I'm ready to apply
Save course for later
Send me a PDF copy
I want more infoHighlights
- Explore your artistic practice in an open-studio environment, encouraging self-directed investigation.
- Opportunity to study a cross-disciplinary approach to explore your art practice across a range of media.
- Experience study in both studio practice and art history.
- Prepares you to work as a professional artist, curator, creative director, visual designer or arts manager.
Highlights
- Explore your artistic practice in an open-studio environment, encouraging self-directed investigation.
- Opportunity to study a cross-disciplinary approach to explore your art practice across a range of media.
- Experience study in both studio practice and art history.
- Prepares you to work as a professional artist, curator, creative director, visual designer or arts manager.
- Start online unavailable. This course is only available to you if you can attend classes on campus. It is not possible to start this course online.
Why choose this course?
The digital world is a visual world. Today’s communication channels connect to audiences with all forms of visual expression, static and moving, traditional and experimental. In these evolving ways artists who can express themselves can forge a future career that is always pushing forward, always exploring the new. A QUT visual arts degree offers you the opportunity to get a broad experience of the contemporary art world.
Visual arts at QUT can help you find your niche in the burgeoning local art scene and beyond, by supporting you to define and shape your creative identity.
Through our unique open-studio environment, you will focus on contemporary art practices without being divided into separate media-specific areas, such as painting or sculpture, as in traditional art schools. Practise art across a range of media including video, photography, installation, performance and printmaking, as well as painting and sculpture. This distinctive cross-disciplinary approach encourages fluid, self-directed investigation, crucial to your arts practice.
You can combine your studio training with study areas such as interactive and visual design, event management, entrepreneurship or business to equip you for a range of creative careers.
We
welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and creative styles via portfolio and interview.
Real-world learning
Studying visual arts at QUT offers a range of advantages including a flexible degree structure, a unique experimental studio environment and a rigorous program of art history/theory subjects. With opportunities to work on industry-based projects and international tours, you’ll get a broad experience of the contemporary art world.
With our unique open-studio environment, you can practise art across a range of media including video, photography, installation and performance, as well as printmaking, painting, drawing and sculpture.
You will benefit from substantial studio experience and training in your specialist area, with the option to pursue study areas such as graphic design, CGI, event management, entrepreneurship or business to equip you for a range of creative careers. Previous students have received prestigious Samstag Scholarships, Australia Council and Arts Queensland awards, art prizes such as the Queensland Premier’s New Media Award and the Qantas Spirit of Youth Award, as well as the German DAAD scholarship and numerous international studio residencies.
Explore this course
Your studies will begin with you working with a variety of media and developing your own interests, ideas and art practice, and skills in visual analysis. You also study art history and theory units to support your studio practice and are introduced to modern, post-modern, and contemporary art. As you progress you will learn to contextualise your art practice through presentations, discussions and supported practical experience in display and exhibition. Later in your degree there are industry-based projects and international tours on offer to allow you to explore the creative avenues that will let you develop as an artist.
Real-world facilities
Our open studio program focuses on interdisciplinary contemporary art practice combining experimental 2D, 3D, digital, spatial, and performance skills. Whether you are planning to become a professional artist, teacher or art professional such as an exhibition curator or arts manager, you will benefit from substantial studio experience while receiving training in your specialist area.
Double degrees
- A double degree with business will broaden your skill set and make you stand out to employers, or give you the abilities to start your own creative enterprise.
- If you are looking to apply your creative abilities to education settings or the teaching profession you have some options. You can complete your visual arts degree first and then follow with a Master of Teaching in early childhood, primary or secondary education.* Or you can now undertake a double degree in secondary education at the same time as your visual arts degree.
*Check entry requirements for the Master of Teaching for specific teaching areas.
Careers and outcomes
Many of our graduates become highly successful practising artists, represented by commercial galleries, and with strong careers in the commissioned and public funding sectors.
We provide grounding in art history and theory that equips you to communicate with clients, curators and employers. Graduates also pursue professional careers as curators, program officers or arts managers and are often employed by prestigious galleries and museums both in Australia and internationally.
QUT visual arts graduates are at the heart of innovative artist-run galleries across Brisbane. We foster a strong sense of community and entrepreneurialism. Our students have developed exciting experimental art spaces such as Boxcopy Contemporary Art Space and LEVEL ARI, and have also been the recipients of the prestigious Samstag Scholarships, Australia, Council and Arts Queensland awards, art prizes such as the Queensland Premier’s New Media Award and the Qantas Spirit of Youth Award, as well as the German DAAD scholarship and numerous international studio residencies.
Possible careers
- Art Project Manager
- Artist
- Arts Administrator
- Curator
- Media Industry Specialist
- Multimedia Designer
- Visual Artist
- Visual Arts Teacher
Your course
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts), you must complete the following:
- Two common units (KYB101 and KYB102) – 24 credit points
- Visual Arts major – 168 credit points
- Complementary studies – 48 credit points from the Situated Creative Practice Extension plus 48 credit points chosen from a minor or unit options (electives).
Year 1
- work with a variety of media and develop your own interests, ideas and art practice
- attend workshops for digital and traditional art-making skills
- develop skills in visual analysis
- discover the wide range of art practices both in the studio and in history/theory classes
Year 2
- further your skills in art practice using a range of media
- build on contemporary art studies
- develop skills in visual and textual analysis
- learn about national and international art
- learn to contextualise your art practice through presentations, discussions and supported practical experience in display and exhibition
- choose specific vocational training for a career as a teacher or art professional
Year 3
- consolidate your art practice and your understanding of its place nationally and internationally
- culminate your studies and practice in a public group exhibition
- specialise for your chosen arts industry role, prepare for a graduate teaching course or continue on to research studies
Study overseas
Study overseas while gaining credit towards your QUT creative industries degree with one of our worldwide exchange partners. Overseas study can be for one or two semesters (or during the semester break) and the units you take can be in a creative or non-creative discipline area, depending on how they match with your QUT course. Saving your electives for exchange will allow you the most flexibility. Find out more about studying on exchange.
Your course
To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts), you must complete the following:
- Two common units (KYB101 and KYB102) – 24 credit points
- Visual Arts major – 168 credit points
- Complementary studies – 48 credit points from the Situated Creative Practice Extension plus 48 credit points chosen from a minor or unit options (electives).
Year 1
- work with a variety of media and develop your own interests, ideas and art practice
- attend workshops for digital and traditional art-making skills
- develop skills in visual analysis
- discover the wide range of art practices both in the studio and in history/theory classes
Year 2
- further your skills in art practice using a range of media
- build on contemporary art studies
- develop skills in visual and textual analysis
- learn about national and international art
- learn to contextualise your art practice through presentations, discussions and supported practical experience in display and exhibition
- choose specific vocational training for a career as a teacher or art professional
Year 3
- consolidate your art practice and your understanding of its place nationally and internationally
- culminate your studies and practice in a public group exhibition
- specialise for your chosen arts industry role, prepare for a graduate teaching course or continue on to research studies
Study Overseas
Study overseas while gaining credit towards your QUT creative industries degree with one of our worldwide exchange partners. Overseas study can be for one or two semesters (or during the semester break) and the units you take can be in a creative or non-creative discipline area, depending on how they match with your QUT course. Saving your electives for exchange will allow you the most flexibility. Find out more about studying on exchange.
Selection is based on additional entry requirements only. Please refer to Requirements.
- Additional entry requirements
- Yes
- Additional entry requirements
- Yes
Starting uni in 2021?
There are some changes to subjects and the qualifications we’ll consider for entry to QUT from 2021 and beyond. Make sure you’re prepared to apply.
The selection rank is a good indication of the equivalent ATAR.
- Course code
- KK34
- QTAC code
- 421782
- CRICOS code
- 056185A
-
- Kelvin Grove
-
- Kelvin Grove
- 3 years full-time
- 3 years full-time
- February
- February
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
Prerequisites
You must successfully:
- submit a portfolio
- complete an interview.
Important dates
- Tuesday 4 August 2020
QTAC applications, intrafaculty change form, change of major or minor form and the QUT online registration form open.
- 5pm Monday 28 September 2020 (Brisbane time)
All applications and application forms close. Requests for applications and registrations after this date will not be considered. Make sure you allow adequate time to complete each stage of your application before application closing time.
Please note that the application process for 2021 entry involves uploading your portfolio and supporting documentation to the QUT online registration form.
You will also select an interview time to be conducted on Zoom on either Tuesday 29 September, Wednesday 30 September or Thursday 1 October 2020. No interviews will be conducted in person for this cycle.
How to apply
Step 1
Apply through QTAC. Current Creative Industries Faculty (CIF) undergraduate students changing course or major must instead submit an intrafaculty change form or change of major or minor form.
Step 2
Complete the QUT online registration form. You must have a valid QTAC number or current QUT student ID number to complete this step.
You will be required to upload your portfolio (one file) and supporting documentation (a second file) to your application. You must pay the non-refundable $70 application service fee via QUTPay. If you're applying via the Educational Access Scheme or the Centralised Assessment Selection Program, you are exempt from the fee.
Your application is complete once you reach the confirmation notice screen and receive your confirmation email.
Step 3
Attend your nominated interview on Zoom. You can select your interview time through the online registration form. The meeting ID and password will be noted in your confirmation email.
Supporting documentation
When submitting your application, you will be required to upload your supporting documentation. This should include:
- a printed CV of no more than 2 pages, outlining both formal and informal learning and experiences in the field of visual arts together with your academic record
Please upload your supporting documentation as one file, and your portfolio as a second file in the application system.
Application preparation
Visual arts portfolio and interview preparation (PDF file, 932.9 KB)
Visual arts portfolio template (PDF file, 204.6 KB)
Interview dates
You will select a Zoom interview time through the online registration form. The time and date of your interview cannot be changed except in exceptional circumstances.
If you don't attend an interview, on Zoom, you won't be considered for a place in the course.
Zoom interviews
Date
Tuesday 29 September 2020
Wednesday 30 September 2020
Thursday 1 October 2020
Upon successful submission of the QUT online registration form, you will receive a confirmation email including the Zoom meeting ID that can used to join your scheduled interview session.
Portfolio and interview feedback
Due to the large number of applications received, we can't provide feedback to applicants.
I need more information
Contact the Creative Industries Faculty for more information on our interview process. You can get in touch by emailing ci@qut.edu.au or calling 3138 8114.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2020
421782 Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts)
Admission was based on additional entry requirements only.
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Minimum academic requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
Prerequisites
You must successfully:
- submit a portfolio
- complete an interview
- have completed Australian Year 12, or equivalent qualification.
How to apply
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications submitted after 30 November may not be assessed in time to start study in Semester 1 of the following year.
Apply for this course using the international student application form (PDF file, 297.2 KB).
Your portfolio and supporting documentation should be submitted with your application form.
Supporting documentation
When submitting your application, you will be required to include your supporting documentation. This should include:
- your portfolio
- a printed CV of no more than 2 pages, outlining both formal and informal learning and experiences in the field of visual arts together with your academic record
Your interview
You'll be assigned a Zoom interview time. Interviews are conducted in English.
Application preparation
Visual arts portfolio and interview preparation (PDF file, 932.9 KB)
Visual arts portfolio template (PDF file, 204.6 KB)
Interview dates
You will be assigned a Zoom interview time after your application is submitted. The time and date of your interview cannot be changed except in exceptional circumstances.
If you do not attend an interview on Zoom, you won't be considered for a place in the course.
Zoom interviews
Date
Tuesday 29 September 2020
Wednesday 30 September 2020
Thursday 1 October 2020
We will advise you via email of the Zoom meeting ID that can be used to join your scheduled interview session.
Portfolio and interview feedback
Due to the large number of applications received, we can't provide feedback to applicants.
I need more information
Contact the Creative Industries Faculty for more information on our interview process. You can get in touch by emailing ci@qut.edu.au or calling 3138 8114.
When do I find out my audition outcome?
International Admissions will notify you of your outcome by email from mid-November.
When do I find out my audition outcome?
International Admissions will notify you of your outcome by email from mid-November.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
Cambridge English Score
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement. You must provide your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number, these are printed on your Cambridge English Confirmation of Entry. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
|
IELTS Academic
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
TOEFL iBT
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Haven't completed an English language test? We can help!
If you have not completed an English language test, you can sit the IELTS test at our IELTS test centre
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2021 fees
2021: CSP $10,600 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2021 fees
2021: $31,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
Find out more about undergraduate course fees
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
Showcase your work
Enjoy opportunities to present your works in public spaces, galleries and arts festivals including showcasing your artwork to industry professionals during the annual graduate exhibition in your final year of study.
Real creativity
'QUT has opened my mind to think holistically about being an arts practitioner. I find the atmosphere to be one of critical intellectual discussion and engaging collaborative activity. Another highlight is the emphasis placed on experimentation. I have learnt to take myself seriously as an artist. I've found a voice and the confidence to use it.'
Real opportunities
‘I am a curator, writer and researcher. I worked as co-curator of the 11th Shanghai Biennale, Why Not Ask Again, led by chief curators Raqs Media Collective. The networks and professional development opportunities at QUT really helped me achieve what I have so far. During my degree I did a two-week study tour and completed two internships in New York.’
Showcase your work
Enjoy opportunities to present your works in public spaces, galleries and arts festivals including showcasing your artwork to industry professionals during the annual graduate exhibition in your final year of study.
Real creativity
'QUT has opened my mind to think holistically about being an arts practitioner. I find the atmosphere to be one of critical intellectual discussion and engaging collaborative activity. Another highlight is the emphasis placed on experimentation. I have learnt to take myself seriously as an artist. I've found a voice and the confidence to use it.'
Real opportunities
‘I am a curator, writer and researcher. I worked as co-curator of the 11th Shanghai Biennale, Why Not Ask Again, led by chief curators Raqs Media Collective. The networks and professional development opportunities at QUT really helped me achieve what I have so far. During my degree I did a two-week study tour and completed two internships in New York.’
