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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Contemporary Art?
Our innovative contemporary art degree gives you knowledge and skills in a comprehensive range of visual art disciplines including ceramics, drawing, glass, jewellery, new media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, and contemporary art history and theory.
You will have access to custom-built studio spaces and be taught by practicing artists, and world-class researchers and art educators.
You can use your contemporary art qualification as a pathway to further study in the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) or the Master of Design (Contemporary Art). You can also combine the Bachelor of Contemporary Art with a Master of Teaching (Secondary) to become a secondary school art teacher.
Key features
UniSA, incorporating the South Australian School of Art, has over 160 years of experience in art education. UniSA is ranked #1 in South Australia for Learning Resources in Creative Arts1 and also holds the top rank in the state for Art and Design Facilities2.
As a student in the Bachelor of Contemporary Art, you will:
- Be taught by practicing artists, world-class researchers3 and art educators
- Learn in purpose-built studios and workshops with state-of-the-art facilities
- Have direct access to the SASA Gallery, MOD. and Samstag Museum of Art
- Work alongside visiting artists as part of our Artist in Residence program
- Study in Adelaide's dynamic City West cultural precinct, home of JamFactory, Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE), Nexus Arts and MercuryCX, and just a short tram ride away from the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum.
You also have the option of applying for the Bachelor of Contemporary Art/Master of Teaching (Secondary) packaged option for a pathway straight into secondary teaching.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Creative Arts – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
3Results in Studies in Creative Arts and Writing - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
Building your career is our business. With 100% of our research rated at or above world-class2, you can be confident that you'll learn advanced art and research skills of the highest standard.
You’ll be taught by industry professionals. Our academics have a very practical approach to learning and you’ll work on real projects and get real experience. We partner with local icons and international industry professionals to focus on real world projects.
We’ve also invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you’ll use the latest technologies and learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces.
1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
UniSA offers the following Contemporary Art degrees
Choose your level of study
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Big apple artist
In the city that never sleeps, UniSA architecture grad, Annika Bowker, is fully immersed in her creative practice, using her studio in Brooklyn to turn plants, textiles, wood and metal into stunning works of art.
This UNSTOPPABLE force has become a rising star in the NYC art scene, helping to renovate the Yale Natural History Museum, completing an art residency in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, working on high end residential and community housing projects, and exhibiting her work at the San Bernardino Museum with a focus on climate change.
Want to learn more? Read Annika's full story.
Annika Bowker
Architectural/Interior Designer & Artist
Bachelor of Architecture (Honours)
Contemporary art graduates are highly creative, motivated, disciplined, and qualified to work in a range of professional contexts, independently, or in conjunction with organisations such as councils, theatres, galleries, festivals and community groups.
The job prospects for contemporary artists in Australia are strong1 and the practical, creative and analytical skills acquired in the Bachelor of Contemporary Art are immediately transferable to other areas of the arts and cultural industries, and beyond. Careers to consider include:
- artist
- designer-maker
- arts administrator
- art director
- art gallery manager
- set designer and builder
- curator and exhibition designer
- community arts worker and workshop facilitator
- art therapist
- secondary school art teacher
- graphic designer and illustrator.
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 higher-degree pathway straight into a secondary teaching career. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.
1Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Job Outlook 2020
Global networks
We are a globally connected university and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
UniSA's leading art museums and galleries
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
Study at UniSA
Hear from UniSA graduate and artist Lucy Zola about her experience studying Contemporary Art at UniSA and how it has helped her reach her career goals.
What others are saying
My qualification in accounting, and applied knowledge, helped me to successfully elevate myself through the finance industry and enjoy a rewarding career in management; which in turn afforded me the chance to take my life into a very different direction during midlife. My master degree in art provided both direction and clarification to my emerging professional arts practice along with supportive networks and connections.
Janice Lane
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Master of Visual Art and Creative Practice
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
