Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a new three-year degree which offers immersive and experiential practice-based studio studies in seven areas of specialisation (Visual Art, Film and Television, Contemporary Music, Music Theatre, Theatre Practice, Dance and Production). It features an intense and student-centred approach to skills training, to create self-confident and autonomous arts practitioners with the capacity to build sustainable careers in an international context. Each specialisation features regular opportunities for exhibition, production and performance, and culminates in a capstone experience, which prepares students for professional work and further research. Critical studies build knowledge of the context of a student’s core discipline along with academic literacy, and complementary studies offer a choice of electives in the visual and performing arts, or from other areas of study within the University of Melbourne. The degree is designed to have international currency and to assist the VCA to raise its international profile.

The BFA is designed to train highly skilled arts practitioners who can work independently or in ensemble in a wide range of careers and performance or production opportunities. They will be well-trained and knowledgeable in their own and related fields, and committed to continuous learning and production in their discipline; they will also have a local and international perspective on their own arts practice. As well as excellence in practising their own art form, BFA graduates will have good academic literacy skills in expression, argument and research and be proficient in the use of appropriate modern technologies.

The course structure for this degree is outlined below.

First Year

Semester 1

Related Studies

AND

Semester 2

Open Art/Elective 1

AND

Second Year

Semester 1

Intensive Practice/Elective 2

AND

Studio Studies 3

AND

Critical and Theoretical Studies 3

Semester 2

Intensive Practice/Elective 3

AND

Studio Studies 4

AND

Critical and Theoretical Studies 4

Third Year

Semester 1

Intensive Practice

AND

Studio Studies 5

AND

Critical and Theoretical Studies 5

Semester 2

Intensive Practice

AND

Studio Studies 6

AND

Critical and Theoretical Studies 6

Electives

Students may choose one elective from the list below. Students wishing to take subjects offered as breadth options on the Parkville campus should seek permission from the Course Coordinator.

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:

• successful completion of the VCE (or an equivalent qualification) with a study score of at least 25 in Units 3 and 4 English/English Language/Literature, or a study score of at least 30 in Units 3 and 4 ESL. Minimum ATAR is not applicable.
• performance in an audition, test, interview, workshop, portfolio or folio presentation.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Artistically excellent:

• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional artist/practitioner in the 21 Century
• have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of artistic practices and scholarship
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
• reach a high level of achievement in artistic practice, writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
• be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

Knowledgeable across disciplines:

• examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a range of disciplines
• expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
• have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
• have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment

Leaders in communities:

• initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
• have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
• mentor future generations of learners
• engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

Attuned to cultural diversity:

• value different cultures and their cultural forms of practice
• be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
• have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
• respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

Active global citizens:

• understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society
• accept social and civic responsibilities
• be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
• have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics.