Program Overview

Visual Arts Major

Overview

The visual arts major sequence provides a mix of art and design history and theory electives and studio-based fine art. Students will experience a range of professional practice opportunities, such as entering their work in art competitions, writing publish-ready interviews, articles, and art reviews, and presenting their artwork in group exhibitions in the ACU gallery. The program is taught by staff who are active practitioners in their field, and students benefit from small class sizes in an intimate studio environment. For those on an education pathway, it is possible to combine a major in visual arts with a teaching qualification to prepare for secondary level visual arts teaching.

Career Opportunities

The art history and theory units have resulted in career outcomes such as freelance art reviewers, educational officers in galleries, and research assistant positions in academia. The practical art units have led to students working toward solo exhibitions and curating group shows of their peers' work in artist-run spaces.

Completion Requirements

A student must complete 80 credit points of the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:

• At least 10 credit points from 100-level units (Part A)
• At least 40 credit points from 200-level units (Part B)
• At least 20 credit points from 300-level units (Part C)

Part A: 100-level Units

Complete at least 10 credit points from the following:

• ARTS109: Drawing (10 CP)
• ARTS112: Art in the Early 20th Century (10 CP)
• DESN120: Graphic Design Thinking (10 CP)

Part B: 200-level Units

Complete at least 40 credit points from the following:

• ARTS226: Video / Installation (10 CP)
• ARTS236: Ceramics/Multimedia (10 CP)
• ARTS237: Postmodern Art in the 20th Century (10 CP)
• ARTS238: Photography (10 CP)
• ARTS241: Painting (10 CP)
• ARTS245: Printmaking (10 CP)
• ARTS246: Sculptural Practice (10 CP)
• ARTS247: Renaissance to Romanticism in Art and Architecture (10 CP)
• DESN227: Web Design (10 CP)
• DESN240: Design for Multimedia (10 CP)
• DESN242: Design for Publication (10 CP)
• DESN243: Design for Visual Storytelling (10 CP)
• DESN244: Design for Social Media (10 CP)
• HUMA252: Art, Politics and Society in Renaissance and Baroque Rome (10 CP)
• HUMA253: The Art of France From Empire to Modernity (10 CP)

Part C: 300-level Units

Complete at least 20 credit points from the following:

• ARTS332: Self-Directed Studio (10 CP)
• ARTS340: Visual Arts and Design Major Project (10 CP)
• ARTS325: Professional Practice (10 CP)
• ARTS330: Internship (10 CP)
• ARTS338: International Study Tour: Venice Biennale (10 CP)
• ARTS341: Art in the 21st Century (10 CP)
• HUMA320: Major Creative Project (10 CP)

Restriction requirement for HUMA320: Permission from the National Head of School or Course Coordinator is required prior to enrolling in this unit if you wish to count it towards a particular major.