A Bachelor of Contemporary Art is an undergraduate degree that develops students' theoretical, technical, and conceptual skills across a comprehensive range of visual art disciplines. Students engage with practices including ceramics, drawing, glass, jewellery, new media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles — all grounded in contemporary art history and theory. The degree is built around intensive studio practice, where students work in purpose-built workshops and studio spaces to bring their creative ideas to life, supported by face-to-face teaching, research-driven inquiry, and online learning components. Graduates develop both the practical craft skills and the critical analytical thinking needed to operate confidently in the professional art world.

This degree is designed for creative, highly motivated individuals who want to pursue a career as practising artists or move into the broader arts and cultural industries. Students are taught by practising artists, world-class researchers, and experienced art educators, often with access to guest lecturers who are national and international leaders in their fields, as well as Artist in Residence programs. The degree also serves as a strong pathway into further postgraduate study such as a Master of Design (Contemporary Art), a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours), or a Master of Teaching (Secondary) for those wishing to become visual arts teachers.

Employers of graduates span a wide spectrum of creative industries: public and commercial art galleries, museums, state and national arts funding bodies, arts organisations, design studios, schools and educational institutions, film and television production houses, local government arts agencies, publishing houses, advertising agencies, and the broader cultural sector. Many graduates also pursue independent careers as self-employed artists, selling work through galleries, public commissions, art prizes, and international exhibitions.

For domestic students, entry into a Bachelor of Contemporary Art typically requires completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent), such as the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). ATAR cut-offs vary across institutions and tend to be in the accessible range (often 55–75), reflecting the importance placed on creative aptitude over academic scores alone. Applicants may also be considered based on a Certificate IV or higher qualification from a registered training organisation, completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma (typically a minimum of 24 points), or relevant work and life experience assessed on a case-by-case basis. Many institutions have no prerequisite subjects required for entry, making the degree accessible to students from diverse educational backgrounds.

A key component of the application process at most institutions is the submission of a creative portfolio or folio. This portfolio demonstrates the applicant's artistic aptitude, creative thinking, and range of work across various media, and is assessed alongside academic results. Some providers may also require a folio presentation interview or a written selection task. Students who do not meet standard entry requirements may be offered a pathway through a Foundation Studies program, Diploma, or other bridging course.

For international students, English language proficiency is required, commonly demonstrated through IELTS (typically an overall band score of 6.0–6.5, with no individual band below 5.5–6.0) or an equivalent PTE Academic score. International students must also meet academic equivalency requirements for their home country's Year 12 qualification. Mature-age applicants who have been out of formal study for several years are generally encouraged to apply and may be assessed through special entry schemes or direct application processes.