Bachelor of Science / Fine Arts
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 429240
- Program code 3921
- CRICOS code 110684G
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $39,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $57,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $250,500*
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Science and Fine Arts may seem an unlikely combination, but when advanced critical analysis meets creative vision, transformative ideas emerge. You’ll gain a globally recognised qualification and unlock the skills to take on the jobs of tomorrow.
As part of the Science degree, you’ll learn how to apply your expertise to real-world challenges across a wide range of industries. With 27 majors on offer, including biology and biodiversity, chemistry, genetics and advanced physics, you’ll build your degree around your passions.
In your fine arts degree, you can explore your chosen specialisation in animation and moving image, art theory, music and or visual arts. You’ll learn from experts in practical and theoretical classes as you develop your artistic practice.
Key features
- Build a degree around your passions and aspirations
University is a time to discover your interests and explore the wide range of opportunities after graduation. This double degree allows you to carve out your own unique skill set across science and fine arts.
In the Bachelor of Science, you’ll choose from 27 majors to tailor your degree to your interests. In Fine Arts, you’ll have your pick of four distinctive specialisations to focus deeply on the creative field that matters to you.
- Be empowered to lead your learning with SciConnect
SciConnect is an innovative online system that's integrated across your whole science degree. It will be there to help you settle into university, track your professional development and showcase your skills to future employers. The platform focuses on connecting you with four key areas to help you get the most out of your student experience including orientation, co-curricular opportunities and communities, career development and a graduate portfolio.
SciConnect enables you to shape your university experience and supports you in showcasing your talents to potential employers with a comprehensive impression of who you are, beyond your academic transcript.
- Hands-on learning in world-class facilities
Studying at UNSW means taking advantage of our industry-leading facilities and technology. You’ll take your Fine Arts subjects at the dedicated Art & Design Campus, where you’ll find our Design Futures Lab, The Making Centre and fully equipped creative workshops. UNSW has recently pledged a $450M investment in its science facilities, so you’ll make use of state-of-the-art labs and equipment, from quantum computers to robotics equipment and 3D printers.Ìý
- Explore your career possibilities in Australia and overseas
Take advantage of our (WIL) and Research Integrated Learning (RIL) opportunities to explore potential career paths. These experiences give you the opportunity to apply your skills in a professional context and learn alongside world-leading academics.
We offer a range of internship opportunities and international exchange opportunities with our industry partners. This degree also incorporates industry experiences such as exhibitions, screenings, studio internships, performances and ensembles.
Ìý
Why study this degree at UNSW?
-
As one of the world’s top 20 universities*, we’re guiding the future leaders of science and art in Australia and overseas.
UNSW Science has eight study areas ranked in the top 50 globally** and ADA subjects are ranked 1st in Australia for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and 2nd globally for Climate Action^.
*QS World University Rankings 2024
**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
^United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
-
At UNSW, we balance theoretical and hands-on learning to prepare students to hit the ground running after graduation. For that reason, UNSW was named the ‘AFR Most Employable University’ at the 2023 Top100 Future Leaders Awards.Ìý
No matter which specialisation or pathway you follow, you’ll have access to dozens of professional development opportunities and be able to leverage our 400+ industry connections and research partners to start building your own professional network.
-
At UNSW, you’ll join a cohort of passionate students, academics and professionals, all working together to shape a better future. From peer mentoring and student support services to the 300+ clubs and societies across UNSW, you’ll connect with open-minded students whose perspectives will expand your worldview.Ìý
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
-
- 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.
-
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.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on your chosen area of study). Plus, one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics.
Additional selection criteria
Please note that acceptance into the Music specialisation requires you to audition. For more information, visitÌýUNSW Music auditions.
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
Ìý
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
Ìý
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
English language requirements
Ìý
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.
Additional selection criteria
Please note that acceptance into the Music specialisation requires you to audition. For more information, visitÌýUNSW Music auditions.
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
Program structure
The Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Fine Arts is a double degree that you can complete in four years with full-time study. You’ll complete a minimum of 192 units of credit (UOC) through a combination of majors, minors and electives.
Full program structure
Your double degree consists of:
96 units of credit from Science, including:
- Five core courses (orientation, graduate portfolio and three employability experience courses)Ìý
- At least one Science major
- An optional science minor
- Science elective courses (if required)
96 units of credit from your chosen Fine Arts specialisation.
-
Choose from 27 majors with the Bachelor of Science:
Anatomy
Study the structure of the human body.Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics integrates computer science and statistics to analyse genetic information in molecular biology.Biology & Biodiversity
Study life science and explore how organisms function, grow, evolve, and relate to their environment.Biotechnology
Biotechnology explores biological processes for producing food, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.Chemistry
Explore chemistry, from sub-atomic particles to spectacular phenomena, the field offers vast opportunities.Climate Systems Science
Gain an understanding of the Earth's Climate System, focusing on areas such as climate change and risks.Earth Science
Earth scienceÌýinvestigates our planet’s nature, evolution, and powerful forces.Ecology and Conservation
Explore how various organisms interact with one another and their environment.ÌýFood Science
Food science encompass the processes related to everything from production to consumption of food by consumers.Genetics
Genetics studies fundamental genesÌýthat influence every characteristic in humans and other species.Geography
Explore Earth’s landscapes, and environments to understand how they function and change over time.Immunology
Unlock better treatments and prevention strategies for immune-related illnesses.Marine and Coastal Science
Explore marine and coastal science, that looks at all aspects of the marine environment encompassing many sciences from biology to geology.Materials Science
Materials science is the specialised study of creating high-performance materials from metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites for society.Mathematics
Mathematics is the science of patterns and underpins all corners of science and technologyMicrobiology
MicrobiologyÌýstudies tiny life forms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.Molecular and Cell Biology
Study cell biology, which explores molecular structures, cellular processes, and their roles in function, reproduction, and development.Neuroscience
Neuroscience aims to understand the nervous system’s biological and behavioral aspects, as well as to treat diseases like schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s.Pathology
Pathology involves studying diseases at genetic, molecular, cellular, and organ levels. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not solely about blood tests.Pharmacology
Discover the effect that drugs have on living tissues and the normal body functions of humans and animals.Physical Oceanography
Study the processes shaping the oceanic and atmospheric system, including waves, currents, cyclones, dust storms, and climate change.Physics
Physics explores the laws governing the universe, from subatomic particles to galaxies. It applies these principles to practical and theoretical challenges.Physiology
Physiology studies how the human body functions, including organ processes, growth, maintenance, and responses during disease and aging.Psychology
Psychology studies behavior, mental processes, brain-behavior relationships, perception, learning, memory, and social interactions.Statistics
Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing, presenting and interpreting data.Vision Science
Vision science explores sensory processes underlying vision and related technologies.
-
-
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.
-
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 production methods.Ìý
You'll choose to focus your skills on at least two of the following: animation, visual effects, moving image, sound, and 3D visualisation.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
-
Future careers
Studying Science and Fine Arts as a dual degree at UNSW will unlock myriad career possibilities upon graduation. Our education provides the optimal balance of theoretical and hands-on learning to prepare you for tomorrow’s workforce.Ìý
You’ll gain a strong foundation in logical, analytical and critical thinking, and develop the professional and creative skills you’ll need to thrive throughout your career.
Explore the various areas of specialisation below to discover where this double degree might take you.
Potential careers
A double degree expands your career possibilities as you’ll have expertise across two (or more) fields. Both degrees offer a wide variety of majors and specialisations, which allow you to tailor your education to your career goals.
-
Psychologist
Pilot
Environmental scientist
Data scientistÌý
Materials scientist
Clinical coder
Biotechnologist
TeacherÌý
Neuroscientist
Genetic counsellor
Mathematician
Medical technicianÌý
Biologist
Food scientist
Laboratory technician
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- Audio producer
- Audio engineer
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Classroom music teacher
- Music journalist
- Performer
- Private music teacher
- Session artist
- Sonic artist
- Songwriter
- Sound designer
- Soundtrack producer
-
- 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
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 start your application?
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 start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*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.