Undergraduate
Ready to take your creativity to the next level?
You can develop both the technical and conceptual skills you need as a contemporary practising artist in our undergraduate programs.
Our courses can be completed at a part-time or full-time rate, and are qualified for FEE-HELP student loans for eligible students.
‘My Adelaide Central School of Art experience was a major turning point, enabling me to develop high-level skills that weren’t being taught elsewhere, coupled with the knowledge needed to make it as a professional artist, all within a friendly and supportive environment. Being part of a smaller caring community was an integral part of the experience. I felt nurtured and understood.’
Julia Robinson
2002 BVA with Honours graduate, and current Sculpture and Contemporary Studio Practice Lecturer
Curriculum
The curriculum of our four undergraduate programs, the Diploma of Visual Art, Associate Degree of Visual Art, Bachelor of Visual Art and Bachelor of Visual Art (Honours) program embrace the disciplines of:
- Drawing | Life drawing, observational and perspective drawing
- Painting | Tonal Realism, Non-Representational, colour theory, painting from life
- Sculpture | Clay portraiture, objects & invention
- Video and Performance
- Art History & Theory
- Contemporary Studio Practice
Our undergraduate courses are accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, having satisfied the national accreditation requirements that lead to qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
We understand the importance of flexibility around part-time study options and all of our programs, except the final year of the BVA and the Honours program, can be undertaken at a part-time rate. We also offer scholarships, awards and Work-Integrated Learning subjects to provide contemporary industry experience in the visual arts sector.
Grants of up to $2000, for the purpose of relocation to Adelaide (from interstate or regional South Australia), are available to outstanding applicants who wish to study the Bachelor of Visual Art on a full-time basis.
Eligible students are also encouraged to apply for a $5000 School Leaver Scholarship.
Applications for 2027 are now open, due 4 January 2027. To discuss your interest in applying for a Relocation Grant, please email our Student Services Officer, Genevieve Spalding, or call our administration office on 08 8299 7300.
“Moving from Ireland to Australia I was unable to bring any supplies with me – the relocation grant helped me immensely. The grant meant I was able to get the materials I need for my education and practice and greatly eased the stress of relocating, I am incredibly grateful for it.”
Sasha Porter, 2022 Relocation Grant recipient
‘Studying at ACSA is still one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Both challenging and rewarding, the course thoroughly prepares you for the vocation of being an artist, from equipping you with a strong set of technical skills and sharpening your critical thinking, to helping you craft your first artist statement and exhibit a body of work. It’s an incredible experience, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone keen to pursue a life in the visual arts’
Bernadette Klavins
2014 BVA (Honours) graduate
Graduate Attributes
The Graduate Attributes describe the broad qualities and capabilities that our students are expected to develop through tertiary studies at Adelaide Central School of Art. These attributes provide graduates with a foundation for lifelong learning and professional practice, both in the visual arts sector and beyond.
View examples of graduate career profiles here.
The Graduate Attributes are embedded in our curriculum, extending the discipline-specific unit learning outcomes to encompass broader capabilities that can be applied to a wide range of contexts. The Graduate Attributes are also promoted through our collegiate culture, which connects formal education to a cooperative atmosphere of mutual support, peer learning and creative exchange.
Professional readiness
Our graduates demonstrate professional readiness through comprehensive making abilities, professional business skills, relevant technological aptitude, and time management skills. They are able to contextualise their practice within local and national networks and generate professional opportunities in the arts industry.
Graduates understand the multifaceted nature of being an autonomous practising professional artist, recognising that this might entail studio practice, exhibition of work, pursuit of funding opportunities and residencies, teaching, critical writing, arts administration and work in related creative industries.
Creativity, adaptability and critical thinking
Our graduates are critical and creative thinkers. They have the ability to adapt their knowledge, research capabilities and problem solving skills to a range of contexts. They demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and recognise connections between differing academic fields and the broader arts industry.
Graduates’ adaptability supports longevity in their visual art practices and ensures that skills are transferable to broader fields of study, practice and employment.
Autonomy, self-awareness and ethical understanding
Our graduates demonstrate intellectual autonomy, initiative, self-awareness and academic integrity. Graduates learn empathy and intercultural understanding through participation in our collegiate culture. They have the ability to work alongside and collaborate with people of diverse ages, genders, sexualities, social and cultural backgrounds and levels of experience.
The ethical, empathetic and academically rigorous conduct of our graduates positions them to transition into independent practice, employment, or post-graduate study.
Communication
Our graduates have the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas, emotions and human experiences through their artworks. They are also adept in communicating verbally and in writing. Our graduates have the capacity to adapt these communication skills for a variety of professional and academic contexts and audiences.
New Student Application
Diploma of Visual Art | Associate Degree of Visual Art | Bachelor of Visual Art
Applications for Semester 1 2027 are open until 4 January 2027.