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The Bachelor of Visual Arts provides a comprehensive grounding in the practical and theoretical aspects of contemporary visual arts practice. The theoretical component of the course instils an appreciation of both contemporary and historical perspectives. Southern Cross University is committed to providing a diverse and rich studio experience in an atmosphere that nurtures and inspires creativity. Students develop their skills working in well-equipped, purpose-built studios for painting, printmaking, three-dimensional studies (including ceramics and bronze casting), drawing, photography and digital arts, under the guidance of staff who are all practising artists.
The Lismore campus is a cultural hub where creativity and passion thrive, reflecting the dynamic arts scene of the Northern Rivers.
Graduates work as professional and community artists, designers, arts administrators, educators, curators and arts writers. Graduates are employed by the private and public sectors or are self-employed. When combined with the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) graduates can also teach art at secondary level (see related courses below).
Southern Cross University Visual Arts graduates have featured in some of Australia's most prestigious art awards and their work regularly features in commercial and public galleries nationally and internationally.
Students have the opportunity to undertake internships with the dynamic arts industries of the NSW North Coast. They can also study for a session at universities overseas including the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York, University of Hertfordshire in England, Universitat de Barcelona in Spain, University of Massachusetts in USA, and Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.
Core Studies are:
Major in either:
To qualify for the Bachelor of Visual Arts a total of 288 credit points (usually 24 units) must be completed, comprising 12 Core units and 12 other units which can be in a combination of majors and/or elective units.
Please note that some majors and units may not be available at each location. Unit availabilities are published for each study period and vary from year to year. Please contact the School for further information.
For course rules and a full list of units, please refer to the Specific Award Rules below.
| Locations | ||
| Distance Education | Unavailable | |
| Lismore | Session 1 | |
| Coffs Harbour | Unavailable | |
| Gold Coast Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga |
Unavailable | |
| Course Duration | 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time May be completed in a shorter duration subject to unit availabilities. |
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| Fees and Charges | • Domestic fees • International fees • Additional fee information |
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| School | School of Arts and Social Sciences | |
| Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries | scu.edu.au/enquiries | |
| Further Information | Domestic applicants: Ph: 1800 626 481 International applicants: Ph: +61 2 6620 3876; E: intoff@scu.edu.au |
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| Total Units: | Award Abbreviation: | 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP: |
| 24 | BVA | N/A — entry by portfolio and interview. |
| UAC Course Code | QTAC Course Code | CRICOS Course Code |
| Lismore: 333102 | Lismore: 053021 | Lismore NSW: 026997B |
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including studio-based teaching, field work, lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.
The Academic Skills Development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.
Visual Arts Studio Studies, Digital Art and Design, and Drawing units are assessed by portfolio and artist's journal. Generally, approximately 80 per cent of the final grade is based on the portfolio. During study periods there are on-going critique sessions for feedback on students’ progress. Photography units are assessed by a combination of ungraded competency-based modules plus a graded project. Art Theory units are assessed by research paper, group presentations, take-home exams, and journal.
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well-equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
Excellent discipline-specific facilities are available for:
All studios are purpose-designed, well-equipped and fitted with appropriate ventilation. Students in most studio specialisations are given individual work spaces, while in others the studio is a shared workspace. Individual lockers are available to all students and storage space is available for works-in-progress. Students have access to small exhibition spaces in the building.
Additional Application Information
Entry to this course is by portfolio/interview. Applicants are required to have an interview and present a portfolio of work. All applicants are sent a letter from the University by early November regarding the portfolio requirements and interview dates. Applicants who have not been contacted by the end of November should call the University on 02 6620 3831. For further details, including portfolio requirements please visit scu.edu.au/visarts
Pre-requisite Year 12 subjects
There are no pre-requisite subjects required for this course.
On-campus Undergraduate applications
To apply to study an undergraduate degree at a SCU campus, apply online through the NSW Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). For more information please visit either the UAC or QTAC websites: www.uac.edu.au or www.qtac.edu.au. A late fee applies for UAC and QTAC applications received after the 30th of September.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Office website.
At Southern Cross University, your previous study or work experience may help you cut time off your degree.
We recommend that you apply for advance standing at the same time as you apply for admission into this course, because the amount and type of credit awarded will determine your study plan.
For more details and how to apply please visit the Advanced Standing website.
Bachelor of Visual Arts with Honours
Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Arts
Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
4.1 Qualification for AdmissionApplicants for admission shall be required to show evidence, through a portfolio review and interview, of acceptable aptitude for, and commitment to, the proposed area of study.
4.2 Requirements for an AwardTo be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Visual Arts degree a candidate shall successfully complete not less than 24 units comprising:
Candidates who can demonstrate artistic expertise at a professional level may be granted advanced standing up to four (4) double-weighted Visual Arts Studio Studies units from Part A of the Schedule provided that such artistic expertise has been demonstrated within seven (7) years prior to admission to candidature.
~ Optional unit
* Double weighted unit