Bachelor in Arts (politics) and Fine Art

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Monash University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics) and Fine Art at Monash University is a four-year double degree that combines the study of political systems with hands-on creative practice. It’s perfect for students who want to explore how societies work while also developing their own artistic voice and creative skills. This course leads to two separate degrees. Depending upon your specialisation, you will be awarded one of: Bachelor of Arts History and Curating, Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Arts.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll establish a strong foundation in both politics and fine art. You’ll study introductory units like Introduction to Politics to understand how governments and policies shape society, alongside studio-based units in drawing, visual thinking, and art theory. You’ll also have flexibility to explore electives in humanities and social sciences, helping you shape your broader interests.

Year 2
The second year allows you to go deeper in both fields. Politics units such as Comparative Politics or Human Rights provide insights into global political structures, while in fine art you’ll develop technical and conceptual skills through subjects in painting, sculpture, photography, or digital media. This combination strengthens both your analytical and creative thinking.

Year 3
In your third year, your studies become more specialised. You might take advanced arts units like Politics in Practice to analyse political ideas in depth, while your fine art work focuses on experimental and self-directed studio projects. You’ll have opportunities to prepare work for exhibitions, critique your peers, and push your creative boundaries.

Year 4
Your final year brings your studies together with a focus on independence and professional readiness. In politics, you may complete capstone units involving research, thematic projects, or policy analysis, while in fine art, you’ll work on a major project or exhibition. This year is all about synthesising your political understanding with your creative practice and preparing for life after graduation.

Focus Areas

Visual arts practice, political systems and ideas, cultural theory, art history and criticism, studio-based fine art, and interdisciplinary arts and humanities.

Learning Outcomes

You will graduate with the ability to think critically about political and cultural issues, communicate ideas clearly, create and present original artworks, analyse social trends, and integrate creative and analytical thinking in professional contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree is supported by Monash’s strong connections with arts and cultural institutions such as the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) and MADA Gallery, giving you access to studios, exhibition spaces, and opportunities to work alongside practising artists and cultural commentators.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Monash University is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. Its arts and creative programs are highly regarded, helping graduates build careers in arts, culture, media, education, government, and policy sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Arts (Politics) and Fine Art, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. You’ll spend time in studios, on creative projects, and working through real-world political and cultural scenarios, giving you hands-on experience that builds your skills and confidence. With access to dedicated studios, exhibition spaces, museums, and community-based opportunities, you’ll have plenty of ways to apply what you learn, explore your interests, and develop a strong portfolio of work:

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Creative studios and gallery spaces: Work in purpose-built Fine Art studios at Monash’s Caulfield campus, experimenting with painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital fabrication, and more. You’ll also engage with contemporary exhibitions at the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) and the MADA Gallery.
Professional internships and placements: Gain real-world experience through internships like Arts Internship, Arts International Internship, or the Victorian Parliamentary Internship. These help you develop professional skills in research, communication, and teamwork while building your CV.
Volunteering in Practice: Complete at least 24 hours of volunteering with an approved organisation, earning academic credit while strengthening leadership and community engagement skills.
Study abroad and global immersion: Participate in programs such as the Global Immersion Guarantee, where you study in cultural settings around the world to gain intercultural experience and broaden your perspective.
Research and practical projects: Engage in group projects, portfolio development, exhibitions, and problem-based learning units that mirror professional practice, preparing you for careers in politics, arts, or related fields.

For a full overview of Monash’s studios, galleries, research facilities, and other student resources, you can explore the university’s official facilities page.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor in Arts (Politics) and Fine Art leave Monash with a unique combination of analytical, creative, and cultural skills that are highly valued in a variety of careers. You’ll be ready to step into roles where you can think critically, communicate effectively, and make a creative impact. Common career paths for graduates include arts administrator or curator, policy analyst, creative director or visual artist, and government or cultural policy advisor:

Career support services: Monash’s Professional Futures and Career Connect programs provide tailored guidance while you’re still studying, including resume building, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and help finding internships or placements that give you practical experience.
Employment outcomes and salary: Monash graduates generally have strong employment rates, with many securing full-time work soon after graduation. For Fine Art and Arts graduates, this typically translates to roles in the creative sector with starting salaries around AUD 53,700 per annum, reflecting strong demand for creative and analytical skills.
University–industry connections: Students benefit from internships and placements with museums, galleries, arts organisations, and cultural institutions, including Monash’s own MUMA and MADA Gallery, giving you hands-on experience and professional exposure.
Long-term qualification value: Monash is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, so your degree is recognised both in Australia and internationally, supporting careers in government, arts leadership, cultural policy, and creative industries.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni work across arts administration, creative industries, public service, community organisations, NGOs, media, and cultural institutions, showcasing the versatility of this degree and the broad career opportunities it opens.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this double degree, you can continue your studies to specialise further. Options include a Master of Arts or Cultural Management for leadership roles in arts and cultural organisations, a Master of Public Policy or International Relations for government or international work, or a Master of Fine Arts to focus on professional artistic practice. For research-focused paths, you could pursue a Master of Research or PhD, opening doors to academic, curatorial, or strategic roles in creative and cultural sectors.