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Study online with Curtin University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

If you aspire to become a professional artist and want to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of our society, the Fine Art major may suit you. The Fine Art major draws upon the diverse and complex traditions of Fine Art and calls for a high degree of self-discipline, a capacity for self-criticism and dedication to the demanding profession of being an artist. This degree aims to produce highly accomplished and knowledgeable graduates able to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of contemporary society.
Students may choose to study the following combinations of two single majors to obtain the double major award:
<ul><li>Fine Art and Visual Culture</li><li>Digital Design and Fine Art</li><li>Fine Art and Digital and Social Media</li><li>Fine Art and Professional Writing &amp; Publishing</li></ul>
Please refer to the respective degree pages for more details.

Contribute to society’s artistic and aesthetic needs. Major in Fine Art for a demanding, but rewarding, profession as a fine artist. This art degree calls for a high level of creativity, self-discipline, dedication and a capacity for self-criticism.

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art)

The Undergraduate Certificate in Fine Art is designed for people who are interested in pursuing a career in Fine Arts. The Undergraduate Certificate may enable entry into the Fine Art (OUMU-FNART) Major offered by Curtin through Open Universities Australia or the equivalent internal course.

Your introduction to fine art studies at university level. You can use this course to discover the methods, mediums, and media you connect with. Paint the first strokes on your professional career in today’s art industry or work towards further study.

Undergraduate Certificate in Fine Art

This degree offers a choice of two single majors: BA (Fine Art) or BA (Visual Culture). Students may choose to study both single majors to obtain the BA (Fine Art) (Visual Culture).
If you would like to explore the full breadth of art practice including theory and history, combining the two majors into a BA (Fine Art) (Visual Culture) is highly recommended. The combination of these majors will offer you broad experience in visual arts , theory and practice. 
If you aspire to become a professional artist and want to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of our society, the Fine Art major may suit you. The Fine Art major draws upon the diverse and complex traditions of Fine Art and calls for a high degree of self-discipline, a capacity for self-criticism and dedication to the demanding profession of being an artist. 
In the Visual Culture major students explore the history and theories of art and learn to critically evaluate how art informs our world. Students have the opportunity to extend and apply research methods through theoretical and/or practical investigations in contemporary art.

Artistic professions shape society’s aesthetic and social needs. Aspiring artists can choose Fine Art or Visual Culture (art history, theory and critical evaluation) for work in curation, policy development, public relations and tourism.

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Visual Culture)

This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of fine art and professional writing &amp; publishing. The Fine Art degree draws upon the diverse and complex traditions of Fine Art and calls for a high degree of self-discipline, a capacity for self-criticism and dedication to the demanding profession of being an artist. This major aims to produce highly accomplished and knowledgeable graduates able to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of contemporary society. The Professional Writing and Publishing major prepares students for writing careers in the private, public and creative sectors through the study and practice of a range of different writing forms, including feature articles, speeches, reports, discussion papers, travel writing, history, humour, writing for the internet, promotional writing, creative non-fiction and media releases.

Draw on your complementary skill set when you engage with both fine art and professional writing. Create a career that calls on your cultural engagement, learn how to effectively communicate with an audience, and satisfy your creative passions.

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Professional Writing and Publishing)

In the Visual Culture major students explore the history and theories of art and learn to critically evaluate how art informs our world. Students have the opportunity to extend and apply research methods through theoretical and / or practical investigations in Contemporary art practice.
Students may choose to study the following combinations of two single majors to obtain the double major award:
<ul><li>Fine Art and Visual Culture</li><li>Digital Design and Visual Culture</li><li>Digital and Social Media and Visual Culture</li><li>Professional Writing &amp; Publishing and Visual Culture</li></ul>
Please refer to the respective degree pages for more details.

Explore how culture is expressed in visual images. Understand how art informs our world, through the history and theories of art. Work in sectors where initiative, creativity and critical thinking are valued—curation, policy development, and tourism.

Bachelor of Arts (Visual Culture)

This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art and Internet Communications).
This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of fine art and Digital and Social Media. The Fine Art major draws upon the diverse and complex traditions of Fine Art and calls for a high degree of self-discipline, a capacity for self-criticism and dedication to the demanding profession of being an artist. This degree aims to produce highly accomplished and knowledgeable graduates able to contribute to the artistic, aesthetic and social needs of contemporary society. The Digital and Social Media component provides you with an opportunity to learn in detail about the human dimensions of the internet: how people network, collaborate and share information through internet communications, media and design.

Critically interact with fine art traditions considering the visual and social needs of society. Contribute to the artistic aesthetic. Design ways to network and connect to people and places. Draw on your strengths of self-criticism and self-discipline.

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Digital and Social Media)

This degree was previously known as Bachelor of Arts (Digital Design and Fine Art).
This degree offers a choice of studying two single majors together and introduces students to the complementary fields of digital design and fine art. This degree enables students to understand web-based design, 2-D and 3-D animation design, digital photography, digital illustration and rendering, interactive and experience design, simulations and modelling, and electronic game design along with drawing upon the diverse and complex traditions of Fine Art and calls for a high degree of self-discipline, a capacity for self-criticism and dedication to the demanding profession of being an artist.

Get designs on creating a future in fine art using paint and pixels. Animate interactive experiences. Draw on traditional and contemporary art techniques from painting to visual research. Layout digital design processes and principles.

Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Fine Art)

Art and Creativity

Drawing

Drawing from Observation

Art and Design Fundamentals

Fine Art Studio Methods

Drawing as Research

Fine Art Studio Processes

Fine Art Studio Strategies

Fine Art Studio Materials

This subject was previously known as VAR11 Visual Arts Research: Introduction to Drawing.
In this subject you will explore drawing through investigation of the elements and principles of the visual language of drawing. You are encouraged to develop the formal, conceptual, experimental and expressive use of this language. Through set projects you will examine the effectiveness of various visual solutions by testing possibilities and experimenting with a range of appropriate media.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Draw a solid base for your fine arts study with fundamental skills in drawing. Create artwork enlivened by your use of tone, body, and line and mark marking. Play with visual forms and techniques. Convey your artistic intent through the visual language of drawing.

This subject was previously known as Painting: Methods and Material.
This subject is designed to engage you in the ideas of contemporary art through practical application of technical skills and conceptual development. In this subject you will be encouraged to align conceptual development with the acquisition of traditional and contemporary skills across a range of visual art methods. You will undertake several set art projects utilising traditional and contemporary skills and concepts from a wide range of fine art media.
You must supply your own art materials and have access to a digital camera and/or scanner for documenting your artwork for assessment.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Create imaginative art pieces using a mix of traditional and modern skill sets. Pick apart the relationships, tone and associations of different colours. Get your hands dirty exploring paint as a substance. Develop concepts and analyse your own work.

This subject was previously known as VAR100 Art and Design Fundamentals.
This subject introduces students to the fundamentals common to art and design practices. The aim of the subject is to increase awareness of possibilities and to equip students with conceptual tools that can be used for generating, developing and refining art and design ideas. As well the subject develops analytical skills for trouble-shooting when an art or design work is not developing as intended.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Shape your relationship with art and design principles. Explore colour dimensions and textures. Find creative solutions to problems as they come up. Get to know the practical and conceptual tools you’ll rely on in a career in arts and design.

This subject was previously known as Sculpture: Methods and Materials.
This subject will introduce you to visual art specialisations through a number of thematically based projects. In this subject you will be encouraged to explore ideas through material exploration and inquiry. You will be exposed to a variety of disciplines to develop your understanding of contemporary art practice.
You must supply your own art materials and have access to a digital camera and/or scanner for documenting your artwork for assessment.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Set up and complete multiple visual art projects. Take inspiration from themes and disciplines. Back up your practice with independent research. Wield a range of art materials as you experiment with colour, context and artistic fundamentals.

This subject is designed to introduce you to research methods relevant to contemporary art. You will develop skills in writing proposals, initiating your own studio practice and presenting a body of artworks. You will engage in regular ongoing dialogue with staff and peers to discuss the progress and direction of studio project work.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Push yourself with a self-initiated art project. Put together in-depth project proposals. Explore the ins and outs of your work with staff and fellow artists. Create innovative works and show where they sit within the broader art context.

Fine Art Project

This subject is designed to develop your capacity for research-based enquiry into skills, techniques, methods and processes of fine art. You will undertake a practical engagement of studio-based research through staff and/or student-directed projects. You will work towards presenting a body of artworks that investigate art making strategies and material exploration.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Restock the skills, techniques and processes in your arsenal. Unpack your development and research approach with your peers. Reflect on your work in terms of material, form and function.

Engage and challenge practices of creativity, innovation and aesthetic experience in contemporary life. Students investigate contemporary forms of cultural practice in order to articulate and represent new critical ways of thinking.
You must supply your own art materials and have access to a scanner and digital camera for documenting your artwork for assessment.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Draw connections between the artist and their community. Reflect on the link between popular and cultural practices with contemporary art. Seek inspiration in staff-directed research. Harness your creative impulses to produce an original art project.

This subject is designed to further develop your capacity for research-based enquiry into skills, techniques, methods and processes of fine art. You will develop and extend your practical engagement with the studio research process. You will apply advanced technical and conceptual skills to develop a series of artworks.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Take your painting or sculpture specialisation to the next level. Pay attention to the use of space and light in your artwork. Document the ways in which your practice is developing. Approach your artwork with advanced technical and conceptual skills.

Fine Art Studio Extension

This subject was previously known as VSW33 Fine Art Project Advanced A.
Exploration of contemporary art practice from local, national and international perspectives. Examination of Western assumptions in contemporary art practice. This subject explores the relationship between research and practice.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the<a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Identify your creative skills, techniques and processes and refine them. Present your own self-directed fine art project. Build a framework around your art pieces that unifies them conceptually. Show your work to your peers and fold in their feedback.

Fine Art Concepts and Contexts

This subject was previously known as Art Visual Research.You will develop self-directed visual art projects to progress skills in the techniques and processes of contemporary drawing practice. You will expand your research on contemporary art through critical analysis and other methodologies.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Fortify your artistic style and take on a self-directed visual project. Use different media to communicate your ideas. Stretch your arts practice to explore architectural drawing. Play with composition as you explore natural and artificial forms.

Course results for Curtin University Fine art Short courses

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