Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. apply discipline knowledge of creative production in both studio practice and art critical discourse; contribute to evidence based practice through visual research
2. think critically and reflectively by incorporating creativity within visual research and studio practice
3. critically evaluate visual culture, technology and literature relevant to the discipline, synthesise information from a range of sources
4. demonstrate effective visual, spoken and written communication appropriate to both studio practice and art critical discourse
5. use and discern technologies appropriate to the production of contemporary art
6. demonstrate personal awareness of a critically reflective studio practice; apply effective self-directed learning skills; sustain an engagement with visual culture and creative industries
7. recognise the significance of international visual arts and cultural practice in the development of local and national professional contemporary visual arts production
8. recognise the importance of cultural diversity through visual language; respect individuals from all cultures; develop cross-cultural collaborations that foster innovation and diversity in the visual arts
9. work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating art relevant professional practice and leadership skills.

If you aspire to become a professional artist and want to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of our society, the Fine Art major may suit you. The Fine Art major draws upon the diverse and complex traditions of Fine Art and calls for a high degree of self-discipline, a capacity for self-criticism and dedication to the demanding profession of being an artist. This degree aims to produce highly accomplished and knowledgeable graduates able to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of contemporary society.

Students may choose to study the following combinations of two single majors to obtain the double major award:

• Fine Art and Visual Culture
• Digital Design and Fine Art
• Fine Art and Digital and Social Media
• Fine Art and Professional Writing & Publishing

Please refer to the respective degree pages for more details.

Recommended study pattern

To complete the degree as a full time student, a maximum of two subjects per Study Period is recommended.

Level 1 Single Major BA (Fine Art) – complete the following:

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communications (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• VSW13 Fine Art Studio Materials
• VSW14 Fine Art Studio Methods
• Four elective subjects

Level 2 and level 3

Single Major BA (Fine Art)

Complete four level two and four level three Fine Art major subjects AND Eight elective subjects

BA (Fine Art) and BA (Visual Culture)

Note: Students completing both the Fine Art and Visual Culture Majors concurrently must complete all common and major subjects for each of the single majors as listed in the concurrent majors structure. The combined Fine Art and Visual Culture structure allows for two electives at first year level.

The Bachelor of Arts degree incorporates a progressive structure of subjects designed to build knowledge and enable you to successfully progress through the degree.

Refer to the attached recommended Course Structure (PDF, 622KB)

Award requirements

To obtain the award for the BA (Fine Art) students must complete a total of 24 subjects as follows:

BA (Fine Art)

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communications (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• Ten Fine Art Major subjects Levels 1, 2 and 3
• Twelve elective subjects

The following criteria also apply:

• It is recommended that only 4 of the 10 electives be Level 1 subjects.
• You must complete the degree within 10 years.
• You must complete at least eight Curtin University subjects where Credit for Prior Recognised Learning (CRL) is applicable.

BA (Fine Art) and BA (Visual Culture)

Students completing both the Fine Art and Visual Culture Majors concurrently must complete all major subjects for each single major as listed in the concurrent majors structure.

The following criteria also apply:

• The combined Fine Art and Visual Culture structure only has space for TWO electives.
• You must complete the degree within 10 years
• You must complete at least eight Curtin University subjects where Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is applicable.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Single major students have ten electives which may be selected from any of the following:

• Fine Art/Visual Culture subjects and/or
• Any other OUA undergraduate subjects

Please note you can only do a maximum of 10 first year subjects in your single major degree.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Common Level 1 Subjects

• Level 1 Major

• Single Major Electives

• Level 2 Major

• Level 3 Major

We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact Curtin through the Ask Connect webform and select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.

2020 Changes

Degree structure changes

From SP1 2020, students completing the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) will be required to transition to the new degree structure as detailed below.  

Level 1:

• Two humanities core subjects; APC100, COM155,
• Two Fine Art major subjects; VSW13 and VSW14, and
• Four Elective subjects OR Two Second Major subjects and Two Optional subjects

Level 2:

• Four Fine Art major subjects; VSW210, VSW220, VSW230, and VSW240, and
• Four Elective subjects OR Four Second Major subjects

Level 3:

• Four Fine Art major subjects; VSW31, VSW32, VSW330 and VSW340,  and
• Four Elective subjects OR Four Second Major subjects

Subject Changes

• Optional subjects may include VIS18 and VAR101 (previously VAR100).  Students who have previously completed VIS18 and VAR100 as core subjects will have these credited to their degree of study.
• VSW25, VSW26, VSW27 and VSW28 will no longer be offered in 2020. Students who wish to continue studying the sculpture Fine Art stream will be able to do so in subjects VSW210, VSW220, VSW230 and VSW240. Students who have previously completed these subjects will have them credited to their degree as major or elective subjects.
• VSW210, VSW220, VSW230 and VSW240 have been developed to allow to choose either Painting OR Sculpture as their major studio focus.
• VSW33 will be deactivated in 2020, and will be replaced with VSW330.
• VSW330 will offer students a broadening of subject outcomes to include both theoretical and practical perspectives in the production of art. Students who have previously completed VSW33 should not enroll in this subject.
• VSW34 will be deactivated in 2020, and will be replaced with VSW340.
• VSW340 is the capstone subject for the fine art major where students present a final body of work that represents the culmination of their fine art studies.
• Existing registered major student will need to select subjects to complete their major degree of study in either BA (Fine Art) or registered to complete BA (Fine Art) and (Visual Culture).   

Curtin University is committed to the fundamental principle that, no matter which major structure students choose to stay in or transition into, students will not be disadvantaged in their education.  Curtin University is committed to discussion and consultation and would welcome your email or phone contact at any time to ensure you are fully informed and understand the changes. 

Students with enquiries please email:

Fine Art Major Coordinator Moira Doropoulos m.doropoulos@curtin.edu.au

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $22,824

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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• Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required)

• Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
• Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

• Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional Information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.

Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.

Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.

To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.

More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).