Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design
at Australian Catholic University, New South Wales.
ACU's design degree is the three-year Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design at Strathfield, combining studio art with graphic design. No prerequisites (Visual Arts is recommended). A third-year internship pairs each student with a professional mentor.
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the ACU Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 60.15 | uac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 59.60 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 59.00 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 58.70 | uac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through UAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
Studio and theory areas are 3D/4D object design, art and design history and theory, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. In third year the Professional Development and Practice unit places students in an internship with a professional such as a craftsperson, graphic designer, art critic, art historian, museum or gallery manager or curator who acts as a mentor. Study abroad and a lecturer-led Venice Biennale tour are optional. Honours is available as an additional Bachelor of Arts (Honours) year.
Placement and industry experience
The third-year Professional Development and Practice unit is an internship with a mentor from the art and design sector, for example a graphic designer, craftsperson, curator, art critic or gallery manager. Students can also study abroad or join the Venice Biennale tour.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as visual designers, UX designers and industrial designers in agencies and in-house teams.
- Common destinations include digital product agencies, advertising studios and the in-house design teams of major retailers and banks.
- Many alumni progress into design leadership, design strategy and freelance practice within five years.
Typical first jobs
- Junior graphic designer at studios and in-house teams
- UX or product designer at tech and SaaS companies
- Junior industrial or product designer at design consultancies
- Junior animator or motion designer in advertising and media
- Communications designer at corporates and government
- Freelance designer building a client base
Graduate starting salary
$55,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
Graduates work in graphic design, art practice, galleries and arts administration, or add an Honours year. A Master of Teaching leads to secondary visual arts teaching.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who enjoy hands-on making and visual problem solving
- Those happy to defend their work in regular desk crits
- People with a strong existing portfolio or willingness to build one fast
- Students who can manage long self-directed studio hours
- Those willing to invest in their own laptops, software and materials
It is probably not for you if
- Students who prefer exam-based assessment over portfolio work
- Those uncomfortable defending creative choices in front of peers
- Anyone unwilling to spend 20 plus hours weekly on independent making
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the Australian Catholic University website and on UAC before applying.