Undergraduate handbook 2004
Art and Design

Bachelor of Visual Arts - Gippsland

Course code: 2124 + Course abbreviation: BVA + Gippsland + Internal mode + Course coordinator: Julie Adams
All students enrolled prior to 2003 must follow the Bachelor of Visual Arts - Gippsland course structure which appears in the 2002 undergraduate handbook. Prospective honours applicants must refer to the honours program as outlined in the 2002 undergraduate handbook.

The Bachelor of Visual Arts is a three-year full-time or six-year part-time degree program of broad education in the visual arts.

Graduates may practise professionally in one or more art media, or may become involved in art gallery activities, cultural programs, art education, or a range of art and design industry activities.
The visual arts are concerned with a range of disciplines such as painting, photomedia, three-dimensional design and installation, as well as the theoretical and cultural aspects of art and design.
The course comprises a choice of a visual arts studio major discipline, together with complementary studies and a choice of elective units which, taken together, enable students to form individual study programs.

Course structure

Pass degree

The degree structure is given depth by a sequence of units which form a major study taken over three years. The degree structure is given breadth by complementary and other units in studio and theory from which individual study programs can be formed.

First-year study program

The first year of the course has a common structure for all students which provides a sound introduction to both theory and practice in the context of the visual arts, and assists the student to make an informed choice of a major study. Elective units are chosen after consultation with studio coordinators. An example of first semester is as follows:

• Introductory visual arts studio (6 credit points)
• Drawing (6 credit points)
• Theory of art and design (6 credit points)
• Electives (6 credit points)

Second/third-year semester program

In consultation with the course coordinator, students undertake a major study area, together with supporting units. The typical semester pattern consists of:

• Major study:visual arts studio (12 credit points)
• Complementary studies: theory (6 credit points)
• Electives (6 credit points)

Major study

At least 48 credit points must be taken in the major study at year-two and year-three levels. Added to the 12 points obtained in year one, this provides a core major of 60 credit points.

• Visual arts studio

Complementary studies

Complementary studies provide a balance between theory and practice components; a minimum of 24 credit points of complementary studies must be taken.

Elective units

Units are selected in consultation with the course coordinator. They will generally be taken from those within the Faculty of Art and Design, but units elsewhere in the university are also available. They may be selected to provide the following: a specialised extension to aspects of the major discipline; a means of entering a major discipline; the opportunity to explore and develop further specialisations. A maximum of 30 credit points can be taken in the degree program.

Course length/workload required

Pass degree

Three years of full-time study, or six years part-time. The expected average number of hours per week for a full-time student is 48 (contact and non-contact), with appropriate adjustment for part-time study. An 80 per cent attendance record for studios, lectures, seminars etc is required before a student may present for assessment in any unit. Exceptions will be subject to the approval of the course coordinator.

Admission requirements

Pass degree

The course will be offered through the VTAC system. Entry is by interview, folio and ENTER. Completion of VCE units 3 and 4 English (any) with a study score of at least 25 and a minimum ENTER of 60 is also required. Applications will also be considered on the basis of other qualifications assessed as equivalent to the VCE.

Advanced standing

Pass degree

Credit may be granted for equivalent studies completed elsewhere at approved institutions. Advanced standing in the course for students who have completed part of similar courses at Australian or international universities will be considered up to a maximum of two years and in accordance with other regulations of Monash University. Each application for credit or advanced standing will be considered on its own merits.

Fee structure

For students with Australian residency, these courses fall within the lowest band of HECS liability. The fee for international students will be set by the vice-chancellor from time to time (currently $14,900 per annum).

Note that all courses and units are subject to ongoing review and minor amendments to improve them.
cps: credit points - the total student workload per week including in and out-of-class work is normally obtained by doubling the credit points.

Course program

Note that all courses and units are subject to ongoing review and minor amendments to improve them.

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