Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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- Codes
- UAC code 421010
- Program code 4830
- CRICOS code 110652D
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $29,000*
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $46,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $148,500*
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Immerse yourself in creative practice with the UNSW Bachelor of Fine Arts, a three-year degree when studying full-time. With distinct and focused specialisations in animation and moving image, art theory, music, and visual arts – you can focus deeply on the creative field that matters to you.
Build technical skills and knowledge, learning from experts in practical and theoretical classes. And with strong industry connections embedded in each specialisation, you'll develop your career throughout the entire degree.
Key features
Self-discovery
Explore and develop your artistic voice within your chosen specialisation with options to experience a variety of creative disciplines. Enjoy hands-on practices in a comprehensive, intellectual, and artistic program.
Collaborate with purpose
Bring an open mind to our social campus culture – meet and work alongside artists who are changing the way we think about important issues. Find out how creative practices can raise awareness and drive action.
Real industry experience
What happens when you combine professional development, specialist facilities and industry-standard technologies with experienced, well-connected professional artists and musicians? Your career begins before you even graduate. This degree includes industry experiences such as exhibitions, screenings, studio internships, performances, and ensembles.Ìý
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- We're ranked #3 in Australia for Art and Design according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
- State-of-the-art creative production facilities
- Showcase works in our galleries, performance spaces, publications, and events
- Professional development with industry partners
- A supportive, diverse, and inclusive community
- Access to world-class alumni connections
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)
Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at UNSW, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined. 
Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Portfolio EntryÌý
At UNSW ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit UNSW Portfolio Entry.Ìý
Additional selection criteria
Please note that acceptance into the Music specialisation requires you to audition. For more information, visitÌýUNSW Music auditions.
Prerequisites
You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
Assumed knowledge
None
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.Ìý
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This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.Ìý
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This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below andÌýÌýwith our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.Ìý
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.Ìý
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.Ìý
UNSW Prep Program
If you want to study at UNSW but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the UNSW ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider UNSW Prep.
UNSW Prep is a one-year (18 months for Engineering) pathway to a UNSW degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.
TAFE Admission Pathways
If you’ve studied a relevant diploma under a TAFE Training Package, you can receive credit transfer for up to 60 units of credit (UOC) into the Bachelor of Fine Arts. Learn more about the study plan with our Sample Bachelor of Fine Arts Study Plan.
English language requirements
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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please for more information.
Please for direct entry requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC
Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.
Additional selection criteria
Please note that acceptance into the Music specialisation requires you to audition. For more information, visitÌýUNSW Music auditions.
Prerequisites
You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Study areas
With a degree that encourages freedom of exploration and expression, you'll learn alongside open-minded and diverse creative practitioners. You'll delve into your chosen specialisation, with opportunities for creative experiences throughout your degree. Thrive in our supportive and inclusive ADA community as you carve out your own place within local and global arts and cultural scenes.Ìý
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This ground-breaking specialisation meets industry demand for content developers and creative practitioners. With work experience and intensive skills training in the latest technologies, you’ll graduate with crucial assets for the creative media industry.
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Discover what's possible when your imagination comes alive in our custom studios. Innovative and industry-aligned, this specialisation empowers you to thrive as an artist. Learning from accomplished, industry-active media artists, producers, and theorists, you'll work with the latest creative ideas and digital production methods.Ìý
Build your skillset as you focus your studies on at least two of the following studio areas: animation, visual effects, moving image, sound, and 3D visualisation.
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Starting with the essential elements of animated movement, you'll incorporate real-world physics into your animated sequences and experiment with 3D as you develop your animation portfolio and showreel.
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Learn how to work with video to produce art, installations, experimental films, and cinema. Starting with digital video cameras, sound recording and editing software, you’ll develop shooting and editing skills as you explore different genres and studio production techniques.
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Integrate computer-generated elements with live-action footage as you explore the creative possibilities of visual effects. Working hands-on with digital cameras, greenscreens, and the latest compositing software, you'll learn how to create and sequence content to capture audience attention.
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Get hands-on in our sound studios and acoustic environments to create media artworks using sound-based techniques and processes. Develop skills and knowledge to create compelling soundscapes for screen-based projects as well as sound art for galleries and virtual and public spaces.
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Delve into virtual worlds in our 3D studio and explore how to create virtual environments. Develop the skills and practices required to join a growing digital industry. Through hands-on experience, you'll gain 3D modelling and texturing skills, leading to virtual reality applications and real-time immersive platforms.
If you see yourself teaching graphics, multimedia technologies and visual arts to high school students, choose this specialisation in the Bachelor of Fine Arts / Education (Secondary) double degree.
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Develop a deep understanding of the power of art to shape, influence, and reflect society. Dive into the histories and theories that inform contemporary art and culture – in Australia and internationally. Learn alongside artists, designers, curators, and writers and critically engage with the key debates of our times.
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With a wide variety of topics available, you can choose courses and pathways to suits your interests. Develop your knowledge working with teachers who are recognised worldwide for their contribution to art and culture. Situated on our creative campus, you'll also take practical art classes and use creative facilities to gain hands-on experience in the studio, making and analysing art alongside the artists and designers of the future.Ìý
Explore career pathways by curating exhibitions, writing about art, working with artists, and learning from industry professionals. You’ll graduate with connections and essential skills that will help you thrive in your chosen career in the arts and creative industries.
In this specialisation, you’ll study a combination of compulsory and optional courses focused on the following themes:Ìý
- Art and embodiment
- Art and institutions
- Art, science, and technology
- Local and global art
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Explore how artists have represented the body and how the social, cultural, and political dimensions of embodied experience can be understood through a diverse range of perspectives and practices.Ìý
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Delve deep into questions about the roles and responsibilities of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, gaining insights into histories and theories of exhibition practice – setting you up for your own future curatorial projects.
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Like art, science and technology are fundamental forces shaping society. In this theme, you'll explore how artists and theorists engage with scientific data and new technologies to create social change.
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Explore art's role in shaping society, culture, and politics in Australian and international contexts. By examining critical questions about how art gives voice to diverse perspectives, you’ll engage with the most important ideas and debates in Australian and international art.
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Take your love of music to the next level as you reach professional musical standards and create with confidence. Our intellectually and artistically comprehensive classes will prepare you for a long career in music and a lifetime of music-making.
Please note that acceptance into this specialisation requires you to audition. For more information, visitÌýUNSW Music auditions.
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Develop your interests across a diverse range of musical genres under guidance from world-class performers and scholars. The music specialisation allows you to explore and perform classical, experimental, and modern music, music technology, electronic music, and studio recording. No matter what genre draws you in, you'll join a community of supportive and inspiring musicians who value creative, ethical, and cosmopolitan musical practices.
This specialisation includes one-to-one lessons and an array of ensemble classes. Learn professional and technical skills for performance along with theoretical musicology knowledge. Rehearse and perform in custom-built spaces with extensive support to hone your skills. After your first year, your skills will continue to develop through a flexible pathway, or with a focus on creative practice, music pedagogy or sonic arts.
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Put your skills into practice and connect with industry professionals through our ensembles such as:Ìý
- UNSW Symphony OrchestraÌý
- Collegium Musicum ChoirÌý
- a range of jazz ensembles
- New Music Ensemble
- Chinese Music Ensemble
- Balinese Gamelan
- Tango Ensemble
- Bulgarian Voices
- Wind Symphony
You can also choose to build connections and experiences through an industry internship and overseas study.Ìý
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Devote more of your studies to performance, composition, and creation. Challenge your musical skills to develop and perform a specialised music style that demonstrates your technical and interpretive abilities. Develop your craft by collaborating with others in ensembles and one-to-one lessons. With support from mentors, lecturers, and teachers, you'll produce original performances, compositions, and recordings to showcase at public events.
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Shape your individual style of teaching music to beginners, advanced students, children, and adults. You'll understand how to bring out the best in others by developing an objective approach to your own learning and performance skills. You'll make formal observations of expert teachers at work, get practical experience presenting specialist instrumental and vocal skills, and understand how teaching and learning fit within broader approaches to music education.
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Blend ideas with practical skills to explore new sonic technologies and develop your future career in electronic arts. While exploring experimental compositions and recent music production trends, you'll work on projects that build your sound design, sequencing, mixing, editing and post-production skills. You'll combine audio with video and create immersive environments for multi-speaker and surround sound projects. Your learning will take place in our industry-standard recording studios and mixing spaces, and you will learn how to use specialist sonic arts software.Ìý
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Immerse yourself in a creative, inclusive, and collaborative community of artists in this studio-based specialisation. Gain artistic skills for your practice through hands-on learning in our specialist studios, facilities, workshops, and galleries, ensuring you graduate with professional expertise that help you stand out.
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Develop and combine practical skills across multiple studio areas as you acquire the creative, conceptual, and professional skills for your independent artistic practice. In your first year, experimentation is key as you expand your skills and knowledge in contemporary art practice. In the second year, you will focus your studies through at least two studio disciplines, choosing from drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and moving image. Hone your skills, refine your practice, create artworks for exhibitions, and build artistic networks as you explore industry pathways in your third year.
Throughout your studies, you’ll also learn about the histories and theories that inform contemporary art practice, gaining important analytical, communication and research skills, while critically examining key ideas and debates shaping today’s art and cultural fields.
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Develop fundamental and exploratory skills in drawing to kick start your contemporary art practice. You’ll work from the human figure, experiment with a range of traditional and contemporary materials and extend your individual practice through rigorous creative approaches.
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Challenge conventions as you explore diverse painting techniques and processes to test ideas and approaches in a critically informed studio environment. Engage with painting as a formal, material, and conceptual practice as you develop your individual artistic voice.
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From analogue darkroom processes to studio lighting and the latest digital image techniques, you’ll develop diverse and transferable skills in the photography studio. Think critically and creatively as you work practically in the studio to explore the material and conceptual possibilities of contemporary photography.
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Acquire technical skills in traditional and contemporary print methods across etching, relief printing, screen-printing, and digital processes in the printmaking studio. In this highly collaborative studio, you’ll engage with the latest ideas and debates to generate your own artworks in a contemporary printmaking environment.
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Work sculpturally and spatially to create artworks at scale ready for exhibition contexts. In the sculpture studio, you’ll explore diverse materials and processes from assemblage to mould-making and casting as you consider the tactile, social, and embodied potentials of your practice.
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Learn how to work with video to produce art, installations, experimental films, and cinema. Starting with digital video cameras, sound recording and editing software, you’ll develop shooting and editing skills as you explore different genres and studio production techniques.
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Program structure
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is available in two structures when taken as a stand alone degree: one offers a specialisation alongside free electives, and the other offers a specialisation plus a minor. Regardless of the structure you choose, there are 24 courses in a degree. You’ll typically study eight courses a year if you study full-time. You can study part-time, and also take advantage of a flexible study load.
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This program offers a specialisation of 16 courses in one study area. You’ll choose elective and two general education courses with the remaining eight courses. Electives can be from any study area you like, and general education courses must taken from outside your study area.
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This program structure has specialisations organised into a major (16 courses) and a minor (6 courses). You can choose a Fine Arts minor to such as Animation and Moving Image, Art Theory, Music Studies, Theatre and Performance Studies, or Visual Arts to complement your studies, or choose a minor from the diverse offerings across the faculty. Depending on your minor, you'll also have two electives or general education courses to complete your degree.
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With this degree, you'll choose and develop specialist skills and knowledge in one comprehensive area of study. You'll have the freedom and flexibility to complement your specialisation with a minor or elective courses from other approved study areas.
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Whether you want to study a greater or fewer number of courses in any term, the choice is yours. Our flexible academic calendar means you can graduate faster or take your time to study abroad, complete an additional internship, or fit your study around other commitments.
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Broaden your horizons and study overseas for a term. Choose an international exchange at one of UNSW’s 200 partners in more than 30 countries. UNSW encourages a global mindset, which means overseas study can be credited toward your degree with us, and you may also be eligible for financial support to help cover the costs of studying internationally.
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Whether you have a learning difficulty or could benefit from extra guidance, you’ll find free UNSW academic skills support such as toolkits, tutors, and workshops. UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture students and academics are supportive, diverse, and inclusive – it’s easy to ask for advice.Ìý
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Once you complete a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible to apply for further study at a postgraduate level. If you’d like further information about this degree and its learning outcomes have a look at the .Ìý
Future careers
More than just a foot in the door or a pathway towards landing your first job, this degree will set you up with the professional and creative skills you’ll need to thrive throughout your career. Turn your time with us into a future that celebrates your passion and purpose.
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- Animator
- 3D Artist
- Texturing artist
- Concept artist
- Storyboard artist
- Creature effects artist
- Visual effects artist
- Visual effects compositor
- Media arts practitioner
- Digital publishing
- Digital communications specialist
- Art director
- Advertising director
- Film producer
- Television producer
- Post-production designer
- Media strategist
- Sound designer
- Cinematographer
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- Art critic
- Art director
- Archive manager
- Creative director
- Creative entrepreneur
- Communications officer
- Community engagement officer
- Cultural event manager
- Cultural policy adviser
- Cultural research officer
- Cultural consultant
- Exhibit planner
- Festival curator
- Gallery curator
- Museum curator
- Public event programmer
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- Audio producer
- Audio engineer
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Classroom music teacher
- Music journalist
- Performer
- Private music teacher
- Session artist
- Sonic artist
- Songwriter
- Sound designer
- Soundtrack producer
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- Advertising creative
- Art critic
- Art director
- Artist
- Arts educator
- Arts journalist
- Arts publisher
- Creative director
- Commercial photographer
- Communications officer
- Cultural administrationÌý
- Cultural policy consultant
- Event program manager
- Exhibition manager
- Festival curator
- Illustrator
- Installation artist
- Interdisciplinary artist
- Painter
- Performance artistÌý
- Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Printmaker
- Private art teacher
- Sculptor
Explore your career options
Many career options lie ahead in your future. If you don’t know what you want to do yet, that’s ok. University is the time to test your ideas, discover potential career paths, or develop the knowledge to create a job that doesn’t even exist yet.Ìý
Along with flexible course options, degrees from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture include opportunities to experiment with professional roles in internships and work placements. You’ll build a network of contacts among your classmates and lecturers, and you’ll be able to reach out to a global network of UNSW graduates.Ìý
Our alumni
"The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree equipped me with a diverse range of skills beyond the development and production of visual art. Something that was unexpected was developing strong communication skills – both verbal and written – and the ability to network"
Sarah Rose
Associate Curator at Artspace
Double degrees
Combine talents and passions to open future opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees.Ìý
Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of Fine Arts and:
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the Ìýand you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to apply?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýour  service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencementÌýdate. ForÌýmore information visitÌýour .
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the  for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. .
Ready to apply?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visitÌý.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.