Program Details

The contemporary world is filled with expressions of visual culture. Consider the role of visual imagery in museums, those on television and in virtual reality, as well as images viewed in public events and design fields. Developing our historical and theoretical knowledge of visual art and culture helps us better understand the world we live in.

The study of Art Theory at COFA provides a pathway to understanding contemporary trends in the fine arts, including painting, video, film, sculpture and digital art. With its specialist focus on visual culture of the 19th and 20th centuries, the degree combines the study of historical developments with theories and methods pertinent to the visual arts. Students gain a broad and integrated education in art history and theory of the modern period. The degree also offers an introduction to the arts professions, including curatorship, public and education programming, arts policy and management, and arts journalism.

The Bachelor of Art Theory at COFA is a three-year full-time degree that offers students access to the latest innovations in the study of art history and theory, visual culture, and design. The degree allows students to undertake a wide range of history, theory and studio electives in the visual arts, and to tailor their programs towards specific areas of expertise.

A unique aspect of the degree is that it enables students to enrol in the following combined degrees:
• Bachelor of Art Theory and Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Art Theory and Bachelor of Social Science
• Bachelor of Art Theory and Bachelor of Laws

These combined degrees offer students a double specialisation in humanities fields that complement and enhance each other.

The Bachelor of Art Theory and the combined degrees aim to provide students with:
- A comprehensive theoretical and historical background in the art history and theory of the last two hundred years;
- A specialist knowledge of current art theories and debates;
- The opportunity to undertake studio electives in fine arts, design, and digital media;
- The opportunity to combine other intellectual interests with the study of art theory;
- Access to and study of visual art in gallery and museum contexts;
- Hands on experience in planning, curating, and co-ordinating art exhibitions.

The arts and cultural industries are major growth areas in Australia and internationally. The Bachelor of Art Theory gives students the opportunity to prepare intellectually and practically to work in these industries. Students are acquainted with methodological processes, historical contexts and theoretical frameworks that underpin this broad subject area. They are also able to learn hands-on skills such as how art is exhibited, interpreted and promoted. Careers for graduates include: Art Administration; Design Management; Curatorship; Art and Design Criticism; Journalism; Public Programming and Policy Formation; Art Research and Scholarship.