Visual Arts Degree Courses in Sydney, Australia

Sydney College of the Arts:
Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) is the visual arts faculty of the University of Sydney. SCA is a premier provider of contemporary art education and research around the world offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in contemporary visual arts for both Australian and international students. Leading the research and practice of contemporary art in Australia since 1976, SCA delivers innovative educational programs that support the professional success of graduates. A faculty of the University of Sydney, SCA continues the tradition of academic excellence associated with Australia’s most established educational institution.

Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degree Courses in Visual Arts:

Sydney College of the Arts offers a friendly, supportive and stimulating environment to all students interested in studying visual art. The educational programs are studio-based and facilities include computer and multimedia laboratories, print, clay, glass, wood and metal workshops, film / video & sound production and editing facilities, SCA Gallery, SCA library and several student exhibition spaces.

Undergraduate Degree Program - Bachelor of Visual Arts:
- The Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) is three-year undergraduate degree program for those wishing to establish a practice in the contemporary visual arts, with the option of an honours degree also available.

First Year (Foundation Year):  The Foundation Year of the BVA is a vibrant mixture of interdisciplinary and studio specific subjects that develop students theoretical and critical awareness of contemporary art practice and expand their ideas and concepts about their work. In this program students learn about appropriate materials and methods for their work and develop the technical skills required to make and document it successfully.

The interdisciplinary subjects are the main focus of the program and include Foundation Concepts and Artists Research Workshops (Research A and B), a Drawing program (Computer, Experimental and Life/Observational) and Theories of Art Practice. Studio discipline specific subjects from semester one onwards include time each week in the student's chosen Studio major and a Studio theory class.

In the foundation concepts program, each student will consider the themes of Time Space and Light through a program of 3 six week blocks over first and second semester. The final block will be focused on increased studio classes prior to movement into 2nd year.

Second & Third Year:  Expands the understanding of visual arts through studio based practice and studio and core theory subjects. Students undertake specialist study in a single studio and develop their art practice through structured group and self directed projects. Students may also choose a broader interdisciplinary study within the faculty or other parts of the University.

The Theories of Art Practice program provides a theoretical and historical understanding of contemporary art practice and encourage students can place their own studio practice in context.

* Honours Degree Program:  For students who have completed three years of an undergraduate visual arts degree, the honours program is a one-year research-intensive program that consolidates professional practice and prepares students for further research study. 

Postgraduate Degree Programs:

- Master of Film and Digital Image (MFDI):  The MFDI is a professional development degree designed for filmmakers and artists who want the opportunity to develop their own creative projects and acquire new hands-on skills in digital filmmaking. The MFDI is offered full time over one year or part time over two years. Enrolments are accepted each semester. 

- Master of Interactive and Digital Media (MIDM):  The MIDM is a professional development degree designed to provide the conceptual and technical skills associated with the design, development and implementation of interactive websites and screen-based applications. The course is intended for people with some knowledge of digital media who hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience and who wish to upgrade or consolidate their skills for personal and / or professional reasons.

The MIDM is a one-year full time course structured over two semesters that may be undertaken on a part-time basis.

- Master of Studio Art (MSA):  The MSA is a professional development program for visual artists designed to provide conceptual and technical skills to consolidate and extend their contemporary art or design practice. Students propose and develop a self-initiated visual arts project based in one major studio area.

The MSA is offered full time over one year or part time over two years. Students have access to the studio facilities outside class hours. Enrolments are accepted each semester.

- Master of Fine Arts (MFA):  The MFA is designed to provide visual artists with the opportunity to extend their professional practice through advanced research in one or more SCA studio area. Candidates develop a level of proficiency, self-direction and focus through investigating a proposed area of research to produce work of an original and speculative nature. The MFA is a two-year full-time program.

- Doctor of Philosophy:  The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is designed to engage visual artists in independent research that constitutes an original contribution to the understanding of contemporary visual arts.

The PhD program provides candidates with a critical and intellectual focus to explore a single proposed research topic full-time over three to four years. Candidate’s research may reflect a critical exploration of the history, theory and practice of visual art; the development of new materials or technologies; the relationship between visual art and society; or the relationship between visual art and other disciplines.

Short Courses:
Specialist short courses in visual art are sometimes available.