Bachelor of Arts (Visual Culture)
Undergraduate
CUR-VLC-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Art mirrors life — the how and why
Explore how culture is expressed in visual images. Understand how art informs our world, through the history and theories of art. Work in sectors where initiative, creativity and critical thinking are valued—curation, policy development, and tourism.
Entry pathways available with no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 23 Feb 2025,
- 25 May 2025,
- 24 Aug 2025,
- 23 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Arts (Visual Culture)
About this degree
At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
- apply discipline knowledge of critical discourses within art and design; contribute to evidence based practice through visual research
- think critically and reflectively by incorporating creativity within the research and articulation of visual culture
- critically evaluate visual culture, technology, practices and literature relevant to the discipline, synthesise information from a range of sources
- demonstrate effective visual, spoken and written communication appropriate to art and design critical discourses
- use and discern visual and other technologies appropriate to the understanding of contemporary art and design
- sustain an engagement with visual culture and creative industries through self-directed ongoing learning skills
- recognise the significance of disparate international visual art and design practices in the development of local and national professional contemporary visual cultural production
- 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
- work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating art and design professional practice and leadership skills.
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 practice.
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 Visual Culture
- Digital and Social Media and Visual Culture
- Professional Writing & Publishing and Visual Culture
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 (Visual Culture) – complete the following:
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communications (core subject)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
- VIS18 Introduction to History of Art and Design
- VIS19 Issues in Contemporary Art
- Four elective subjects
Level 2 and level 3
Single Major BA (Visual Culture)
Complete four level two and four level three Visual Culture 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 below. 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 (Visual Culture) students must complete a total of 24 subjects as follows:
BA (Visual Culture)
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communications (core subject)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
- VIS18 Introduction to History of Art and Design
- VIS19 Issues in Contemporary Art
- Ten Visual Culture Major subjects
- Twelve elective subjects
The following criteria also apply to single major degrees:
- 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 allows for two electives at first year level.
- 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 twelve electives which may be selected from additional Fine Art and Visual Culture subjects or from any OUA undergraduate subjects to a maximum of four, Level 1 elective subjects.
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.
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.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
2020 Changes
The Bachelor of Arts (Visual Culture) have undergone a major change in 2020.
Degree structure changes
From SP1 2020, students completing the Bachelor of Arts, Visual Culture major will be required to transition to the new degree structure as detailed below.
Level 1:
- Two humanities core subjects; APC100, COM155,
- Two Visual Culture major subjects; VIS18 and VIS19, and
- Four Elective subjects OR Two Second Major subjects and Two Optional subjects
Level 2:
- Four major subjects; VIS24, VIS27 VIS29 and VAR250, and
- Four Elective subjects OR Four Second Major subjects
Level 3:
- Four major subjects; VIS320, VIS330, VIS340 and VAR300, and
- Four Elective subjects OR Four Second Major subjects
Subject Changes
- VIS18 has been changed from a common core subject to a Visual Culture major subject.
- VAR101 (previously VAR100) is no longer a common core subject. Students may select this select as an elective.
- VAR110 (previously VAR11) is no longer a core subject in the Visual Culture Major. Students may select this subject as an elective.
- VAR25 and VAR31 will be deactivated in 2020, and will be replaced with VAR250 and VAR300.
- VAR250 and VAR300 have been developed to provide students optional pathways to develop their research skills through theoretical or practical approaches.
- VAR26 and VAR32 will be deactivated in 2021. Existing registered major students may continue to select these subjects to complete their major degree of study in either BA (Visual Culture) or registered to complete BA (Fine Art) and (Visual Culture) in 2020 only.
- VIS25 has been restructured from a level 2 subject to a level 3 subject VIS340 in the Visual Culture Major. Students who have completed VIS25 should not complete the third year level subject VIS340.
- VIS26 will be available for SP1 2020 only and will then be deactivated.
- Students who have previously completed VAR100, VAR11, VIS26, VAR26 and VAR32 will have them credited in the new structure.
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: 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 first year fee
$7,608
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.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Start with an undergraduate certificate regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Undergraduate certificate
Start with a certificate
Complete an undergraduate certificate in as little as six months. You'll gain a recognised qualification and credit to bring to the Bachelor of Arts (Visual Culture).
View certificate detailsContinue to the Bachelor of Arts (Visual Culture)
Enter the degree with full credit from your certificate. You'll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
- 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.
- Successful study through OUA – either:
- 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).
Career opportunities
Graduates find employment in a wide range of fields, especially where initiative, creative thinking and critical awareness are valued. Many graduates rise to prominence as individual or collaborative professional art practitioners, while others are employed as art curators, exhibition coordinators and arts administrators in both public and private organisations.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Archivists, Curators and Records Managers | $93K to $120K | Up 12% |
Arts Administrators and Managers | Over $120K | N/A^ |
Gallery and Museum Curators | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals | N/A^ | Up 10.3% |
^ There is no data available
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.