Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Visual Culture)

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

1. apply discipline knowledge of critical discourses within art and design; contribute to evidence based practice through visual research
2. think critically and reflectively by incorporating creativity within the research and articulation of visual culture
3. critically evaluate visual culture, technology, practices and literature relevant to the discipline, synthesise information from a range of sources
4. demonstrate effective visual, spoken and written communication appropriate to art and design critical discourses
5. use and discern visual and other technologies appropriate to the understanding of contemporary art and design
6. sustain an engagement with visual culture and creative industries through self-directed ongoing learning skills
7. recognise the significance of disparate international visual art and design practices in the development of local and national professional contemporary visual cultural 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 art and design
9. work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating art and design professional practice and leadership skills.

This degree offers a choice of two single majors: BA (Fine Art) or BA (Visual Culture). Students may choose to study both single majors to obtain the BA (Fine Art) (Visual Culture).

If you would like to explore the full breadth of art practice including theory and history, combining the two majors into a BA (Fine Art) (Visual Culture) is highly recommended. The combination of these majors will offer you broad experience in visual arts , theory and practice. 

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. 

In the Visual Culture major students explore the history and theories of art and learn to critically evaluate how art informs our world. Students have the opportunity to extend and apply research methods through theoretical and/or practical investigations in contemporary art.

Recommended study pattern

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

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 below. The combined Fine Art and Visual Culture structure allows for only two level one electives.

Level 1 BA (Fine Art) (Visual Culture) - complete the following:

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communication (core subject)
• COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
• VIS18 Introduction to History of Art and Design 
• VSW13 Fine Art Studio Materials (Fine Art major subject)
• VSW14 Fine Art Studio Methods (Fine Art major subject)
• VIS19 Issues in Contemporary Art (Visual Culture major subject)
• 2 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 (Visual Culture)

Complete four Level 2 and four Level 3 Visual Culture 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.

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

Award requirements

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

BA (Fine Art) (Visual Culture)

Students completing both the Fine Art and Visual Culture Majors concurrently must complete all common and major subjects for each single major.

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

The following criteria also apply:

• The combined Fine Art and Visual Culture structure only allows for two elective subjects.
• 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

Majors

Fine Art and Visual Culture

In addition to the two Humanities subjects in Level 1 students studying the combined single majors BA (Fine Art) (Visual Culture) must complete 10 Fine Art major subjects and 10 Visual Culture major subjects as listed below

Level 1:
Fine Art major subject VSW13 and VSW14
Visual Culture major subject VIS18 and VIS19

Level 2:
Fine Art major subjects VSW210, VSW220, VSW230 and VSW240
Visual Culture major subjects VIS24, VIS27, VIS29 and VAR250

Level 3:
Fine Art major subjects VSW31, VSW32, VSW330 and VSW340
Visual Culture major subjects VIS320, VIS330, VIS340 and VAR300

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 - Visual Culture

• Level 2 Major - Fine Art

• Level 2 Major - Visual Culture

• Level 3 Major - Fine Art

• Level 3 Major - Visual Culture

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) (Visual Culture) major will be required to transition to the new degree structure as detailed below.

Level 1:

• Two Common Level 1 core subjects; APC100 and COM155,
• Two Fine Art major subjects; VSW13 and VSW14, and
• Two Visual Culture major subjects; VIS18 and VIS19, and
• Two elective subjects

NOTE: Students who have previously completed Common Level 1 core subjects VIS18 and VAR100 will have these credited to their degree of study.

Level 2:

• 4 Fine Art major subjects VSW210, VSW220, VSW230, and VSW240, and
• 4 Visual Culture major subjects VAR250, VIS24, VIS27 and VIS29

Level 3:

• Four Fine Art major subjects VSW31, VSW32, VSW330 and VSW340, and
• Four Visual Culture major subjects VAR300, VIS320, VIS330 and VIS340

Fine Art Subject Changes

• 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.

Visual Culture Subject Changes

• VIS18 has been changed from a Humanities common core subject to a Visual Culture major subject.
• VAR110 (previously VAR11) is no longer a Visual Culture major subject. Students may select this subject as an elective subject in Level 1.
• VAR250 replaces VAR25.  VAR250 will provide students optional pathways to develop their research skills through theoretical or practical approaches.  
• VAR300 replaces VAR31. VAR300 will provide students optional pathways to develop their research skills through theoretical or practical approaches.
• VIS340 is a new level 3 version of previous level 2 subject VIS25 in the Visual Culture Major. Students who have completed VIS25 should not complete the third year level subject VIS340. Instead students should select another VIS subject from level 2 not already completed.
• VAR26 and VAR32 will be available in 2020 only and then deactivated in 2021. Existing registered major students may continue to select these subjects to complete their major degree of study in BA (Fine Art and Visual Culture) in 2020 only.  
• VIS26 will be available for SP1 2020 only.
• Students who have previously completed VIS26, VAR26 and VAR32 will have them credited in the new structure.
• Existing students will need to select from the available subjects to complete the BA (Fine Art) (Visual Culture) major.

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

Visual Culture Major Coordinator: Gina Cinanni g.cinanni@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 $27,550

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 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).