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Applying for visual arts courses
Want to study visual arts at QUT? Find out what you need to do to get there.
Welcome to visual arts at QUT
Fnd out more about our Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in visual arts, with study area coordinator Dr Rachael Hayne.
Real-world learning with QUT Art Museum
Visual arts students Lucy Nguyen-Hunt and Zara Rose Dudley reflect on their work-integrated learning experience at QUT Art Museum. They devised and hosted an event, Odd Folio, designed to bring arts students together.
Preparing for your visual arts course
Prepare for your visual arts portfolio and interview. Check out our tips to help you with your portfolio and interview, and put you on your path to a successful career in visual arts.
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.'
Applying for visual arts courses
Want to study visual arts at QUT? Find out what you need to do to get there.
Welcome to visual arts at QUT
Fnd out more about our Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in visual arts, with study area coordinator Dr Rachael Hayne.
Real-world learning with QUT Art Museum
Visual arts students Lucy Nguyen-Hunt and Zara Rose Dudley reflect on their work-integrated learning experience at QUT Art Museum. They devised and hosted an event, Odd Folio, designed to bring arts students together.
Preparing for your visual arts course
Prepare for your visual arts portfolio and interview. Check out our tips to help you with your portfolio and interview, and put you on your path to a successful career in visual arts.
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.'
Highlights
-
Shape your creative identity in an open studio environment, exploring diverse arts and digital media.
-
Build your creative career as a professional artist, curator, gallerist, arts manager or entrepreneur.
- Experience study in both studio practice and art history.
Highlights
-
Shape your creative identity in an open studio environment, exploring diverse arts and digital media.
-
Build your creative career as a professional artist, curator, gallerist, arts manager or entrepreneur.
- Experience study in both studio practice and art history.
Why choose this course?
A QUT visual arts degree offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic and transformative culture of contemporary art. During this course you will:
- Work intensively with leading creative artists and thinkers in state-of-the-art facilities.
- Develop a personal and critical framework to investigate the challenges and creative possibilities of today’s ever-changing, globalized, digital world. And learn to shape its future.
- Explore your distinctive creative art practice in our Open Studio program, combining experimental art and digital media, with a thorough conceptual grounding in modern and contemporary art.
- Tailor your degree for your future career, with options to combine your study in visual arts with areas such as interactive or visual design, animation, creative writing, marketing or education.
Real-world learning
Be part of an active creative community and gain the skills and knowledge to work in the visual arts anywhere in the world.
Enjoy a range of practical options including public art commissions, curatorial projects, independent publishing, artist-run initiatives and collaborative art production.
Build your career portfolio with tailored professional experiences including industry-based projects and internships at leading arts organisations, galleries and museums.
Broaden your global perspectives of art through international study tours and student exchanges.
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, and give you the abilities to start your own creative enterprise.
- A double degree in secondary education will equip you to apply your creativity in education settings or complete a Masters fo Teaching in early childhood, primary or secondary education.
*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
- Course code
- KK34
- QTAC code
- 421782
- CRICOS code
- 056185A
-
- Kelvin Grove
-
- Kelvin Grove
- 3 years full-time
- 3 years full-time
- February
- February
- Commencing studies in 2022: this program is available for on-campus studies only.
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)
Prerequisites/Additional entry requirements
You must successfully:
-
submit a portfolio
-
complete an interview.
Important dates
-
Tuesday 3 August 2021
QTAC applications, change of major or minor form and the QUT online registration form open.
-
5pm Monday 27 September 2021 (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.
You will also select an interview time to be conducted on Zoom in late September/early October.
How to apply
Step 1
Apply through QTAC.
Current KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts single degree students changing major must instead submit a 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 CV of no more than 2 pages, outlining both formal and informal learning and experiences in the field of visual arts
Please upload your supporting documentation as one file, and your portfolio as a second file in the application system.
Application preparation
Visual Arts application preparation (PDF file, 703.2 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
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.
When do I find out the outcome?
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QTAC applications: outcomes will be viewable from mid November. The majority of offers will be made in mid-November and final offers prior to Christmas
-
change of major or minor applications: if you have been recalled you will receive notification on your application outcome by no later than early January
Selection process
To be considered for an offer your need to:
-
Pass the portfolio and interview
-
Have a competitive portfolio/interview score
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, 2021
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.
Applications in 2022
In response to COVID-19, QUT has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered offshore for students studying in 2022.
You must be onshore in Australia to apply for this course and cannot commence online.
If the Australian Government makes any changes to the international border closure, QUT will communicate directly with students who have an offer and may be eligible to commence earlier than 2023.
Prerequisites
You must successfully:
- submit a portfolio
- complete an interview
- have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent qualification
How to apply
Apply for this course via the QUT Application Portal.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. As part of your application, you must submit your supporting documents including your portfolio.
Supporting documentation
When submitting your application, you will be required to include your supporting documents. This should include:
- your portfolio
- a CV of no more than 2 pages, outlining both formal and informal learning and experiences in the field of visual arts
Application preparation
Visual arts portfolio template (PDF file, 204.6 KB)
Your portfolio should consist of 10 digital images in a PDF or PowerPoint (.pptx) file that best demonstrate your current art achievements, working processes, commitment, and potential.
Please use the above template as a guide in developing your portfolio.
- The cover slide should include your full name.
- Each image following the cover slide of your portfolio must be placed on a plain background with a caption that includes the title, year it was produced, medium, dimensions and/or duration.
- Any videos included in your portfolio should be represented by a still image with caption and a URL link to the video on YouTube or Vimeo. When uploading videos to YouTube, be sure to set to unlisted.
Your interview
You will be assigned a Zoom interview time after your application is submitted. Interviews are conducted in English. We will advise you via email of the Zoom meeting ID that can be used to join your scheduled interview session.
During the interview you will be asked about the kinds of contemporary art and artists that interest you as well as your knowledge of contemporary art practice in general. You should also be prepared to discuss the reasons for your interest in this course.
Selection criteria
The selection panel considers your ability to think creatively and explore and develop ideas. The selection panel also looks for evidence of versatility, inventiveness and self-directed practice, and your awareness of contemporary art. We also look for applicants who can demonstrate an awareness of the unique features of our course and what it offers them as an aspiring creative practitioner.
Portfolio and interview feedback
Due to the large number of applications received, we can't provide feedback to applicants.
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 |
|
Occupational English Test (Nursing Profession)
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. * A grade of B in each component for tests undertaken prior to September 2018. |
-- | 350* | 350* | 350* | 350* |
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.
2022 fees
2022: CSP $11,000 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2022 fees
2022: $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.