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Discipline info for International 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)
Building your career is our business. With 100% of our research rated at or above world-class1, 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.
12018 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.
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
UniSA's leading art museums and galleries
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
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
