Art Theory

The Bachelor of Art Theory degree focuses on the histories and theories of contemporary art.

Situated in a nationally and internationally renowned art and design school, students learn alongside artists, designers, curators, and writers as they critically engage with significant debates in the field.

Studies in this area allow students … For more content click the Read More button below.The Bachelor of Art Theory degree focuses on the histories and theories of contemporary art.

Situated in a nationally and internationally renowned art and design school, students learn alongside artists, designers, curators, and writers as they critically engage with significant debates in the field.

Studies in this area allow students to trace multiple genealogies, themes, and discourses through 20th and 21st century art, while also exploring new approaches to theorising art and visual culture.

The program introduces students to key artistic practices, movements, and debates with particular attention to the relationship between local and global perspectives.

The program also develops students’ scholarly capacities through foundational skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, academic writing, and research, and enables professional development opportunities through our strong industry partnerships.

Through both structured and flexible learning pathways, students are supported in developing the skills and knowledge to successfully engage with a diverse range of opportunities in today’s arts and cultural industries.Read More

Core Courses

Students must take 48 UOC of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• DART13016 UOCHistories of Contemporary Art: Part 2
• DART13006 UOCHistories of Contemporary Art: Part 1
• DART13106 UOCAustralian Art
• DART33106 UOCArt in the 21st Century
• DART23106 UOCRight Here Right Now: Aboriginal Art Since 1984
• DART13026 UOCTheories of Art History and Culture
• DART13036 UOCTheories and Practices of Cross-Disciplinary Art
• DART23116 UOCEast Asian Contemporary Art

Art Theory Electives

Students must take at least 48 UOC of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• ADAD3000 - Professional Experience Project
• any course matching the pattern DART33##
• any course matching the pattern DART13##
• any course matching the pattern DART23##

Free electives

Students must take at least 36 UOC of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• any course

General Education

Students must take at least 12 UOC of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• any General Education course

Level 2 Maturity Requirements

Students must complete at least 18 UOC in Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 coursesStudents must complete at least 18 UOC in Level 2 courses before enrolling in Level 3 courseskeyboard_arrow_down

• any course matching the pattern DART23##

MINIMUM Level 2 ART THEORY ELECTIVES

Students must complete 18 UOC of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• any course matching the pattern DART23##

MINIMUM Level 3 ART THEORY ELECTIVES

Students must complete 18 UOC of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• any course matching the pattern DART33##

Level 3 Maturity Requirements

Students must have completed 60 UOC before taking any of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• any course matching the pattern DART33##

Additional selection criteria for admission to this program:

• Portfolio

Domestic Undergraduate Admission - Selection Criteria

All applicants are assessed on the basis of previous academic achievement, however additional selection criteria are available to some applicants. Please refer to the Admissions Information on the UNSW Art & Design website.

1.Analyse and critique contemporary art practices, theories, histories, and institutions.

2.Conduct scholarly research to develop knowledge in contemporary art and cultural contexts.LeadersScholarsGlobal Citizens

3.Critically analyse contemporary art in relation social, cultural, political, historical, environmental, and institutional contexts.Professionals

4.Work individually and collaboratively to communicate theoretical ideas in creative, scholarly, and professional contexts.ProfessionalsLeaders

5.Contribute to contemporary artistic and cultural discourses by incorporating ethically aware and globally diverse perspectives.LeadersGlobal Citizens