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Bachelor of Contemporary Art

Degree Level Undergraduate

Years

International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DBCX

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
095004K

Entry requirements

Admission 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 Certificate IV 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

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	3.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	60
Eynesbury FSP	310
German Abitur	3.8
Kenya KCSE (average)	B
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	32
Norway GPA	2.8
Pakistan HSSC	75
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	6
Sweden GPA	12.5
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	6
Vietnam	7
Australia	65
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1050
India (best 4) State Board	70
India (best 4) Central Board	60
HKDSE	15
Nepal NEB	2.41

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The Bachelor of Contemporary Art qualifies individuals to pursue creative practice, supported by specialised knowledge in research, historical and contemporary art and culture and allows graduates to undertake professional work as well as providing pathways to further learning.

Content & Structure

Students will be introduced to the skills and knowledge required by the contemporary art practitioner. They will be provided with opportunities to think creatively, critically and reflectively and introduced to modes of communication for different contexts and taught how to produce works, artefacts and forms of creative expression for public display. They will be taught to work independently and to collaborate with others and encouraged to develop a sound knowledge of national and international developments in contemporary art practice.

This program comprises 108 units, including 27 foundation units, 18 units of elective courses selected from a range of contemporary art disciplines. Students will also study 27 units of core contemporary art practices courses, 18 units of contemporary art theory and 18 units of studio project courses.

From 4 August 2025, the University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students. Study at Adelaide University.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Reading Visual Culture 1	VSAR 1100	4.5
Foundation: Creativity	VSAR 1110	4.5
3D Contemporary Art Studio	VSAR 1105	4.5
Materials and Processes	VSAR 1111	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Drawing Techniques for Visual Arts	VSAR 2048	4.5
Reading Visual Culture 2	VSAR 2100	4.5
Foundation: Principles of Perception	VSAR 1108	4.5
2D Contemporary Art Studio	VSAR 1104	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Contemporary Art Practice	VSAR 2096	4.5
Art and Australian Culture	VSAR 3015	4.5
Studio Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3
Studio Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Contemporary Art Research	VSAR 1106	4.5
Art and Critical Thinking	VSAR 3016	4.5
Studio Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3
Studio Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Contextualising Studio Practice	VSAR 2109	4.5
Studio: Project A	VSAR 3005	9
Studio Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1,2,3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Contemporary Art Career Development	VSAR 3021	4.5
Studio: Project B	VSAR 3006	9
University Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2,4

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Craft & Design
Ceramic Production Techniques	VSAR 2076	4.5
Ceramic Vessels	VSAR 2078	4.5
Art in Public	VSAR 2060	4.5
Textiles: Fibre and Structure	VSAR 2023	4.5
Textiles: Print - Dye	VSAR 2025	4.5
Hot Glass Techniques and Processes	VSAR 2104	4.5
Jewellery Materials and Techniques	VSAR 2105	4.5
Kiln Formed Glass Techniques and Processes	VSAR 2106	4.5
Processes and Forms in Jewellery and Sculptural Objects	VSAR 2108	4.5
Image
Expanded Painting Practices	VSAR 3020	4.5
Figurative Practices	VSAR 3019	4.5
Photography: The Evolution of an Image	VSAR 2066	4.5
Art in Public	VSAR 2060	4.5
Alternative Drawing Processes	VSAR 2046	4.5
Life Drawing	VSAR 2049	4.5
Painting Media and Processes	VSAR 2054	4.5
Digital Photography	VSAR 2067	4.5
Black and White Photography	VSAR 2069	4.5
Etching and Intaglio Printmaking	VSAR 2057	4.5
Relief and Alternative Printmaking	VSAR 2058	4.5
Experimental Media
Art in Public	VSAR 2060	4.5
The Sculptural Object	VSAR 2063	4.5
Arts Writing	VSAR 2042	4.5
The Moving Image: Film, Art and Theory	VSAR 2014	4.5
New Media Art	VSAR 2018	4.5
Internet and Digital Media	VSAR 2020	4.5
Installation Art	VSAR 2098	4.5
Experimental Media	VSAR 2103	4.5

Rules & notes

Notes

1. This course should be chosen from the electives listed. Students are encouraged to choose courses from one of the suggested streams but can undertake any course listed. Note that not all electives are offered in every study period. Alternative courses may be taken with approval of the Program Director.

2. Students wishing to undertake the Master of Teaching after completion must select courses from a second learning area.

3. Students who have a Grade Point Average of 4.5 or more and who wish to independently pursue a topic of interest not available from the courses offered in any one study period may choose either a research or a project-based negotiated study elective with the approval of the Program Director.

4. This course may be chosen from any elective course offered by the university, see undergraduate electives.