Our Bachelor of Fine Art degree (three years full-time) is designed to impart the skills, knowledge and creative independence required to sustain a professional career as an artist.
NAS has long been recognised for our rigorous studio-based model of learning taught by established practicing artists, as well as our outstanding Art History & Theory faculty.
The BFA comprises three interrelated areas of study: Studio, Drawing and Art History & Theory. Study and practice in these key subject areas continues throughout the degree.
Course Schema
Year 1
In the first year of the degree, students are introduced to the foundational skills and concepts of art making in a comprehensive exploration of studio practice across all disciplines including Ceramics, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking and Sculpture. In second semester, students narrow the focus of their studio study to two of these areas. One of these will be the basis for ongoing studio specialisation in following years of study.
Study in Drawing at this level introduces students to the foundational principles of visual observation, analysis and experimental drawing, and the Art History & Theory program examines the historical precedents and contemporary contexts of visual art practice.
Year 2
In second year, students commence study in a studio specialisation nominated from one of two studio areas studied in the previous semester. The year is project-based and supports the development of individual work practices in preparation for the final year of the degree.
Students continue to study Drawing, with the skills attained in Year 1 extended to include contemporary and traditional drawing practices. The Art History & Theory core program examines the history and cultural conditions of modernity, and an Art History & Theory elective program offers students the opportunity to engage more deeply with a broad range of specialised topics.
Year 3
In the third and final year, students work on independent projects under the guidance of studio lecturers. This final year emphasises self-directed learning and individual development, with all students building a major body of work for assessment and exhibition for graduation at the end of the year.
The Drawing program is driven by individual student projects at this level while the Art History & Theory core program examines the major concepts, terminology and debates that shape contemporary art and culture today.