Bachelor of Contemporary Art

UniSA's Bachelor of Contemporary Art degree is South Australia's most comprehensive undergraduate contemporary art qualification, with the most extensive range of modern studio areas.

With access to facilities such as studio spaces and workshops, you will learn first-hand how to turn your creative ideas into reality. You will also explore theoretical, technical and conceptual skills, and learn from national and international artists who visit as guest lecturers.

Studio-based learning is supported by face-to-face teaching and online learning, with a selection of courses offered online. These courses offer flexibility and the opportunity for students to fit study in among work and other life commitments. You will study at the vibrant City West campus - located in the middle of Adelaide city's art, culture and entertainment hub. Your teachers will be practicing artists, writers and researchers, with significant arts industry experience.

Throughout your studies you will explore the theoretical, technical and conceptual skills in contemporary art. You will also undertake research and get the opportunity to bring your ideas to life in on-campus studio spaces and workshops. Pieces produced will then be displayed at exhibitions at various Adelaide art spaces.

During your second and third years you will complete a number of electives, which will further complement your specialisation. You are able to choose your electives from the studio disciplines or from a wider pool of electives. In your final year you will complete major project work where you will identify and frame a concept, plan appropriate methods and undertake research.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Contemporary artists are highly creative, highly motivated, disciplined and committed. To succeed in this creative profession you need to be willing to take risks, push boundaries and experiment with materials, textures and subject matter. If you think you've got what it takes, the job prospects for contemporary artists in Australia are looking great, with strong growth expected through to November 20201. Careers to consider:

• ceramicist: create ceramic objects or artwork
• arts administrator: responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of an arts organisation
• sculptor: manipulate hard materials to make three-dimensional artworks
• art critic: specialise in analysing, interpreting and evaluating art
• photographer: capture everything from portraits and landscapes to architecture, fashion and editorial. You can choose to be self-employed or to work for a range of industries as an in-house photographer
• artist: create original artwork; fine artists are usually self-employed, but some artists may produce work during artist residencies or may be commissioned by an individual or organisation
• jewellery and glass designer: design, repair and create jewellery
• printmaker: create prints using a range of medium, including film, paper or wood

If you think you might be interested in secondary school teaching, you can apply for the Bachelor of Contemporary Art/Master of Teaching (Secondary) - it's a pathway straight into postgraduate study. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015