Bachelor of Arts (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.

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.

• Common Level 1 Subjects

• Level 1 Major

• 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

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 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

• 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).