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Bachelor of Fine Arts (13R)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

Maggie Jeffries talks about her inspiration, and experiences with studying Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania.

Unlock the power of your imagination and shape the world through art.

If you see the world as a place full of possibility, where ideas spark change and beauty tells a story, then the Bachelor of Fine Arts is the perfect space for you to grow. At the University of Tasmania, you'll be encouraged to explore, experiment, and express your unique perspective through art.

Tasmania is a place where creativity thrives. It's a landscape shaped by nature and culture, history and innovation, industry and imagination. Here, you'll find inspiration in every corner, from the wild coastlines to the vibrant arts communities.

Whether you're passionate about a single discipline or excited to explore multiple mediums, you'll be supported to develop your artistic voice and build a fulfilling creative career. Our Fine Arts degree combines hands-on studio practice with critical thinking, helping you create work that resonates, challenges, and transforms.

Your study options include: A major in Studio Practice or Theatre and Performance

  • Specialist studio areas such as Drawing and Printmaking, Painting, Photography, Object and Furniture, and Sculpture and Time-Based Media

Each studio pathway moves from foundational techniques to advanced practice, supported by dynamic Critical Practice units that build your creative confidence, conceptual understanding, and resilience as an artist.

  • Theatre and Performance units including Performance Skills, The Theatre Machine, Playing Texts, Writing for Performance, and Directed Theatre Project

When you undertake the Bachelor of Fine Arts you'll complete two Creative Curriculum units, designed to connect your creative learning with the broader world and help you build valuable professional and collaborative skills

If you are interested in enrolling in any of these units, please contact UConnect for enrolment assistance.

This degree can be combined to combined to form a double degree. Study what you want, explore your options and find out how you can accelerate your career.

  • 1 Produce conceptually multi-layered creative works and projects with speculative and iterative outcomes as a process of self-directed creative inquiry
  • 2 Synthesise technical and theoretical knowledge to critically analyse ideas, artefacts and methods in the arts, and apply this analysis to appraise your own and others’ work.
  • 3 Situate your practice within relevant and diverse contexts (e.g. social, cultural and historical)
  • 4 Communicate complex ideas and processes effectively to audiences and stakeholders using written, oral and visual skills
  • 5 Develop an autonomous and ethical creative practice that contributes to professional, scholarly, and social communities.
Learn beyond the classroom

Collaboration is an important part of Fine Arts. Depending on your skills and interests, you could be working across Tasmania’s iconic festivals, behind the scenes at a gallery, interpreting collections, or at a museum handling objects not yet for public display. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable insights into how organisations operate and the diverse career pathways available to you.

Studying in Tasmania, our whole Island becomes your campus. Speak with your unit coordinator about how you can gain practical experience by volunteering in research initiatives, becoming an ambassador, or taking part in a work experience program.

Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with airfares, accommodation and other expenses. For more information, please visit Learning Abroad.

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.

Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities. https://www.utas.edu.au/study/work-integrated-learning

Career outcomes

As a designer, people come to me wanting a solution to a problem. We work out the best way of solving that visually, emotionally and commercially.

Rebecca Birrell, Fine Arts Graduate and Business Owner

Find out more

Graduates from the Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours find employment in a variety of positions within the arts professions, including studio practice, theoretical writing on art, curatorial work, gallery administration, research and teaching, as well as participating in individual and group-generated projects.

  • 18.4% Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators
  • 16% Fashion, Industrial & Jewellery Designer
  • 8.5% Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals

*National Skills Commission ten year projections from May 2024-May 2034.

Postgraduate study

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours is a specialised one year course that enables you to deepen your knowledge and research skills. An Honours degree opens up opportunities in the competitive job market and provides a pathway to an academic career. You'll develop superior project management skills and advanced knowledge of research methodologies.

You may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) requires the completion of 300 credit points including:

  • 100 credit points of Core units in Critical Practices and;
  • A Studio Practice or Theatre and Performance major;
  • 100 credit points of Electives or an elective major, such as a major in Sustainability.

In Critical Practices core you will complete 50 credit points at Introductory level and 50 credit points at Intermediate level. Normally, you will complete the introductory level units in your first year of study (or part-time equivalent).

Students completing the major in Theatre and Performance can complete HEJ513 Arts and Cultural Events and/or FSX307 Research Lab as intermediate Critical Practices units.

A major is an area of focus in your degree. You will have a choice of completing a major in either Studio Practices or Theatre and Performance. Find out more at What is a Major?

In either major you will complete 25 credit points at Introductory level 25 credit points at Intermediate level and 50 credit points at Advanced level.

In your Elective component you are able to choose from any units which you meet the pre-requisites for, at any level, from across the university. You can also complete additional art practice, theatre and performance or creative curriculum units in your elective space.

The University is deeply committed to building sustainable futures which is why we've made our Sustainability major readily available in most of our courses. If you want to complete this major, you'll find it under your Electives options when you go to enrol, and you can add it to your study plan yourself. To find out more about the Sustainability major, check the Bachelor of Science.

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

Schools Recommendation Program

 

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program. Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

Through the program, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies.

If you don’t receive an early offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released. 

Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2025, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 52.65. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants must also have completed one of the Subject Pre-requisites listed below or equivalent.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or
  • Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

We strongly recommend students have completed previous study in visual or performing arts.

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

We strongly recommend students have completed previous study in visual or performing arts.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without sufficient or relevant senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement and provide a portfolio of up to ten digital images of recent original artwork or performance practice in any medium and a statement of interest explaining why you are interested in studying Fine Arts at university.

Subject Pre-requisites

These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in one of the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

ART315117

Art Production

ART315214

Art Studio Practice

ART315123  Visual Art

ARA315116

Art Theory and Criticism (replaces Art Appreciation ARA315111)

CGD315118

Computer Graphics and Design

HDS315118

Housing and Design

SDD315120 Drama
SDP315120 Theatre Performance

MED315117

Media Production

TEG315115

Technical Graphics

CAP315124 Contemporary Art Practice

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above.

Provide evidence of pre-tertiary TASC subject/s in visual arts successfully completed (e.g. academic transcripts and certificates of completion).

Special Consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher
  • You may also be required to submit a portfolio and statement if your previous studies are not in a related field.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

Course Specific Requirements

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in one of the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

ART315117

Art Production

ART315214

Art Studio Practice

ARA315116

Art Theory and Criticism (replaces Art Appreciation ARA315111)

CGD315118

Computer Graphics and Design

HDS315118

Housing and Design

MED315117

Media Production

SDD315120 Drama
SDP315120 Theatre Performance

TEG315115

Technical Graphics

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.

Students who have complete A1B Diploma of Fine Arts will receive full credit.

If you do not meet the General Entrance Requirements or course-specific requirements, there are alternate entry pathways to the Bachelor of Fine Arts:

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $10,648.64

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $42,263 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 133,233 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

Domestic Students

Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards including scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability. Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

Find out more about Scholarships & Prizes available.

International Students

There are a large range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania.

Find out more about International Scholarships available.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.