Program Details

Learning and teaching are fundamental to all societies. They play a crucial role in the initiation of young people into the knowledge, skills and values of the community.   Within this framework, art education offers students a unique insight into the role that creative visual ideas play in the development of society.  Teaching in the area of art encourages students to examine and respond to the world around them.  Art education provides an intellectual basis for the interpretation and interrogation of objects, images and environments in the world.

Art Education at COFA provides a comprehensive and integrated program of study. Students acquire a sound foundation in studio practice, methods of art history, educational practice and professional experience in schools and in related educational settings, for example, museums and galleries.

The Bachelor of Art Education is a four-year full-time degree in art education and specialist fine arts studies. It combines the creativity of art and design with the extensive research and teaching facilities of UNSW.  The program includes professional experiences in teaching in a variety of educational settings in preparation for the full session Teaching Internship. It is possible to complete the Bachelor of Art Education with honours and proceed into either classroom based practice or a research degree.

Art Education can be studied as a second degree to achieve a teaching qualification following a specialist fine arts, visual arts or digital media degree.

The Bachelor of Art Education aims to provide students with:

- A comprehensive skills package so that they are able to teach and work in a wide range of arts related fields;
- The ability to focus on specific discipline areas in the fine arts and/or design;
- An understanding of a wide range of teaching practices and curriculum development procedures;
- A rich and supportive learning environment;
- Access to the best possible teaching resources, including studios and new technologies;
- Sequenced hands-on teaching experience in NSW schools throughout their university program.

The Bachelor of Art Education is fully accredited for secondary visual arts teaching and recognized by the Department of Education and Training in NSW and the Independent Schools Association  (both government and non-government). The degree is recognized in other Australian States and Territories and overseas. The program has a flexible structure allowing students to develop their individual potential as: Visual Arts and Design Teachers in Secondary Schools; Curriculum Development Officers; Museum and Gallery Public Programs and Educational Officers; Arts Policy Advisors in Government Institutions; Artists; Art Historians, Theorists and Critics;  Educators in Public and Private Sector Institutions.

A range of elective options in Art Education at COFA provides diversified vocational opportunities in: Secondary Schools; Community Arts and Welfare Agencies; Media and Communication Contexts; Museum and Gallery Settings; Primary Schools; Special Education and Therapeutic Contexts.