Bachelor of Art and Design

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 24 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
60
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
3 years full-time
Location
Lismore
Lismore
Start date
March
February
Course code
3007160
Course abbreviation
BAD
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

Do you dream of showcasing your creative work in galleries and exhibitions around the world? If so, you can take inspiration from the many Southern Cross University graduates whose careers are thriving after completing our Bachelor of Art and Design.

This internationally acknowledged degree is designed to enhance your artistic flair and develop your career options as an artist, curator or designer. Students are immersed in a rich studio experience with an atmosphere that inspires creativity with access to the dynamic arts scene of the Northern Rivers.

From our purpose-built, well-equipped studios, you'll develop your skills in painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture, digital arts and design, and drawing.

Our graduates have featured in some of Australia's most prestigious arts awards, and their work features regularly in commercial and public settings, both nationally and internationally.

You may also use this degree as a precursor to further study, through Honours and PhD, with a view to careers in research and education.

Learn more about this degree in our arts showcase.

Do you dream of showcasing your creative work in galleries and exhibitions around the world? If so, you can take inspiration from the many Southern Cross University graduates whose careers are thriving after completing our Bachelor of Art and Design.

This internationally acknowledged degree is designed to enhance your artistic flair and develop your career options as an artist, curator or designer. Students are immersed in a rich studio experience with an atmosphere that inspires creativity with access to the dynamic arts scene of the Northern Rivers.

From our purpose-built, well-equipped studios, you'll develop your skills in painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture, digital arts and design, and drawing.

Our graduates have featured in some of Australia's most prestigious arts awards, and their work features regularly in commercial and public settings, both nationally and internationally.

You may also use this degree as a precursor to further study, through Honours and PhD, with a view to careers in research and education.

Learn more about this degree in our arts showcase.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

Credit for prior learning

Candidates who can demonstrate artistic expertise at a professional level may be granted advanced standing of up to 4 Art and Design units, provided such artistic expertise has been demonstrated within 5 years prior to admission to candidature. 

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

About the course

Students complete core studies in:

  • Studio studies: painting, printmaking, mixed-media, 3D studies
  • Art theory
  • Curating
  • Studio drawing
  • Design.

In second and third year, students select from a range of creative and media arts units and/or units from across the University to complement their areas of interest.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
LismoreTerm  1

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
LismoreTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)096003C

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Early Offer

If you're a current Year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your Early Offer

International students studying in Australia

View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Art and Design, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to receive the Associate Degree of Art and Design after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising 14 core units (168 credit points), and 2 option units (24 credit points). 

Students may be eligible to receive the Diploma of Art and Design after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising 8 core units.


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Art and Design Core

ARTD1001Drawing
ARTD1005Printmaking Fundamentals
ARTD1002Painting Essentials
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
ARTD1008Digital Fabrication
ARTD1007Looking at Art
ARTD1006Sculpture and Spatial Practice
ARTD1004Photography and Digital Imaging
Students may be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Art and Design after completing the above eight (8) units
ARTD2010Art Studio I
ARTD2002Modern Art and the Avant-Garde
ARTD2011Art Studio II
ARTD2004Art after 1960
ARTD2012Art Studio III
ARTD2013Art Studio IV
ARTD3007Advanced Art Studio I
ARTD3001Advanced Theories of Contemporary Art
Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Art and Design after completing the above fourteen (14) core units and two (2) elective units by following the recommended course progression
ARTD3008Advanced Art Studio II
ARTD3009Advanced Art Studio III
ARTD3004Professional Practice
ARTD3010Advanced Art Studio IV

Electives

Select 4 electives which can either be STEM Option Units or University-Wide electives. Students are strongly encouraged to select 1 unit from the STEM Option Units. Note 1

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
INDG2010Indigenous Health Promotion I
INFO1001Essentials of Information and Communication Technology
COMP1001Data Communications and Networks
COMP1002Foundations of Computing
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
ISYS1001Web Development I
ISYS1002Cybersecurity
ISYS1004Contemporary Issues in Information Technology
ISYS1005Systems Analysis and Design
ISYS1006Introduction to Computing for Data Analytics
ISYS2004Business and Market Intelligence
ISYS2005Information Systems for Accounting
ISYS3006Business Analysis Project
MATH1001Foundation Mathematics
MATH1002Foundations of Mathematics and Numeracy: Numbers that Count
MATH1003Quantitative Methods with Economics
MRNE1001Marine Science and Management
NUTR1001Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
PBHL1003Foundations of Health and Health Care Systems
PHYS1002Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences
PHYS1004Physics I: Motion, Mechanics and Waves
PROG1001Programming I
SCIN1001Nature of Science
SCIN1004Earth Systems
SCIN1005Organisms and Environments
STAT1001Statistical Analysis
STAT1002Scientific Data Management and Analysis
ERTH2004Career Development and Professional Practice
SCIN3004Integrated Project
ENGN1003Engineering Technology and Design
ENGN1004Engineering Governance
ENGN1005Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects
MRKT2007Digital Marketing Strategies
Note 1


Notes

Note 1: STEM Option Units equip students with knowledge and skills in the discipline of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcome

Apply technical skills and specialist knowledge to realise artworks, artefacts and related forms of creative expression

Develop, express and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively

Apply technical skills and specialist knowledge to realise artworks, artefacts and related forms of creative expression

Demonstrate skills and breadth of knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques in art and design

Recognise and reflect on cultural, ecological and ethical issues, and apply historical and theoretical perspectives to practice in art and design

Apply technical skills and specialist knowledge to realise artworks, artefacts and related forms of creative expression

Demonstrate skills and breadth of knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques in art and design

Recognise and reflect on cultural, ecological and ethical issues, and apply historical and theoretical perspectives to practice in art and design

Develop, express and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively

Work independently and collaboratively in response to project demands

Apply appropriate academic skills to communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments in modes suited to a range of audiences

Recognise and reflect on cultural, ecological and ethical issues, and apply historical and theoretical perspectives to practice in art and design

Demonstrate skills and breadth of knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques in art and design


Assessment methods

Units in visual arts studio studies, digital art and design, photography and drawing are assessed by studio production work, artist’s journal, portfolio and e-portfolio. Generally, approximately 70 per cent of the final grade is based on the studio production work. During study sessions there are ongoing individual and group critique opportunities for feedback on students’ progress. Art theory units are generally assessed through research papers, group presentations and take-home exams.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including studio-based teaching, field work, lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit. Students also have the opportunity to study some units online (for example, digital photography).

Career opportunities
Graduates typically become practising artists and fine art researchers within the context of contemporary practice. Students exhibit in the Graduate Exhibition and can undertake research projects.
Professional placement

Students have the opportunity to undertake an internship in the dynamic arts industries of the New South Wales North Coast. They can also study for a session at universities overseas including the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York, University of Hertfordshire in England, Universitat de Barcelona in Spain, University of Massachusetts in USA, and Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.