Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Professional Writing and Publishing)

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.

Professional Writing and Publishing

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

1. identify, explain and apply the key disciplinary concepts and principles in professional writing and publishing
2. integrate theory and creative practice in the production and analysis of professional writing texts; conceive, develop and evaluate innovative modes of professional communication
3. access and evaluate the sources, authority and relevance of information, and synthesise key facts, themes and ideas in professional writing and publishing
4. effectively communicate ideas to a range of audiences, across a variety of media, genres, and purposes
5. use and evaluate a range of appropriate technologies to access resources, communicate effectively, and develop writing and research skills
6. use and reflect on disciplinary skills and knowledge to develop autonomous learning, and apply these insights to writing in a range of different professional contexts
7. acknowledge the interrelationship between local, national and global perspectives and the impact of this on professional writing and publishing
8. recognise and value the diversity of cultural knowledge and practices, taking care to represent these, where appropriate, in an ethical and professional manner
9. work independently and/or collaboratively to produce innovative, creative and ethical professional writing that is appropriate to a variety of professional and cultural contexts.

This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of fine art and professional writing & publishing. The Fine Art degree 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 major aims to produce highly accomplished and knowledgeable graduates able to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of contemporary society. The Professional Writing and Publishing major prepares students for writing careers in the private, public and creative sectors through the study and practice of a range of different writing forms, including feature articles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, travel writing, history, humour, writing for the internet, promotional writing, creative non-fiction and media releases.

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) (Professional Writing and Publishing) - complete the following:

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• VSW13 Fine Art Studio (Fine Art major subject)
• VSW14 Fine Art Studio Methods (Fine Art major subject)
• PWP110 Introduction to Writing (Professional Writing and Publishing major subject)
• PWP121 Writing, Rhetoric and Persuasion (Professional Writing and Publishing major subject)
• Two Elective subjects

Level 2 and level 3

Single Major BA (Fine Art)

Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Fine Art major subjects

AND

Single Major BA (Professional Writing and Publishing)

Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Professional Writing and Publishing 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) (Professional Writing and Publishing) students must complete a total of 24 subjects as follows:

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• 10 Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
• 10 Fine Art major subjects selected from Levels 1, 2 and 3
• 2 elective subjects

The following criteria also apply:

• The combined Fine Art and Professional Writing and Publishing structure allows 2 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.

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 - Professional Writing and Publishing

• Level 2 Major - Fine Art

• Level 2 Major - Professional Writing and Publishing

• Level 3 Major - Fine Art

• Level 3 Major - Professional Writing and Publishing

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.

2024 Changes

The following Subjects will be offered from 2024: 

• PWP230 Publishing 
• PWP240 Workplace Writing  
• PWP330 Publishing Studio 

They will replace the following, which will no longer be offered in 2024: 

• PWP221 Writing Feature Articles 
• PWP220 Tricks of Truth and Authenticity 
• PWP322 Advanced Editing and Publishing 
• PWP324 Portfolio Development for Writers 

Students who have completed the above subjects will have them counted towards the completion of their degrees. 

For assistance with Student Services, please phone 1300 222 888 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm AWST (Tuesday from 9:30 am), Monday to Friday, or contact Curtin Connect via theAsk Connect Webform.

2020 Changes

Degree structure changes

From SP1 2020, students completing the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Professional Writing and Publishing) major 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 Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects; PWP110 and PWP121, and
• Two elective subjects

Level 2:

• Four Fine Art major subjects; VSW210, VSW220, VSW230, and VSW240, and
• Four Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects; PWP210, PWP211, PWP221 and PWP220

Level 3:

• Four Fine Art major subjects; VSW31, VSW32, VSW330 and VSW340, and
• Four Professional Writing and Publishing major subjects; PWP310, PWP311, PWP322, and choose from PWP323 OR PWP324,

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 enroll 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.

Existing students will need to select from the available subjects to complete the BA (Fine Art) (Professional Writing and Publishing) degree.

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. 

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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).

PWP323 has a practicum placement requirement.