Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art History and Visual Culture

University of Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide

Duration3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 29,942 / year(s)

Next IntakeJuly 5, 2026

Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art History and Visual Culture

About

Our Bachelor of Arts is flexible and future-facing, focused on career preparation and real-world experience.

In the Art History and Visual Culture major, you’ll study how art has shaped identities and society through the ages. Develop visual and digital literacy through courses on Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary art. Tackle big questions: How do materials affect meaning? Why is representation important? How does visual art intersect with other media, like movies?

Learn how new technologies are transforming art creation and viewing. Explore the relationship between visual culture and the natural world. Apply different theoretical frameworks for critical analysis, advancing your writing, speaking and research skills.

Our hands-on approach means you’ll gain real experience in the creative industries and establish meaningful professional connections. Study in the heart of Adelaide's art and cultural precinct. Visit local museums and galleries to analyse real artworks up close. Build creative skills for versatile careers in cultural entrepreneurship, philanthropy, media, policy and more.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

English Program Requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 | IELTS Reading 6 | IELTS Listening 6 | IELTS Speaking 6 | IELTS Writing 6

Career

Career outcomes

This degree amplifies your adaptability, priming you for creative careers. You could be a museum administrator, an archivist or a cultural director. You might be a teacher, helping others understand Basquiat and Boyd. Perhaps you’ll curate exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia, Mona, or the Museum of Modern Art.

You could also be a:

Public program coordinator
Education outreach specialist
Copyright specialist
Conservator
Policy advisor
Event manager
Cultural diplomat
Art critic
PR specialist
Editor
Art dealer
Philanthropy manager
Art therapist.

Industry trends

Digital technology is transforming the art world, with more and more online galleries, VR exhibitions and augmented reality experiences. AI and blockchain are reshaping how art is made and tracked. It's becoming increasingly important to understand these digital tools and how they help create, share and experience art.

Studying our Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art History and Visual Culture is a direct way to build the higher-order cognitive, interpersonal and digital skills needed to thrive in a fast-evolving industry. Forecasts indicate creative skills like these will remain crucial for future workforce needs, with their value and transferability only increasing (ANA think tank, 2020).

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

29,942 / year(s)

Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art History and Visual Culture

University of Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide