Bachelor of Fine Art

Our Bachelor of Fine Art degree (three years full-time) is designed to impart the skills, knowledge and creative independence required to sustain a professional career as an artist.

NAS has long been recognised for our rigorous studio-based model of learning taught by established practicing artists, as well as our outstanding Art History & Theory faculty, instilling the in-depth theoretical and historical knowledge and conceptual understanding essential for a career as a professional visual artist.

In the first year of the degree, students are introduced to the foundational skills and concepts of art making in a comprehensive exploration of studio practice across all disciplines including Ceramics, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking and Sculpture. In second semester, students narrow the focus of study to two disciplines.

In second year, students commence study in a single studio specialisation nominated from one of two studio areas studied in the previous semester. The year is project-based and supports the development of individual work practices in preparation for the final year of the degree.

In the third and final year, students work on independent projects under the guidance of studio lecturers. This final year emphasises self-directed learning and individual development, with all students building a major body of work for assessment and exhibition for graduation at the end of the year.

Over the three-year BFA degree, students gain critical practical skills and in-depth theoretical understanding of the traditional studio conventions of observational and life drawing, as well as exploring the unlimited potential of contemporary drawing practice including installation, abstraction and new media.

Areas of study

Studio major disciplines include ceramics, painting, photomedia, printmaking, sculpture. Drawing and art history and theory are core subjects that underpin the studio-based study throughout the course.

Career opportunities

Practising artist, arts administrator, arts writer, curator, painter, photographer, sculptor, ceramicist, printmaker, teacher (with further tertiary qualifications).

Fees and charges

The latest fee information [PDF] is published on the NAS website. NAS students can choose to pay their fees in full or in part through FEE-HELP. Tuition fees are required to be paid during enrolment.