Studying Visual Arts

As well as meeting the academic admission criteria, to get into the Bachelor of Visual Arts at the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) you’ll need to submit a portfolio of your artwork.

(The same applies for the Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies!).

Click here for our portfolio guidelines.

Short answer: Yes, if you are  a domestic student, currently undertaking a recognised Year 12 qualification in Australia.

Under the Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme (CASAS) domestic applicants undertaking a current recognised high school (Year 12) qualification and applying via UAC may not need to wait for their final ATAR results to receive an unconditional offer. 

We can offer you a place based on your Year 11 and 12 results  alongside a successful portfolio submission.

Short answer: A lot.

First year: You’ll begin by looking at art practice in two-dimensions (painting, drawing) and three-dimensions (sculpture, glass, ceramics) of creative practice.

Second year: You’ll select one area to focus on through project work. This is where you’ll start to explore your own ideas and artistic voice.

As well as tailored, hands-on workshops you’ll also develop your ability to research and contextualise your creative practice through studying art history.

Third year: This is where everything you've learned comes together and you create a final artwork for the graduate exhibition.

Short answer: They’re really new and they’re really good. We’re one of the best equipped art schools in the Southern Hemisphere.

We’re now on the main university campus in Camperdown. Classes take place in the historic Old Teachers’ College, which has undergone an extensive, multimillion dollar redesign and refurbishment.

The new building has heaps of room – we have brand new studios for painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery and everything in between, as well as galleries, and spaces that house next-gen tech including virtual reality units.

Click here to explore the full list of our facilities.

Interested in taking a guided tour of the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) studio facilities, workshops and labs? We are taking bookings for the last Thursday of each month at 4pm. To book a tour, contact us at sca.enquiries@sydney.edu.au.

Short answer: Up to two.

In addition to your primary major, you’ll complete either a second major or a minor from our Shared Pool.

(Btw: If you study the Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, you have to take a second major from the shared pool). 

What's the difference between a major and a minor? Check out this handy page.

Our degrees provide you with the training and knowledge to thrive not only in a contemporary art environment but the broader workforce.

Our grads are employed across a wide range of careers and roles, including: artist, arts journalist, commercial art director, craftsperson, creative director, cultural officer or program manager, curator, digital producer, educator (with further tertiary qualifications!), film producer or filmmaker, innovation manager, web and interaction designer.

Click here to see where a Visual Arts degree has taken some of our grads.

Prospective students should refer to our course pages for the most up-to-date information.