Bachelor of Art and Design (Honours)

This honours degree will introduce you to high level research and help you develop the skills necessary to engage in rigorous research and analysis in the creative fields.

It can be used in preparation for postgraduate and PhD studies, or for research or leadership roles in the dynamic creative industries.

You will be taught by leading creative researchers, academics and practitioners, and learn in state-of-the art on-campus workshops and design studios.

As part of your studies you will work on a year-long project that involves the development of a research proposal, which is then realised through investigation, exploration, experimentation, analysis and implementation.

Entry requirements

Entry into the Honours program will be available to students who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant Visual Arts or Design discipline or equivalent with an overall grade point average of 5 or above (credit level average) and who have obtained a credit level average in the final year in the discipline the candidate intends to pursue within the Honours program. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

You will learn skills necessary for completing research in creative disciplines. You will then apply these skills to frame and develop your own research project, producing a research outcome that responds to your research questions and your project aims and objectives. Outcomes are visual and/or written, as appropriate to your discipline and project. Throughout your research studies you will be supervised by an experienced research academic.

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 practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

Our staff are highly trained industry professionals and academic researchers who bring with them years of experience, giving students opportunities to link with industry and build important networks. 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

When you graduate from this honours degree you will have the skills needed to take on a range of roles in the creative arts and design industries. Careers to consider:

• communication designer: develop creative communication design responses including identity, branding, publication, digital and interaction design for varied contexts
• illustration and/or animation professional: create engaging pictures, characters and narratives for a broad range of applications including but not limited to, publishing, gaming, animation and film industries
• artist: create original creative; produce work for public art, artists residencies or commission by an individual or organisation

You will also have the necessary research skills to embark on a research career, by undertaking a higher degree qualification such as a Masters by Research or Doctor of Philosophy.

To apply to study with us go to the top of this page and click Apply. You will be directed to our online application portal.

Applications open on 1 September and close at 11.59pm on 30 November. Honours applicants need to provide extra documentation which must be emailed to CTV-TeachingLearning@unisa.edu.au. This comprises a 500 word statement of intent, plus a 500 word outline of your proposed research thesis or project. It is important that your research thesis aligns with the expertise and research agendas of UniSA's academic staff.

Applicants must complete details related to their thesis proposal on this form and be returned via email to CTV-TeachingLearning@unisa.edu.au.

Statement of intent (500 words): Outline your future career objectives for undertaking research study, together with a summary of your specific aims for developing your academic, creative and professional skills.

Proposal Outline and Portfolio: Succinctly state what your proposed research topic or project is and what discipline areas or fields of research you are considering working within.

Applicants are also required to provide a portfolio.

Please note: if you do not provide this information, your application will not be considered as UniSA needs to ensure that it has the appropriate supervision required for the topic or project to be undertaken.

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 an art and design student you will have access to:

• studios and workshops
• the University’s collection of art, craft and design resource materials, which is the largest in the state
• Adelaide’s arts, culture and entertainment precinct, located close to our City West campus