Bachelor of Contemporary Art

Intensive studio teaching is a focus of this degree, and as a contemporary art student you will have access to stimulating, custom-built studio spaces and workshops.

You will also graduate with a broad knowledge of art history and the theories and practices of contemporary art and training in how to grow your career.

Throughout your studies, you can explore the following studio disciplines:

Ceramics Drawing Glass Jewellery and Metal Painting Photography Sculpture Textiles A separate one-year Bachelor of Art and Design (Honours) program is available to students who complete this degree with a credit or higher Grade Point Average (GPA).

Other selection criteria may apply.

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 pathway straight into postgraduate study.

If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Contemporary Art/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using 424811.

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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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 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

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Throughout your studies you will acquire the technical, conceptual, research and advanced problem-solving skills necessary for successful contemporary art practice. You will have the opportunity to bring your creative ideas to life in dedicated studios and workshops, build a portfolio, and learn how to present your work in gallery spaces on and off campus.

Following your Foundation year, where you will be introduced to each of the studio areas, you can choose from a wide range of electives drawn from the Bachelor of Contemporary Art and other programs across the University. In your final year, you will work towards the completion of major artworks, identifying concepts, undertaking research, and experimenting with mediums and materials. This will culminate in the end-of-year Graduate exhibition.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate a range of practical and creative skills, with professionally focused and research-based learning. Assessment types will vary but these will generally include:

Learn from practising artists and industry professionals, and benefit from their experience and connections with studios and institutions around the world. You will also be given the opportunity to build networks and broaden your understanding of contemporary arts practice through workshops and seminars with visiting artists. The Bachelor of Contemporary Art also offers a range of study tours and exchange programs giving you the opportunity to further expand your horizons.

UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Your career

Contemporary artists are highly creative, motivated and disciplined professionals able to work in a wide range of 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 looking 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 pathway straight into postgraduate study. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

1 Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Job Outlook 2020

To apply:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

* There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As a contemporary art student you will have access to:

• dedicated studio spaces and workshops in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewellery, printmaking, photography, textiles, digital and new media
• the University library’s extensive collection of art, craft and design resource materials
• on campus galleries including the South Australian School of Art Gallery and the Samstag Museum of Art
• UniSA’s City West campus located at the heart of Adelaide’s vibrant art, culture and entertainment precinct.