Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Digital and Social Media)

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.

Digital and Social Media

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

1. understand and apply key concepts of Internet Studies and apply trans-disciplinary thinking to the application and creation of ideas concerning networked technologies of information and communication
2. think critically, creatively and reflectively so as to imagine, design, use and critique networked technologies of information and communication
3. conduct appropriate scholarly and professional research to find, access, organise, evaluate and synthesise information through a variety of media and apply that information to the construction of knowledge
4. communicate and facilitate communication through a variety of media, for different purposes, and for different audiences
5. use the Internet and related networked technologies of information and communication with an understanding of the complex interaction of political, cultural, and economic forces that constitutes technology as social
6. further develop skills and knowledge through self-directed learning
7. understand the complex interplay of local, national and global factors that influence and are expressed through the Internet and networked technologies of information and communication
8. recognise and value cultural difference and understand its significance in relation to network technologies and their use in society for communication and information
9. act ethically and responsibly to use, sustain and expand the social, business and cultural networks that exist via the Internet, when working independently and in teams.

This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art and Internet Communications).

This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of fine art and Digital and Social Media. 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. The Digital and Social Media component provides you with an opportunity to learn in detail about the human dimensions of the internet: how people network, collaborate and share information through internet communications, media and design.

Recommended study pattern

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

Level 1 BA (Fine Art) (Digital and Social Media ) - complete the following:

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• WEB101 Web Communications (Digital and Social Media major subject)
• NET102 Internet and Everyday Life (Digital and Social Media major subject)
• VSW14 Fine Art Studio Methods (Fine Art major subject)
• VSW13 Fine Art Studio (Fine Art major subject)
• Two Elective subjects

Level 2 and level 3

Single Major BA (Digital and Social Media)

Complete four level two and four level three Digital and Social Media major subjects

AND

Single Major BA (Fine Art)

Complete four level two and four level three Fine Art major subjects

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

Award requirements

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

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• Ten Fine Art Major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
• Ten Digital and Social Media Major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
• Two Elective subjects

The following criteria also apply:

• The combined Fine Art and Digital and Social Media structure allows two electives only.
• 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.

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 - Fine Art

• Level 1 Major - Digital and Social Media

• Level 2 Major - Fine Art

• Level 2 Major - Digital and Social Media

• Level 3 Major - Fine Art

• Level 3 Major - Digital and Social Media

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) (Digital and Social Media) will be required to transition to the new degree structure as detailed below.  

Level 1:

• Two humanities core subjects; APC100 and COM155,
• Two Fine Art major subjects; VSW13 and VSW14, and
• Two Digital and Social Media major subjects;  NET102 and WEB101
• Two Optional subjects

Level 2:

• Four Fine Art major subjects; VSW210, VSW220, VSW230, and VSW240, and
• Four Digital and Social Media major subjects; NET204, NET205, WEB206 and WEB207, and

Level 3:

• Four Fine Art major subjects; VSW31, VSW32, VSW330 and VSW340,  and
• Four Digital and Social Media major subjects; NET303, WEB300, WEB310 and NET308 OR NET391

Fine Art Subject Changes

• VIS18 and VAR101 (previously VAR100) are no longer  Humanities Core Level 1 subjects. Students who have previously completed these subjects as common core subjects will have these credited to their degree of study.
• VSW25, VSW26, VSW27 and VSW28 are no longer 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 subjects.
• VSW210, VSW220, VSW230 and VSW240 have been developed to allow to choose either Painting OR Sculpture as their major studio focus.
• VSW330 replaces VSW33.  VSW330 will offer 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 enrol in VSW330.
• VSW340 replaces VSW34.  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 specialism.

Digital and Social MediaChanges

• Major Title Change: The title of the major Internet Communications has been changed to Digital and Social Media to reflect current relevancy and recognition within this industry.
• Electives - Humanities Level 1 subjects MCA100 and MED104 will be offered for the last time in SP1 and SP3, 2020. 
• Electives - Humanities Level 1 subjects MCA110 and MCA120 are no longer available as of SP1 2020.  Students who have previously completed these will have these subjects credited towards their degree.
• NET390 Internet Communications Project has been changed to NET391 Digital and Social Media Communications project to be in line with the title of the degree and is now an option subject for NET308 Internet Collaboration and Innovation to allow more flexibility and bring the former into the line-up of core subjects.  NET390 Internet Communications Project was previously a double subject.

Existing students will need to select from the available subjects to complete the BA (Fine Art) (Digital and Social Media) degree.

The combined Fine Art and Digital and Social Media structure only allows two elective subjects.

Curtin University is committed to the fundamental principle that, no matter which degree 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

Digital and Social Media Major Coordinator: Elaine Tay internetstudies@exchange.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 $36,770

The amount shown here is 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 study through OUA – either:
  • 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).