Bachelor of Visual Arts(Politics) and Bachelor of Advanced Studies

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies at the University of Sydney combines hands-on studio practice with in-depth academic inquiry. It’s ideal for students who want to develop a strong creative portfolio while also exploring advanced study in another field, such as politics, cultural studies, or interdisciplinary research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll explore foundational studio units like Studio Foundation and Art History, building your skills across painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography. You’ll also engage with broader creative and analytical subjects that strengthen your research, writing, and critical thinking skills, giving you a solid base for your visual and academic work.

Year 2
The second year allows you to focus on intermediate studio units such as Studio 1 and Studio 2, where you refine your technical skills and develop a personal creative voice. Alongside this, you will begin to take electives or a major in another discipline, which could include politics, sociology, or digital culture, helping you combine creative practice with academic exploration.

Year 3
By the third year, you’ll move into advanced studio and elective units that challenge you to integrate theory and practice at a higher level. Politics or other advanced studies units give you the opportunity to connect your visual arts practice with broader social, cultural, or global issues, preparing you for diverse career pathways.

Year 4 (Advanced Studies Project)
In the final year, you undertake an advanced project or thesis, either a substantial body of creative work or an interdisciplinary research project. This capstone experience is designed to showcase your skills, creativity, and critical thinking, leaving you well-prepared for professional life or further study.

Focus Areas

Contemporary studio practice, art history, creative research, critical theory, interdisciplinary electives, and advanced independent projects.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to master a range of artistic techniques, engage critically with cultural and social contexts, and produce professional-level portfolios or research projects demonstrating both creative and academic excellence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This double degree is accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework and recognised as a full undergraduate qualification in both disciplines.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

The University of Sydney is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and is highly regarded for arts and social sciences. Graduates are prepared for careers in creative practice, cultural policy, arts administration, education, media, and other interdisciplinary fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in this program gain hands-on experience from day one, working in professional-standard studios and workshops designed to support a wide range of creative practices. You’ll learn by doing — creating artworks in ceramics, glass, painting, sculpture, print media, jewellery, and digital media — while technical staff guide you in mastering tools, materials, and techniques safely and effectively. Beyond the studios, you’ll have opportunities to present your work in exhibitions, attend artist talks, take part in field trips, and collaborate with peers across disciplines, ensuring that your learning is both practical and connected to the real world. The Advanced Studies component also gives you the chance to take on a substantial independent project, blending creative practice with research or interdisciplinary exploration.

In particular, students have access to:

Fully equipped ceramics studios with pottery wheels, slip-casting and mould-making facilities, and a variety of kilns for electric, gas, and raku firing.
Glass workshops, including hot glass studios for blowing and sculpting, kiln forming spaces, and cold glass areas with engraving and finishing tools.
Timber, metal, and mixed-material workshops with saws, drill presses, welders, and fabrication equipment for both small and large-scale projects.
Jewellery and object studios featuring hydraulic presses, enamelling kilns, silversmithing tools, and 3D visualization equipment.
Digital media resources including photography, audio, and video production studios, supported by the Digital Media Unit.
Student galleries and exhibition spaces, giving you the chance to showcase your work publicly and gain professional presentation experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this degree leave with both strong creative skills and a broad academic foundation, giving them the flexibility to pursue a wide range of careers. Many go on to work as professional artists, curators, creative producers, arts managers, writers, or in cultural institutions and policy roles. The program equips you not just to create, but to think critically, communicate effectively, and navigate complex professional environments.

To support this transition from study to career:

The University’s Careers Centre offers personalised guidance, portfolio and CV reviews, interview preparation, and access to job‑search resources to help you find the right opportunities.
Students can gain real-world experience through internships and placements with organisations including cultural institutions, creative agencies, government departments, and industry partners, helping to build professional networks before graduation.
Initiatives like the ArtSS Career Ready Industry Project give students hands-on experience working on industry challenges and collaborative projects, directly linking your learning to professional contexts.
Career fairs and industry events connect students with potential employers, including galleries, museums, media companies, and corporate creative teams.
Graduates leave with a degree recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework, giving long-term value and flexibility across creative, cultural, and policy-oriented careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, many students choose to continue their studies with honours in fine arts, postgraduate research such as a Master of Fine Arts or a Practice-Led PhD, or postgraduate coursework in areas like arts curatorship, cultural policy, or creative industries. This pathway allows you to deepen your expertise and expand your career options in both creative and academic fields.