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- 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.
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
What to expect
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
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
Details and units
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.
Requirements
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
- 5pm Friday 20 September 2019: QTAC applications, I forms, change of major/second major/minor request forms and the QUT online registration form close.
- February
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course we assume you have sound knowledge in these areas:
- English
We assume that you have knowledge equivalent to four semesters at high school level (Years 11 and 12) with sound achievement (4, SA).
Prerequisites
You must successfully:
- submit a portfolio
- complete an interview.
Important dates
- Thursday 1 August 2019
- QTAC applications, intrafaculty change form, change of major or minor form and the QUT online registration form open.
- 5pm Friday 20 September 2019
- 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.
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 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 audition and bring your supporting documents with you. You can select your audition time through the online registration form.
If you're not able to attend an interview, you can opt for a phone or Skype interview when you complete the registration form. If you select this option, you'll need to email your portfolio and supporting documents to ci@qut.edu.au by 5pm on Friday 27 September 2019.
Supporting documentation
Make sure you have:
- a printed copy of your registration form confirmation notice or email
- a printed CV of no more than 2 pages, outlining both formal and informal learning and experiences in the field of visual arts
- your portfolio
Portfolio and interview preparation
Visual arts portfolio and interview preparation (PDF file, 159.0 KB)
Visual arts portfolio template (PDF file, 204.6 KB)
Interview location and dates
We encourage you to attend one of the available interview times, which you can select 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, either in person or via phone/Skype, you won't be considered for a place in the course.
In-person interviews (Brisbane)
- Date
- Monday 30 September 2019
- Tuesday 1 October 2019
- Location
- Z9, Creative Industries Precinct, cnr of Kelvin Grove Rd & Musk Avenue, QUT Kelvin Grove Campus
Phone and skype interviews
- Date
- Wednesday 2 October 2019
- Thursday 3 October 2019
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 the outcome?
QTAC applications
Before the November offer round, we will update the preference information within your QTAC application to reflect your outcome. You'll be able to check this via QTAC’s application services.
What information will I see on QTAC?
Within your preferences tab you will see one of the following statuses under the satisfied column:
- Met: You have met the minimum entry requirements to be considered for a place in this course
- Not met: You have not met the minimum entry requirements to be considered for a place in this course. You may want to review your QTAC course preferences.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a QTAC offer for this course, as there are usually more eligible applicants than places available in the program. Most offers will be made in the November offer round. Further offers may be made in later offer rounds.
Intrafaculty change applications
Admissions will notify you of your outcome by email, sent to your QUT student email address from December.
Change of major or minor applications
The Creative Industries Faculty will notify you of your outcome by email, sent to your QUT student email address from late November.
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't defer your offer in this course. You must start in the semester you apply for.
More about deferring your offer
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2019
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, 310.5 KB).
Your portfolio should be submitted with your application form.
Your interview
You'll be assigned an interview time, either in person, or via phone or Skype. Interviews are conducted in English.
For your interview, you'll need:
- a confirmation notice of your interview time, date and location
- a printed CV of no more than 2 pages, outlining both formal and informal learning and experiences in the field of visual arts
- a backup copy of your portfolio on USB, hard drive or portable device.
Portfolio and interview preparation
Visual arts portfolio and interview preparation (PDF file, 156.6 KB)
Visual arts portfolio template (PDF file, 204.6 KB)
Interview location and dates
If you are within Australia, you will need to attend one of the available interview times. You can select this through the online registration form. The time and date of your interview cannot be changed except in exceptional circumstances.If you are applying from outside Australia, we will contact you with your interview time and date.
If you do not attend an interview, either in person or via phone or Skype, you won't be considered for a place in the course.
In-person interviews (Brisbane)
- Date
- Monday 30 September 2019
- Tuesday 1 October 2019
- Location
- Z9, Creative Industries Precinct, cnr of Kelvin Grove Rd & Musk Avenue, QUT Kelvin Grove Campus
Phone and Skype interviews
- Date
- Wednesday 2 October 2019
- Thursday 3 October 2019
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cambridge English Score
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. 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 within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
TOEFL iBT
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
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
Fees
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 fees
2021: $32,500 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.
Scholarships
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
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.
Develop a meaningful practice
‘I make art because I can’t imagine not making art. Artists ask questions and start conversations that are really important for a healthy society. Studying at QUT was fundamental in my career, it taught me to constantly question and experiment in my art practice. I was free to explore all manner of topics, media and processes in my art making.’
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.’
Real graduate
'Prior to this degree my art practice focused more on technically skilled work; however, thanks to QUT, I am able to prioritise the conceptual qualities of a work, and allow my practice to be informed by an in-depth understanding of art history. In 2010 I was the winner of the Kay and Robert Bryan/Jack Manton Art Prize, I have been a finalist in the Archibald Prize in 2007 and 2009, and in February of this year I had my first solo show at the Milani Gallery in Brisbane.'
Career flexibility
As public programs curator for The Cube, a state-of-the-art digital and interactive learning environment at the heart of QUT’s new Science and Engineering Centre, Jacina Leong has adapted her skill set within visual arts to apply to science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. While very different in many ways, her previous roles in Public Programs at the Ipswich Art Gallery and as Gallery Manager for Jan Murphy Gallery, also operated within the cultural sector and engaged audiences through visual arts.
Real graduate
'The course structure puts strong emphasis on studio practice. The opportunity to explore a multiplicity of styles and approaches to art making embraces and reflects contemporary lifestyles and attitudes, and seemed more relevant to me as a young aspiring artist.'
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.
Develop a meaningful practice
‘I make art because I can’t imagine not making art. Artists ask questions and start conversations that are really important for a healthy society. Studying at QUT was fundamental in my career, it taught me to constantly question and experiment in my art practice. I was free to explore all manner of topics, media and processes in my art making.’
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.’
Real graduate
'Prior to this degree my art practice focused more on technically skilled work; however, thanks to QUT, I am able to prioritise the conceptual qualities of a work, and allow my practice to be informed by an in-depth understanding of art history. In 2010 I was the winner of the Kay and Robert Bryan/Jack Manton Art Prize, I have been a finalist in the Archibald Prize in 2007 and 2009, and in February of this year I had my first solo show at the Milani Gallery in Brisbane.'
Career flexibility
As public programs curator for The Cube, a state-of-the-art digital and interactive learning environment at the heart of QUT’s new Science and Engineering Centre, Jacina Leong has adapted her skill set within visual arts to apply to science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. While very different in many ways, her previous roles in Public Programs at the Ipswich Art Gallery and as Gallery Manager for Jan Murphy Gallery, also operated within the cultural sector and engaged audiences through visual arts.
Real graduate
'The course structure puts strong emphasis on studio practice. The opportunity to explore a multiplicity of styles and approaches to art making embraces and reflects contemporary lifestyles and attitudes, and seemed more relevant to me as a young aspiring artist.'
