Bachelor of Fine Art (Callaghan Campus)

The Fine Art program has been designed to respond to changing community and educational needs and to the exciting multidisciplinary trends of contemporary art. The broad range of courses on offer provide great scope to for students to specialise or diversify. The art history/theory courses introduce students to current fine art theory and research methods. In the studio program, students experience 2D Art (including drawing, painting and printmaking); 3D Art (including fibres/textiles, sculpture and ceramics) and photomedia (traditional and digital).

The university offers excellent workshops and highly skilled academic and technical staff to assist in all aspects of the exciting collaborative and highly current fine art degree program. Watt Space Gallery is a vibrant autonomous student exhibition venue and the University Gallery hosts significant national and international exhibitions. There is also an active Artist-in-Residence program and established links with regional galleries and cultural institutions. Students are also encouraged to apply for international experience through the study abroad program including art schools in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and the USA.

As well as becoming professional artists, graduates of this program may find employment in arts education, community arts, community cultural development, galleries and museums. The knowledge of digital imaging technology gained through the program is a great asset to future employment in a wide range of professions.

The program provides training and experience in many aspects of art practice, including courses in: art history/ theory, museology and curatorial practice, art and writing and the arts and business. The Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Newcastle provides the graduand with skills to be successful in professional associations connected with art institutions and galleries.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

As well as submitting a UAC application and meeting the University's minimum academic entry requirement, domestic applicants will be required to attend an interview and present a portfolio. The portfolio presentation is organised directly with the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music. Applicants are required to submit a 'Portfolio Application Form', which can be found in the Further Information section above.

Visual Arts or equivalent. Completion of a TAFE qualification in Fine Art/Visual Arts would also be appropriate.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/and click on ‘How to Apply for Credit’.

An additional year long Honours program is available to those who successfully complete their studies with at least a credit average in the Bachelor of Fine Art program. Application is made direct to the University using the Direct Admission Application form. Contact the relevant Program Officer.

Students are offered a course AART3500 Directed Study that enables them to write a semester course of study in association with a lecturer in a studio of their choice. The course can be utilised to approach external bodies such as professional and public galleries and community cultural organisations to research in curatorial practice, public art and art education.

Other courses such as AART2120 Professional Practice offer students an understanding of all aspects of a career in the arts including contracts, media, OH&S, marketing, mentoring and media and publication. Another course that connects students with professional practice is AART3050 The Arts Health and Community run inconjunction with John Hunter Hospital. The Bachelor of Fine Art program also offers: drawing, paper making, felt making and experience in foundry work as well as digital and traditional photography that can be directly applied to professional practice.

As well as submitting a direct application through International admissions - http://www.newcastle.edu.au//students/international/our-programs/how-to-apply/ and meeting the University's minimum academic entry requirement, international applicants will be required to attend an interview and submit a portfolio. This will be organised directly with the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music at the University. Please refer to the 'Fine Art Application Portfolio Entry Form' link in the Further Information section at the top of this page.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements.

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

The program offers high quality facilities in all studio areas including a metal casting foundry, paper making mill and the only facility in any institution in Australia that manufactures paints, pastels and watercolours on campus.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.