About this subject area

Overview

The honours in Visual Arts allows you to extend your potential in studio-based and written research upon completion of an undergraduate degree in visual arts.  You can choose to complete honours in Visual Arts either by studio practice and research paper, or by dissertation. The studio practice in honours year is available in following areas of emphasis: ceramics, glass, jewellery, painting, photomedia, printmedia, screen arts and sculpture.

The honours year comprises a year-long individual research project supported by research honours seminars where you further develop your critical and analytical skills through readings, discussion, and essay writing. You are expected to have developed a focus and direction in your work and be prepared for working in a tutorial environment with a supervisor.

Applying for honours

The honours in Visual Arts can be undertaken in the Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies or through the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours).

You must present a research proposal outlining the proposed topic of your investigation and submit a portfolio of recent artwork.

Typical workload and assessment


Your final examination will take place at the graduate exhibition at the end of the year. You are required to present to a panel of two examiners either:

• 5,000 - 7,000-word research paper and a substantial exhibition, performance, or installation of artwork; or
• 15,000-word dissertation that demonstrates a commitment to serious scholarship, a focused investigation, disciplined editing, and rigorous analysis.