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Follow your passions and refine your techniques
Art and design are integral parts of our culture. Studying a creative course—whether visual arts, graphic design or theatre—will give you the conditions needed to dedicate yourself to your craft.
You’ll connect with other creative practitioners and gain new tools and techniques to elevate your practice and produce the work you’ve always wanted to make. Start exploring online creative courses now.
Popular art & creative design degrees
Undergraduate CUR-FIA-DEG
Undergraduate TUA-DGD-DIP
Undergraduate USA-BDM-DEG
Undergraduate TUA-BFD-DEG
Popular art & creative design subjects
Undergraduate UNE-THEA111
Related degrees
Undergraduate USA-GRAP1032
Why study art & creative design online through us?
Access quality university courses without needing an ATAR
Connect with artists and creatives from all over Australia
Study more flexibly with single subjects, short courses and degrees available to start throughout the year
How Open Universities Australia (OUA) works
We partner with leading universities to make higher education easier for everyone to access. We're here to:
- offer you guidance on your course choices.
- unlock more flexible study options for you with your university.
- ease your mental load by supporting you with your student admin.
Art & creative design careers
Whether you want to make a career out of it or just pursue your passion on the side, studying art and design will be an enriching experience.
Industries where graduates work:
Contrary to what some people may tell you, it is possible to carve out a living as an artist or designer.
You may find work as a graphic designer or animator, become a bona fide theatre-maker or apply your talents as a commercial illustrator in fashion or marketing. You could even become a teacher who inspires others to pursue a creative path.
Are courses accredited?
Relevant courses offered through Open Universities Australia are accredited by professional associations, such as the below. Check each course page to see if your qualification is recognised by these bodies.
- Design Institute of Australia (DIA)
- Interior Design Interior Architecture Educators Association (IDEA)
You might also be interested in these study areas:
Meet Kori, who found his learning style
"I suffer with severe social anxiety. Being able to go at my own pace and not have a teacher or other classmates around is very helpful...
As I started working, it was great. It has been a lot better than any previous learning experiences I've had in the past."
Frequently asked questions about art & creative design
What types of art and creative design courses are available through Open Universities Australia?
| Study area | Consider it if you'd like to... |
| Animation and visual design | Expand your visual toolkit with transferable design skills. Bring to life moving creations as an animator, or craft useful experiences as a UX designer. |
| Art history | Learn about the greats in art over time. You’ll also gain a strong grounding in historical research methods. |
| Fine art | Commit to an existing artistic practice you’re comfortable with, or learn new methodologies by exposing yourself to boundary-pushing art. |
| Graphic design | Turn your visual skills into a steady career path. Design within big brands and organisations—or become an in-demand freelancer working for companies on your own schedule. |
| Music | Live a life dedicating time to what you’re most passionate about. You’ll not only hone your musical skills, but open pathways to roles that apply your talents, such as a music teacher or music therapist. |
Why not browse through the courses that speak to you and see what feels right? Once you land on a few that look enticing, book a consultation with a student advisor to get free, tailored advice.
What are the entry requirements for art and creative design courses?
Entry requirements vary from course to course. It’s best to read the individual course pages to see if you’re eligible to enrol.
Through Open Universities Australia, there are a range of options available that allow you to get started with no entry requirements. Chat to us about how this works.
How can you help me get into a course without entry requirements?
We have a unique arrangement with our partner universities. It allows you to get started in certain undergraduate degrees through open enrolment subjects, even if you don’t have an ATAR.
Once you successfully complete 2-4 of these subjects, you can use your results to enter a full degree.
Read more about how to get into uni without an ATAR, or ask us for more information about how this works.
How flexible can my studies be?
When you study through us, you have the freedom to:
- start at multiple points during the year, instead of observing the traditional uni calendar
- control your study load by deciding how many subjects to take at once
- study subjects across multiple universities and multiple study areas
And those are only some of the flexible options available. To learn more, visit our study planning page or contact a student advisor.
Can I combine art and creative design with studies in another discipline?
Creative people are often curious about a range of areas—it's in your inquisitive nature. You might find you want to study a practical discipline like business or even health that can benefit from your artistic talents.
Study areas that many art and design students consider include:
Interested in trialling subjects across a few different disciplines to get a feel for what suits you? Studying through Open Universities Australia allows you to do just that.
Are online art and creative design courses as hands-on as on-campus courses?
A benefit of studying art and creative design courses online is that it gives you a lot of freedom. You’ll be able to study when and where it suits you, and fit learning around your life.
Online art courses remain very practical, and you will still be expected to produce plenty of creative work that helps you commit to your artistic practice, just as you would if you were studying on campus.
How much does it cost to study art and creative design through Open Universities Australia?
Studying through Open Universities Australia costs the same as studying on campus with your chosen university.
We’re a not-for-profit. Our goal is to help students access education that’s right for them—at no additional cost to students.
Your course fee will be dictated by a few things, including the content within the course and the university you choose to study with.
All courses available through Open Universities Australia, including single subjects, can be covered by a government HELP loan, provided you’re eligible. To understand more, visit our fees page.
What to read before choosing your course
Help! What degree should I study?
You know you want to go to uni, but you have no clue what course to study. First of all, don’t panic. This is a very, very common problem, and one we’re known for solving. The following advice should help you narrow down your choices.
Student allowances explained: What payments can you get?
If you’re studying full-time, you may be eligible for income support. Find out about the three main types of Centrelink payments for students, Austudy, ABSTUDY and Youth Allowance.
University entry requirements explained
Learn more about how admission criteria works when you're applying for university—and what to do if you don’t meet the requirements.
Why single subject study could be perfect for you
Did you know you can take a single university subject without committing to the whole qualification? It’s a great way to upskill—or to give your degree a test run.
Find out more about how to get started
Speak to a student advisor for:
- free, impartial advice
- expert knowledge about courses and unis
- personalised recommendations
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us.