Key facts
IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Develop your skills as a contemporary art practitioner through Deakin's tailor-made Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts). Through specialised studio practice and opportunities to exhibit your work in galleries and exhibitions, you’ll develop your physical, creative and intellectual capacities to engage with the world through new and traditional media. You’ll explore painting, drawing, printmaking, 3D, digital and multidisciplinary forms.
Want to experiment with expression and make a career out of adventurous, contemporary art?
From specialised studio practice and interdisciplinary learning to leading theory and critical thinking, you’ll develop the skills to be an adaptable, articulate and creative practitioner. Draw inspiration from and gain expertise in:
- digital technologies
- traditional techniques
- interdisciplinary practices
- studio practice.
Draw on the expertise of our staff, who are active practitioners and leading researchers in their fields. You’ll also engage with the arts industry through visiting specialists and professionals.
Choose to undertake work placements in art institutions, with contemporary artists as well as at major community and cultural events. You can also go overseas on an optional international study tour.
Through this course, you’ll develop transferable skills in:
- critical thinking
- collaboration
- experimentation
- technique
- visual analysis.
By coupling your major with units in other creative arts disciplines, you’ll expand your career opportunities in areas like marketing, media, and communications. Alternatively, work in arts and cultural communities when you graduate, or develop an independent studio career working towards exhibitions in commercial galleries or publicly-run arts spaces.
If you’re considering becoming a visual arts teacher, you can combine your art specialisation with further postgraduate teaching studies.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) a student must complete 24 credit points including:
- 8 x common core units (totalling 12 credit points)
- 4 Visual Art discipline units
- 2 course electives from List A
- 6 electives
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18
Core units
6
Elective units
24
Total
Core units
Visual Art discipline units
Course Electives
Complete two 1 credit point units from the following course electives list A:
Electives
Complete six free electives, of which at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level
We suggest students complete at least 4 units in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Creative Arts, Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Arts programs.
Key information
2020 course information
1400515463 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
Note: Geelong Waterfront campus students can take units of study at the Waurn Ponds Campus.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
The faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work which are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units as electives in their first year.
Course duration - additional information
Delays in completing the placement could mean that the course will take longer to complete than the stated duration.
International students are required to study full-time to complete their course within the duration registered on CRICOS
Assessment
Assessment takes place at the unit level and has been designed to ensure successful attainment of all the Course Learning Outcomes and corresponding Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes over the duration of the course.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Work-integrated learning opportunities are embedded through the Bachelor of Creative Arts programs with real client briefs, opportunities for client and industry engagement and professional practice. These may be discipline specific or may introduce students to other opportunities in the diverse field of creative arts. This level of engagement occurs at first, second and third year and is core to the course. In particular we have a Creative Careers and Contexts and Exhibition and Performance units where students meet industry practitioners, visit creative industry workplaces, organise and promote a festival of exhibitions and performances and learn the appropriate practical, administrative, marketing and self-management skills required to launch and maintain their careers as creative artists in their chosen discipline. Student will develop a career development strategy that can be used to demonstrate the essential skills and knowledge for a future job application, successful pitch for funding or, development of a self-run project.
Entry requirements
Entry information
General admission requirements for entry into undergraduate courses for international students at Deakin are summarised in the undergraduate course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on their performance in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL.
Applicants will be selected in accordance with the published Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for that year.
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on one their performance in one of the following:
- a Certificate IV in a related discipline OR
- a Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent including relevant work or life experience
All Applicants seeking admission to the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) will be required to complete a portfolio of work presented to a satisfactory standard.
Download our Folio-guide document to learn more about folio submission. To submit your folio please go to www.deakin.edu.au/communication-creative-arts/portfolio-applications
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Learn more about Deakin's special entry access scheme (SEAS - a way to help boost your ATAR in some circumstances).
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2019 students (PDF, 746.6KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.
Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are calculated depending on the course you choose.
The ‘Estimated tuition fee’ is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The ‘Estimated tuition fee’ is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
How to apply
Applications for study for Trimester 1 must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre (VTAC). For more information refer to VTAC
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
When applying for this course, you must submit a portfolio of work in support of your application.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key study start dates?
Browse all start and finish dates for Deakin’s main study periods. You’ll also find dates relating to applications and prospective student events, plus a list of all public holidays and study breaks.
How much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course.
Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?
Yes! We regularly host a range of events including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with your study options and career planning. Check out our upcoming events or contact our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 for more information.
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Scholarships are available for domestic and international students at all study levels. Find a scholarship that works for you.
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
In some courses, you can reduce your overall study time and tuition cost by getting your work and previous study experience recognised as recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Why choose Deakin
Career outcomes
Graduates are equipped with a dynamic skill set, ready for a career in the expanding arts industries. You may find work in roles such as:
- artist
- artist agent
- gallery or exhibition curator
- arts centre manager
- art director
- videographer
- creative director
- desktop publisher
- illustrator.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Interpret and apply conceptual, theoretical and technical skills in the analysis and presentation of a range of creative outcomes. |
| Communication | Critically employ a variety of mediums, methods and techniques to present ideas and practical work. |
| Digital literacy | Critically evaluate, manipulate and apply a range of information technologies, digital tools, devices and environments to support and develop creative processes. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse and synthesize research materials across a diversity of sources and mediums to generate original and diverse creative work. |
| Problem solving | Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to generate and express solutions to creative arts problems |
| Self-management | Develop, manage and critically reflect upon the production and presentation of creative works in accordance with industry standards and personal learning goals. |
| Teamwork | Contribute in a constructive and respectful way to the collaborative production of creative outcomes. |
| Global citizenship | Engage critically, respectfully and with self-awareness when working within diverse social and cultural contexts in creative arts practice. |
| Approved by Faculty Board March 2019 | |