Monash University: University Handbooks: Undergraduate handbook 2005: Units indexed by faculty
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Undergraduate handbook 2005 - Art and Design

Bachelor of Visual Arts - Gippsland

Course code: 2124 + Course abbreviation: BVA + Total credit points required: 144 + 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Gippsland)

Course description

The course offers a 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 the range of activities of the fine arts and design, as well as the newer areas such as photomedia and digital media, in addition to the theoretical and cultural aspects of art and design. The course comprises a choice of major disciplines in art, together with complementary studies, and a choice of elective units which, taken together, enable students to form individual study programs.
After successfully completing this course students may extend studies in their chosen major discipline at fourth year/honours level and undertake studies in the research methods of the visual arts.

Entry requirements

The course is 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.

Course structure

The degree structure is given depth by a sequence of units which form a major study taken over three years. It is given breadth by complementary and other units in studio and theory from which individual study programs can be formed.
(a) First-year study program
The first year of the course has a common structure for all students that 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 the studio coordinator. An example first semester is as follows:

Introductory visual arts studio (6 points)
Drawing (6 points)
Theory of art and design (6 points)
Elective (6 points)

(b) Second and third year study program
In consultation with the course coordinator, students undertake the major study area, together with supporting units. The typical semester pattern consists of:

Major study: visual arts (12 points)
Complementary studies: theory of art and design (6 points)
Electives (6 points)

(c) Major study (second and third years)
Forty-eight credit points must be taken in the chosen 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

(d) Elective units
Elective units are selected by students in consultation with the course coordinator. They will generally be taken from those within the Faculty of Art and Design. However, units elsewhere in the university are also available.
(e) Occupational health and safety (0 credit points)
A compulsory health and safety unit which deals with issues relevant to art and design.