Bachelor of Visual Arts

The Bachelor of Visual Arts will equip you with the historical, theoretical and practical knowledge to begin a career in the visual arts, either in Australia or internationally. In your first year, you'll undertake introductory courses in painting, sculpture, performance and installation, photography, drawing and contemporary Australian Indigenous art. First-year students may also undertake elective courses such as printmaking or jewellery and small objects. In your second year, you'll select a major and tailor your studies with electives such as public art, international study tours, museum and gallery internships, or courses from other Griffith degrees. By third year, you'll deepen your expertise in your major while developing essential professional practice skills, including producing a major cross-disciplinary project and showcasing your work in an exhibition. Majors Painting Gain a strong foundation in the technical, conceptual and historical aspects of painting as a contemporary art practice. Engage with key developments in modern and postmodern painting, explore interdisciplinary approaches and develop a personal body of work that culminates in the Queensland College of Art and Design (QCAD) Graduate Exhibition, showcasing your creative evolution and studio-based practice. Sculpture, Performance and Installation Explore contemporary art through an interdisciplinary lens, combining elements of sculpture, installation, live performance, video and new media. Emphasising material experimentation, spatial awareness and conceptual development, you'll create ambitious, self-directed works that culminate in a final body of work showcased in the QCAD Graduate Exhibition. Photography Engage critically and creatively with photographic practice through both traditional and experimental approaches. You'll explore themes like the body, materiality and the environment, using analogue, digital and cameraless techniques. You'll develop a unique visual style and create a polished portfolio for the QCAD Graduate Exhibition. Highlights of studying the Bachelor of Visual Arts Learn in creative studio spaces at the Queensland College of Art and Design, with access to world-class facilities like galleries and purpose-built visual arts studios. Learn from and work alongside practising artists and industry experts who are pushing creative boundaries in Australia and around the world. This inclusive degree embraces individuals who are passionate about creativity and creation. Flexible study options including varied tutorial times and online access to lectures and course materials make it easier to balance your studies with work and life commitments. Industry and expert connections Work on real projects for real clients, build your portfolio and establish critical contacts and networks before you graduate. Our industry partnerships and collaborations unlock unique opportunities like access to on-campus exhibitions, networking events, screenings, guest lectures and much more. Gain industry experience and prepare for your career by: working with guest artists, curators and arts workers through studio and other courses undertaking internships in galleries, libraries, events, archives or museums* producing and participating in exhibitions including our major QCAD Graduate Exhibitions completing professional industry projects through QCAD's LiveArt courses* embark on international study tours for course credit (including tours to Europe, the Americas, the Pacific, Indo-Pacific and North, East and Southern Asia). Visit Go Global Griffith to learn more. *To experience this type of learning, you may need to enrol in specific courses, such as 2009QCA Public Art 1, or 2381QCA Griffith University Art Museum Internship. These courses may be either core or elective to your degree. Attendance information The Bachelor of Visual Arts program is offered full-time and on-campus. If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The recommended study load for international student in each compulsory trimester is 40CP. Managing Study Interruptions Leave of Absence Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure . Student story Col McElwaine Bachelor of Visual Arts Col found the Queensland College of Art and Design to be an inspiring community where creativity flourishes. "Being surrounded by other artists and receiving feedback on your work is one of the best things about studying here. I also valued the guidance of teachers who challenged you to push your work further, fostering artistic growth beyond what you might achieve on your own."