Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours (F4A)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 Years

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
Launceston
Semester 1

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 Years

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.

Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1
Launceston
Semester 1

From engaging with acclaimed international artists to participating in Tasmania's thriving and experimental art scene, visual artists Micheila Petersfield and Sam Field tell us what they loved about the studying Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours (BFA(Hons)) is a one-year creative arts degree delivered by the School of Creative Arts and Media.

With facilities close to the centre of both Hobart and Launceston, you will have access to world class workshop facilities with generous allocations of studio working space, staffed by dedicated practising artists and designers. You will be engaging in the contemporary practices of art, which, while still firmly having making at their centre, also engage with the world through critical and reflective thinking.

In one year of advanced practice-led study, you will have the option of undertaking either Professional Honours or Research Honours, depending on your results and your future aims. Professional Honours focuses on developing skills required for engaging in creative practices outside the university setting, while Research Honours prepares you for undertaking a Research Higher Degree such as an MFA or a PhD.

You will present a conceptually multi-layered, resolved creative work as a result of a project in the disciplines of visual art, design or theatre and performance. We are developing opportunities for our students to participate in contemporary culture, not to just be consumers of it - to actively contribute to the cultural life of our society. You will be able to engage directly with Tasmania’s internationally acclaimed arts culture through our ongoing partnerships with festivals and arts institutions across the state and interact with both Australian and international visiting artists.

A degree in creative arts can be the foundation of a surprising variety of careers, as it develops the generally agreed essential 21st century skills of criticality, creativity, innovation and communication; the only limits are in your imagination.

  • 1 Define and articulate, to relevant audiences, coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying research principles and diverse contexts that inform all aspects of arts practice.
  • 2 Demonstrate intellectual independence and reflexive practice through the critical analysis and evaluation of ideas, artefacts, performances, commentary and knowledge.
  • 3 Exercise well-developed initiative and judgement in developing new cognitive and technical skills, to manage contingencies, and respond critically and creatively to complex problems.
  • 4 Undertake self-directed, speculative inquiry in one or more disciplines to develop research outcomes by adapting advanced knowledge and skills in diverse contexts, and executing projects with unforeseen outcomes.
  • 5 Develop and sustain a creative practice and inquiry that is both autonomous and connected with 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.

    The University of Tasmania is integrated into all areas of industry locally, nationally and internationally be it through research or work placement programs. Talk to your course coordinator about finding an opportunity to take part in a work experience, placement, or extracurricular activities during your degree.

    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

    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.

    Postgraduate study

    If you successfully complete this course, 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

    In Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours you will complete 100 credit points comprising;

    • 12.5 credit points of Core units
    • 37.5 credit points of Core option units
    • a 50 credit point research thesis or a 50 credit point creative project and exegesis.

    In your final semester, you will need to enrol in XSB400 which will record your final overall Honours result. This unit is administrative only and does not have classes or assessments.

    Complete the 12.5 credit point Core unit.

    This unit provides you with ideas, knowledge, and skills for research practice across a broad range of disciplines in creative arts and media. You will become familiar with research resources, diverse methodological approaches, research governance, and various means of interpreting…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Complete 37.5 credit points of Core Option Units.

    In consultation with your supervisor, you will propose and undertake a project to acquire and apply skills that extend your Honours research. Where viable, this may include utilising the expertise of Creative Arts and Media technical and academic staff, and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    You will identify the creative practice skills needed to extend your Honours research project. This unit provides a mechanism to extend your existing ability beyond what has previously been possible. You will design, a project including a process for skill…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    You will explore relevant issues and topics such as ethics, consent, moral rights, copyright, sustainability, cultural policy and artificial intelligence as they relate to practice and research in Creative Arts and Media. You will learn how to communicate discussion of…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    Digital and social media play an increasing role in the contemporary media landscape. In this unit you will develop your knowledge of key concepts, principles, and practices to understand how digital and social media inform a strategic communication environment. The…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Recent global events and a dynamic media landscape have highlighted the importance of public relations (PR) practitioners as a central component of contemporary strategic communications practice. This unit will develop your understanding of historical, theoretical, and practical approaches to public…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The ability to strategically communicate is a skill required in many industries and sectors. In this unit, you are introduced to a variety of media platforms and approaches to provide a strong foundation for participation in the media and communication…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In Tasmania, our vibrant arts and cultural calendar includes MOFO and Dark MOFO, Ten Days on the Island, and Beaker Street. In this unit, you will learn about the role of festivals, open days, street fairs and other events in…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartWinter school
    OnlineWinter school

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Science communication has an increasingly vital role to play in a modern, global society. The growing awareness of the threat of climate change, along with the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, has highlighted the importance of the effective communication of science.…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartTerm 3
    OnlineTerm 3

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit equips you with the skills to produce content and tell stories across a range of media. A variety of digital tools, delivery options and conceptual approaches will be explored as you design, research and produce their content. Academic…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    What is the story of your research? Who is your audience, and how can you attract and persuade them to engage with your research? This unit focuses on communicating research to diverse audiences, and how researchers can contribute to scholarly…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In consultation with your supervisor, you will complete either a 50 credit point written research thesis or a 50 credit point creative project and exegesis. In your final semester you will also need to enrol in XSB400.

    Administrative unit to be used for recording Honours grades and marks…

    Credit Points: 0

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    HobartSummer school
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    LauncestonSummer school (early)

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The honours thesis is a 12,000–15,000 word research project on a topic of the student’s choice which has been approved by the Honours coordinator. The supervision of the project involves (where applicable) the gaining of ethics approval, and regular meetings…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The honours thesis is a 12,000–15,000 word research project on a topic of the student’s choice which has been approved by the Honours coordinator. The supervision of the project involves (where applicable) the gaining of ethics approval, and regular meetings…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The honours thesis is a 12,000–15,000 word research project on a topic of the student’s choice which has been approved by the Honours coordinator. The supervision of the project involves (where applicable) the gaining of ethics approval, and regular meetings…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The honours thesis is a 15,000 word research project on a topic of the student’s choice which has been approved by the Honours coordinator. The supervision of the project involves (where applicable) the gaining of ethics approval, and regular meetings…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit, you will concentrate on developing a research-led or practice-led project. A research-led project will build on empirical or theoretical investigations undertaken over the course of the semester drawing from a range of theories and methods in your…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

        In this unit, you will concentrate on completing the research-led or practice-led project that you commenced in FSX404 Creative Arts and Media Honours Thesis A. A research-led project will build on empirical or theoretical investigations undertaken over the…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Entry requirements

    At least one of the General Entrance Requirements of the University, and the following course-specific entry requirements must be met for entry into the Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours:

    • Successful completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree with a major in visual or fine arts, design or theatre and performance with a Distinction (70%) average at the University of Tasmania or another approved tertiary institution, or equivalent industry experience, and
    • submission of a project proposal which can be supported by appropriate academic supervision

    Admission to Honours courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects and the English language requirements to be eligible for an offer. Admission is conditional on research project and supervisor availability.

    English Language Requirements  

    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.

    Course Specific Requirements

    At least one of the General Entrance Requirements of the University, and the following course-specific entry requirements must be met for entry into the Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours:

    • Successful completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree with a major in visual or fine arts, design or theatre and performance with  with a Distinction (70%) average at the University of Tasmania or another approved tertiary institution,

    or equivalent industry experience, and

    • submission of a project proposal which can be supported by appropriate academic supervision

    You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit points) in this degree if you: Have partially completed an Honours degree or an equivalent award, at the University of Tasmania or another institution. How to apply for a credit transfer Simply apply as part of the standard online application process for this degree. Alternatively, your credit transfer can be assessed independently via the separate Application for Advanced Standing (PDF 182KB).

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

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. 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.

    You may also 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 is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    International students

    2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $34,950 AUD*.

    Course cost based on a rate of $34,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    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.

    Scholarships

    For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    How can we help?

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

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

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