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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Contemporary Art

Intensive studio practice is a focus of this degree, and as a contemporary art student you will have access to stimulating, custom-built studio spaces and workshops. You will also graduate with a broad knowledge of contemporary and historical art.

A separate one-year Bachelor of Art and Design (Honours) program is available to students who complete this degree with a credit or higher Grade Point Average (GPA). Other selection criteria may apply. 

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Contemporary Art/Master of Teaching (Secondary) - it's a pathway straight into postgraduate study. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Contemporary Art/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 424811.

Throughout your studies you will explore the theoretical, technical and conceptual skills in contemporary art. You will also undertake research and get the opportunity to bring your ideas to life in on-campus studio spaces and workshops. Pieces produced will then be displayed at exhibitions at various Adelaide art spaces.   

During your second and third years you will complete a number of electives, which will further complement your specialisation. You are able to choose your electives from the studio disciplines or from a wider pool of electives. In your final year you will complete major project work where you will identify and frame a concept, plan appropriate methods and undertake research.

Campus Information

Adelaide- City West

On the edge of Adelaide’s central business district, City West houses studies in business, law, art, architecture, design, Indigenous cultures and Australian society.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Bachelor of Contemporary Art graduates are not only creative problem solvers, but they also ask new questions. They are motivated, independent, resourceful, and able to apply their learning in a wide range of professional contexts, including museums and galleries, councils, theatres, festivals and community organisations.

The job prospects for contemporary artists in Australia are strong1 and the practical, creative, and analytical skills developed in the Bachelor of Contemporary Art are immediately transferable to other areas of the arts and cultural industries, and beyond. Careers for graduates of the Bachelor of Contemporary Art include: 

  • artist
  • ceramicist or glass artist
  • jewellery designer and maker
  • graphic designer
  • arts administrator
  • art director
  • set designer
  • gallery director, curator and exhibition designer
  • studio manager
  • community arts worker and workshop facilitator
  • art therapist
  • art teacher*

*To qualify as a secondary school art teacher, you can apply for the combined Bachelor of Contemporary Art/Master of Teaching (Secondary) degree - it's a pathway straight into a secondary teaching career. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.