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About the course
This Visual Art honours specialisation at the Victorian College of the Arts focuses on independently led studio practice, enabling students to undertake advanced creative work and develop as artists. Admission is assessed through a written proposal and portfolio that demonstrate the relevance and feasibility of the proposed project, alongside the originality and skill shown in recent work. Shortlisted applicants complete the process with an interview conducted online or on the Southbank campus.
What you might learn
Students develop an advanced, self-directed studio program supported by research and critical inquiry, articulated through a substantial written proposal. The specialisation aims to strengthen students’ ability to position their practice within contemporary visual art debates, communicate and defend ideas, and plan work that is achievable with available resources and supervision. Through the application and interview process, students demonstrate readiness for sustained independent practice and research at honours level.
Career outcome
Graduates are prepared for professional practice as contemporary visual artists, developing portfolios and project proposals aligned with gallery, exhibition, and independent creative contexts. The honours specialisation also supports pathways into further research and higher degree study by strengthening research planning, critical reflection, and the articulation of practice-led inquiry. Skills developed can also support careers in arts-related fields such as creative project development, residencies, and roles across the broader visual arts sector.
Entry requirements
For entry into the specialisation, all applicants must meet the standard eligibility for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Degree with Honours), in addition to the requirements below. Entry to the Visual Art specialisation is based on a written proposal, portfolio, and an interview for shortlisted applicants only. Applicants must upload a written proposal (700–1000 words outlining the proposed studio program and research paper, plus a summary of relevant experience) and a portfolio of recent work relevant to the research proposal (maximum 10 images and/or 8 minutes of video, clearly labelled with title, date, medium and dimensions/duration). Shortlisted applicants attend an interview (approximately 30 minutes) conducted online via Zoom or on the Southbank campus; interviews take place in November. 2027 start-year intake: applications open 3 August and close 31 October; shortlisted applicants notified mid-November; outcomes issued mid-December.
Average Salary***
