Bachelor of Fine Arts / Arts
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 421020
- Program code 4831
- CRICOS code 110688C
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $10,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $43,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $45,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $199,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Art & Design campus
-
Work experience
-
International exchange
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts/Bachelor of Arts is a four-year double degree that develops your worldview and defines a life purpose suited to your passions and skills. Immerse in a creative practice while challenging your assumptions and tackling real-world problems.
Explore what fascinates you and prepare to think differently about global issues like climate change, human rights, and the ethical future of technology. Blend your enhanced understanding of the world with distinct creative capabilities in animation and moving image, art theory, music, or visual arts.
Make your difference with industry-crossing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and research. You'll build extensive creative skills and knowledge, learning from experts in practical and theoretical classes. And with solid opportunities for industry connections, you'll develop your career throughout the entire degree.
Key features
Creative self-discovery
Explore and develop your artistic voice. Choose a fine arts specialisation in animation and moving image, art theory, music, or visual arts. With the option to experience a variety of creative disciplines, you'll enjoy hands-on practices in a comprehensive, intellectual, and artistic program.
Design your degree
Personalise a degree unique to your interests, aspirations, and career goals. You can explore culture-defining knowledge that spans the humanities, languages, media, social sciences, the environment, and many more.
Professional development
Not only will you learn industry-standard technologies in specialist facilities, but you’ll also find opportunities for professional experience included in your studies. Think internships, work placements, industry networking events, exhibitions, screenings, studio internships, performances, and ensembles.
A global experience
Broaden your horizons with a study exchange, internship, international studio, or overseas project. You can study overseas for a term as part of your degree, with a choice of more than 300 partner universities.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
- Freedom to design your degree your way
- State-of-the-art creative production facilities
- Showcase works in our galleries, publications, and events
- A supportive, diverse, and inclusive community
- Practical work experience opportunities
- Access established industry links and partnerships
- Connections to a worldwide alumni network
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
-
- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
-
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit UNSW Portfolio Entry.
Additional selection criteria
Please note that acceptance into the Music specialisation requires you to audition. For more information, visit UNSW Music auditions.
Assumed knowledge
None
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Additional selection criteria
Please note that acceptance into the Music specialisation requires you to audition. For more information, visit UNSW Music auditions.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Study areas
Combine your interests for a unique career connected to your talents and passions. In a double degree, you focus on two areas of expertise to graduate with more knowledge, skills, and career options. Despite the name, it's not double the workload. A double degree combines the core components of two programs. You'll graduate with two certificates sooner than studying two consecutive degrees.
Choose one specialisation for fine arts. For arts, you can choose to do a double major or combine a major and a minor specialisation from the study areas listed below. See ‘Program structure’ for more information.
-
Please note, you must audition to be accepted into the music specialisation.
-
-
-
You can complete a minor in the study areas listed above, as well as:
-
Program structure
The Bachelor of Fine Arts / Bachelor of Arts consists of 32 individual courses, which are the 16 core components of both single degrees. You’ll choose one fine arts specialisation and two arts study areas. As a full-time student, you’ll typically study eight courses a year. You can study part-time and also take advantage of a flexible study load. For detailed information on the full program structure, visit the handbook.
-
A major is a collection of courses focused on one study area. In this double degree, the arts majors have eight core courses. The fine arts specialisations typically have 16 courses.
-
A minor is a small collection of courses focused on one study area. Minors in the Bachelor of Arts component of this double degree typically have six courses, which gives you the ability to enrol in elective courses to meet the full program requirements.
-
An elective is a course that is not a compulsory part of your major or minor. In the arts component of this double degree, there are prescribed electives that sit outside of majors and minor study areas. They include professional placements, research projects and global internships. Prescribed electives are courses that you must choose from a recommended list.
-
-
Whether you want to study more or fewer courses in any term, the choice is yours. Our flexible academic calendar means you can graduate faster or take your time to study abroad, complete an additional internship, or fit your study around other commitments.
-
Broaden your horizons and study overseas for a term. Choose an international exchange at one of UNSW’s 300 partners in more than 30 countries. UNSW encourages a global mindset, which means overseas study can count towards your degree. You may also be eligible for financial support to help cover international studies costs.
-
Whether you have a learning difficulty or could benefit from extra guidance, you’ll find free UNSW academic skills support such as toolkits, tutors, and workshops. UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture students and academics are supportive, diverse, and inclusive – it’s easy to ask for advice.
-
Future careers
More than just a foot in the door or a pathway towards landing your first job, this degree will set you up with the professional and creative skills you’ll need to thrive throughout your career. Turn your time with us into a future that celebrates your passion and purpose.
-
Find employment anywhere in the world with an arts degree – consider NGOs, consultancies, public relations, media, creative arts, the Australian government, and so much more.
- Academic
- Activist
- Actor
- Advocate
- Creative consultant
- Content producer
- Diplomat
- Gallery manager
- Government administrator
- International representative
- Journalist
- Media consultant
- Museum manager
- Politician
- Political strategist
- Policy consultant
- Public servant
- Publisher
- Research assistant
- Social media producer
- Set manager
- Writer
-
- Animator
- 3D Artist
- Texturing artist
- Concept artist
- Storyboard artist
- Creature effects artist
- Visual effects artist
- Visual effects compositor
- Media arts practitioner
- Digital publishing
- Digital communications specialist
- Art director
- Advertising director
- Film producer
- Television producer
- Post-production designer
- Media strategist
- Sound designer
- Cinematographer
-
- Art critic
- Art director
- Archive manager
- Creative director
- Creative entrepreneur
- Communications officer
- Community engagement officer
- Cultural event manager
- Cultural policy adviser
- Cultural research officer
- Cultural consultant
- Exhibit planner
- Festival curator
- Gallery curator
- Museum curator
- Public event programmer
-
- Audio producer
- Audio engineer
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Classroom music teacher
- Music journalist
- Performing artist
- Private music teacher
- Session artist
- Songwriter
- Sound designer
- Soundtrack producer
- Tour manager
- Talent manager
- Talent scout
-
- Advertising creative
- Art critic
- Art director
- Artist
- Arts educator
- Arts journalist
- Arts publisher
- Creative director
- Commercial photographer
- Communications officer
- Cultural administration
- Cultural policy consultant
- Event program manager
- Exhibition manager
- Festival curator
- Illustrator
- Installation artist
- Interdisciplinary artist
- Painter
- Performance artist
- Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Printmaker
- Private art teacher
- Sculptor
Explore your career options
Many career options lie ahead in your future. If you don’t know what you want to do yet, it’s ok. University is the time to test your ideas, discover potential career paths, or develop the knowledge to create a job that doesn’t even exist yet.
Along with flexible course options, degrees from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture include opportunities to experiment with professional roles in internships and work placements. You’ll build a network of contacts among your classmates and lecturers, and you’ll be able to reach out to a global network of UNSW graduates.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
