AUT - Bachelor of Visual Arts: degree outline
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Bachelor of Visual Arts: degree outline
The study of visual arts will encourage you to push your artistic boundaries, building up strong practical skills, while developing knowledge of art, artists, processes and critical thinking.
The Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) degree covers the broad range of skills you need to work as an artist, with expertise and self-reliance. You investigate 2D and 3D approaches to art-making, before specialising in a media suitable to your own art ideas and individual approaches. You also study the theory of art and investigate how art may be evaluated.
- Studio-based programme - you will have your own studio space
- Chance to work with a wide range of media such as painting, print, photography, sculpture, moving image, sound and performance
- A mix of practical skills and the theory of art, which focuses on contemporary art practices and the ideas that inform them
- Learning experience includes 1-on-1 tutorials, critiques, seminars, visits from artists and critics, workshops, noho marae and field trips to galleries
- Opportunity to exhibit your work to media and industry through the AUT School of Art and Design festival at the end of Year 3
Quick facts
Programme Code: AK3352
Level: 7
Points: 360
Duration: Three years full time
Venue: City Campus
Start date: 3 March 2014
AUT encourages early application. There are limited places available. Late applications will be accepted if the programme is not full. Applicants will normally be selected on the basis of their level of academic achievement and may be required to attend a selection interview.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance
- Portfolio of art work
- Interview may be required
- Applicants for whom English or Māori is not their first language must provide proof of their English proficiency. IELTS (academic), completed within the last two years is the preferred test for entry. Minimum IELTS (academic) requirements are as follows: 6.5 overall with all bands 6 or higher.
Specialisations
- Paint/Print
- Photography
- Sculpture
Structure
Most papers last one semester and are worth 15 points. You must complete 120 points each year (360 points for the entire degree). In each year you will study core (compulsory) papers, and select other papers from a range of options.
Year 1
We introduce you to the fundamentals of visual arts theory and practice. You focus on how to generate and develop art ideas, work with visual language, analyse and critically evaluate art, and learn about theoretical and historical contexts related to art.
You are encouraged to develop your own individual artistic interest and approach to art-making. In Semester 2, you specialise in paint/print, photography, or sculpture.
Year 1 papers - 120 points in total
115001 Visual Arts Theory I (30)
115018 Drawing I (15)
115025 Visual Arts Core Studio (45)
115026 Visual Arts Studio I (30)
Year 2
The second year focus is to further explore your individual interests in art-making in more breadth and depth.
The aim is to develop an art practice around these interests and thereby establish a basis for in-depth study in Year 3. The studies in studio and theory should all relate to, and support, each other. The aim is for you to
become increasingly self-reliant.
Year 2 papers - 120 points in total
116104 Drawing II (15)
116250 Visual Arts Studio II (75)
116251 Visual Arts Theory II (30)
Year 3
You will continue to develop and deepen your art practice with advanced visual, media, method and conceptual skills. While maintaining exploratory approaches, the aim is to develop a coherent body of art, which incorporates complexity and subtlety in its structure, its visual operations, and its conceptual implications. You are expected to work in a self-reliant way.
Year 3 papers - 120 points in total
117301 Professional Practice (15)
117350 Visual Arts Studio III (90)
117351 Visual Arts Theory III (15)
Click here to view programme structure and paper outlines.
Additional course information can also be found here.
Enrolment in papers is subject to meeting all requirements and availability of papers.
Please contact the Programme Administrator, Johanna Bowden for programme information.
Career opportunities
- Artist
- Arts administrator, manager or director
- Art consultant
- Art critic, historian, commentator or writer
- Art gallery manager or owner
- Curator
- Educator