with the fundamental skills and knowledge of visual arts practices. The Diploma focuses on the art-making practices of drawing, painting, and sculpture and is complemented by an emphasis on art history and theory and conceptual development.
On completion of the Diploma, graduates are able to apply integrated technical and theoretical concepts in the creation of artworks. Graduates are also equipped to undertake further study and can apply to articulate to the Associate Degree of Visual Art or Bachelor of Visual Art.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 2 2023 entry open 27 May 2023.
Preparing Your Application
Information on preparing your application and the support material required can be found on the first page of the New Student Application Form.
Application Entry Stream
Applications can be submitted under the Academic Entry Stream or Alternative Entry Stream.
To apply under the academic entry stream, an applicant requires an ATAR score (or equivalent) of 60 or above completed within the last 5 years OR a qualification of AQF Level 5 or above completed in the last 10 years.
To apply under the Alternative Entry Stream, applicants will need to attend a portfolio interview. This will be scheduled after the application closing date.
Assessment of Applications
Academic Entry Applications are assessed after the application closing date. Alternative Entry Applications are assessed after the portfolio interview.
Applicants are notified of the outcome of their application by email. Applicants who are accepted into a course of study receive a Letter of Offer and Enrolment Pack. Applicants who are not accepted into a course of study receive written notification.
Applicants who are dissatisfied with the outcome of their application are referred to the School’s Student Grievance Policy and Procedures.
Questions? Contact our friendly Student Liaison Officer, Andrew Herpich, on 8299 7300 or via email.
Course Information
Important Dates
Semester 1 2023
New applications close 9 January
Enrolment closing date 30 January
Term 1 | 13 February – 7 April
Term 2 | 24 April – 16 June
Assessment Week 19 – 23 June
Census Date 14 March
Semester 2 2023
New applications close 16 June
Enrolment closing date 3 July
Term 3 | 17 July – 8 September
Term 4 | 25 September – 17 November
Assessment Weeks 20 – 24 November
Census Date 14 August
New Student Application
Diploma of Visual Art | Associate Degree of Visual Art | Bachelor of Visual Art. Applications for Semester 2 entry into the DVA, ADVA and BVA courses will open on 27 May 2023.
Admission Criteria
Entry into the program is through either the Academic Entry or the Alternative Entry pathway. The Admission Criteria is as follows:
Academic Entry Requirements
The following is normally required:
- Completion of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) with a minimum ATAR score of 60 (or the equivalent certificate and score from an Australian secondary school) within the last 5 years OR
- Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma within the last 5 years OR
- Attainment of a qualification of AQF Level 5 or above within the last 10 years
Alternative Entry Requirements
The following are normally required:
- Completion of a qualification of AQF Level 5 or above more than 10 years ago
Completion of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) with a minimum ATAR score of 60 (or the equivalent certificate and score from an Australian secondary school) more than 5 years ago OR - Completion of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) with an ATAR score below 60 (or the equivalent certificate) OR
- Partial completion of a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution OR
Completion of a recognised Vocational Education & Training (VET) Certificate OR - Completion of a recognised Foundation Studies Program, OR
- Previous non-formal visual art study or practice
All alternative entrants are also required to attend a portfolio interview as part of their application.
Additional information
Australian citizens or permanent residents with overseas qualifications
Overseas qualifications will be assessed for equivalence to the Academic Entry Requirements. If equivalence is not established, the applicant will be processed under the Alternative Entry Requirements.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
There is currently no separate admissions process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. See here for information on services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students upon enrolment.
International applicants
The School is not registered to accept international students.
Special consideration due to disability, illness or family disruption
Applicants that do not meet the academic entry requirements are eligible to apply under the alternative entry stream and undertake a portfolio interview. The assessment panel for alternative entry applicants will consider disability, illness or family disruption. Applicants can raise factors for special consideration directly with the Student Liaison Officer when lodging an application or with the assessment panel during the portfolio interview.
Applicants with disabilities
In addition to the processes outlined above, the School is committed to meeting its obligations outlined in the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (the Standards). The Standards require educators to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure that students with disabilities are treated on the same basis as students without disabilities. Please refer to the School’s Statement on Disabilities for further information.