Bachelor of Art Theory - University of New South Wales

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Program code: 4803
Faculty: College of Fine Arts
Min.years: 3 years
UOC (per year/total): 48/144
Semester 2 entry: Yes
Est. first year tuition: A$20,640
Est.fee to complete: A$67,800
Assumed knowledge: None

What is Art Theory?

The degree offers students in-depth study of art history and theory and prepares students for research careers or professional employment in the arts industries. Graduates benefi t from the opportunity to combine theoretical and historical studies with studio-based courses in art and design and to draw on a wide range of electives offered within the University.

Description 

The contemporary world is filled with expressions of visual culture. Consider the role of visual imagery in museums, those on television and in virtual reality, as well as images viewed in public events and design fields. Developing our historical and theoretical knowledge of visual art and culture helps us better understand the world we live in.

The study of Art Theory at COFA provides a pathway to understanding contemporary trends in the fine arts, including painting, video, film, sculpture and digital art. With its specialist focus on visual culture of the 19th and 20th centuries, the degree combines the study of historical developments with theories and methods pertinent to the visual arts. Students gain a broad and integrated education in art history and theory of the modern period. The degree also offers an introduction to the arts professions, including curatorship, public and education programming, arts policy and management, and arts journalism.

The Bachelor of Art Theory at COFA is a three-year full-time degree that offers students access to the latest innovations in the study of art history and theory, visual culture, and design. The degree allows students to undertake a wide range of history, theory and studio electives in the visual arts, and to tailor their programs towards specific areas of expertise.

A unique aspect of the degree is that it enables students to enrol in the following combined degrees:
• Bachelor of Art Theory and Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Art Theory and Bachelor of Social Science
• Bachelor of Art Theory and Bachelor of Laws

These combined degrees offer students a double specialisation in humanities fields that complement and enhance each other.

Program Structure

YEAR 1
Mapping the Modern, Mapping the Postmodern, Theories of the Image, Theories of Art History & Culture, Contexts for Art, Open Electives
YEAR 2
Art Theory Major courses, Open Electives, General Education
YEAR 3
Art Theory Major courses, Open Electives, General Education

Career Opportunities

Examples of likely careers include art administration, curatorship, art criticism and writing, public programming and policy formation, and arts project management.