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- High school student
- Mature student (18+)
- International student
You’re considered an international student if you are:
- intending to study on a student visa, or
- not an Australian citizen, or New Zealand citizen residing in Australia, or
- not a holder of an Australian permanent residency, or
- not a holder of an Australian humanitarian visa
- Parent or guardian
I'm interested in
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Where would you like to study?
Where would your child like to study?
- Pathway:
- Level:
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Professional development and short courses
- We offer a range of professional development courses.
- Find out more
Griffith Online
- Our online degrees are delivered 100% online, giving you control over where and when you study.
- Study 100% online
Develop and refine your artistic talent through our range of specialisations
Studying visual arts at Griffith's Queensland College of Art prepares you to use your creativity and passion across diverse fields. In your first year, you’ll gain a grounding in the fundamental aspects of fine art practice and theory, and develop your individual skills, abilities and interests. In your second and third years, you’ll focus your studies towards your major studio area, while developing a wide range of skills, concepts and experiences. Graduate with the creative, interpretive and critical capabilities to equip you for a career in your chosen visual arts field.
Study visual arts at Griffith
We develop inspired, industry-ready creative professionals
Diverse specialisations
Your visual arts studies at Griffith will be centred on your individual potential and imagination. You’ll have the opportunity to refine your artistic talent by selecting a major in:
- Photography
- Painting
- Sculpture
Learn from the best
You’ll be challenged and supported to excel by lecturers who are also leading visual artists. Learn your craft from practicing professionals who regularly hold exhibitions of their work and are represented on industry boards. Queensland College of Art is one of Australia’s oldest, most respected art and design colleges, with world-class facilities. Our programs are industry focused and developed in partnership with professional art and design bodies.
We’re proud to deliver an outstanding education that supports our students in facing the future with confidence, competence and the knowledge and skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Learn and create in inspiring spaces
Find your artistic voice in a dynamic creative environment. You’ll have access to an exciting calendar of on-campus exhibitions, guest lectures, masterclasses and artist talks. You’ll also have unique opportunities to exhibit and sell your work through our Galleries programs.
International field trips and study tours
You can choose to undertake an international study tour and gain credit towards your degree while enjoying exciting cultural experiences and advancing your professional skills.
Double degree
In the Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll develop your passion and skills in visual art while gaining practical business skills. The QCA attracts students that are dedicated to becoming innovative and creative practitioners. You’ll be able to apply your creativity in a wide range of commercial areas, understand visual arts practice in terms of a contemporary art market, and be prepared to work independently as an artist, in arts and cultural organisations.
Emma Hutton exhibits in national graduate exhibition
Emma Hutton is one of three Queensland College of Art graduates selected to exhibit as part of the Hatched National Graduate Show, a prestigious exhibition at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. Her major sculptural installation, 'Timber Skin' features more than 5,000 hand-drawn, laser-cut timber pieces, threaded together with fine wire to form a scaled surface.
“This was my major graduation work at the QCA and for it to be on show at a national exhibition is a great opportunity. All of our lecturers at the QCA were practicing artists and most of them show their work in the big galleries, so they were able to give us feedback on how to execute all of our crazy ideas!”
Bleach festival
Three-year partnership with Bleach* Festival to provide extensive practical experience to Griffith students from 2019
Career outcomes
Our graduates have become leaders in their chosen artistic spheres
Visual arts students aspire to be professional artists, or to pursue careers in the creative industries
A Bachelor of Visual Arts will equip you for a career in the visual and creative arts, from gallery directors and professional artists to curators, educators, government arts workers and creative consultants. The skills and knowledge you gain will equip you to adapt and succeed in the expanding and changing landscape of the creative arts, and will also serve as the foundation for further studies in education, research or professional practice. You'll be equipped to pursue a multitude of opportunities, including:
- Public artist
- Installation artist
- Gallery artist
- Gallery operator
- Curator
- Sculptor
- Designer
- Arts critic/writer
- Art teacher
As a graduate, you'll also have the opportunity (subject to GPA) of completing an honours year, preparing you for postgraduate studies.
Life at Griffith
You can gain more than just a degree at Griffith. With plenty of opportunities to balance life and study, you can make memories and mates to last a lifetime.
15 Apr 2021
The healing power of song
Read more about The healing power of song
22 Mar 2021
Experts imagine cities of 2060 at World Science Festival
Read more about Experts imagine cities of 2060 at World Science Festival
Key dates
Monday 8 March — Saturday 19 June
Trimester 1
Our first teaching trimester starts on Monday 8 March 2021 . Trimester 1 examinations run from Thursday 10 to Saturday 19 June.
Thursday 6 May — Saturday 8 May
Gold Coast Careers and Employment Festival
Tuesday 18 May
Mature Student Open Evening - Online
Wednesday 19 May
Mature Student Open Evening - Nathan Campus
Thursday 20 May
Mature Student Open Evening - Gold Coast Campus
Friday 21 May — Saturday 22 May
Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo
Monday 19 July — Saturday 30 October
Trimester 2
Our second teaching trimester starts on Monday 19 July. Trimester 2 examinations run from Saturday 21 to Saturday 30 October.
Monday 13 September
Mature Student Open Evening - Online
Wednesday 15 September
Mature Student Open Evening - Nathan Campus
Thursday 16 September
Mature Student Open Evening - Gold Coast Campus
Friday 17 December — Thursday 23 December