Bachelor of Fine Arts
at Queensland University of Technology, Queensland.
A studio-based fine-arts degree with majors in painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, screen, sound, performance or expanded practice. Includes an annual graduate exhibition.
ATAR cutoff history
Published cutoff data for the Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Fine Arts. We never invent figures; entries marked "not published" mean the university or admissions centre has not released a verified cutoff for that intake.
| Intake year | ATAR cutoff | Admissions centre |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2023 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
| 2022 | ATAR cutoff not published | QTAC |
No verified cutoffs are available. Confirm the latest figure on the official QTAC cutoff release.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
First year is a broad studio and theory foundation. You sample core practices (such as drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, screen, sound and performance) and study art history, contemporary theory and creative process. QUT's creative-industries precinct at Kelvin Grove is studio-rich and industry-connected, so you begin making and exhibiting early. Second year is where you focus your major and develop a sustained body of work. Studio units become more self-directed, supported by technical workshops, critiques and professional practice units covering grant writing, exhibition and the realities of a creative career. Third year centres on a major self-directed project and culminates in the annual graduate exhibition or showcase, where you present finished work to industry, galleries and the public. Work-integrated learning, internships and collaborative projects reflect QUT's real-world emphasis and help build professional networks before graduation.
Example first-year subjects
- Studio Practice 1
- Drawing and Visual Thinking
- Introduction to Art History
- Contemporary Art and Theory
- Materials and Techniques
- Creative Process and Professional Practice
How you will be assessed
- Studio works and folios assessed against a brief
- Critiques (crits) and peer and panel feedback
- Exhibition pieces and installation
- Written essays on art history and theory
- Artist statements and project rationales
- Reflective journals documenting creative process
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as practising artists, screen and stage performers, art directors and gallery educators across the cultural sector.
- Common destinations include exhibition assistant roles at state galleries, freelance studio practice and arts-administration positions in regional councils.
- Many alumni progress into curatorial roles, postgraduate study or arts education in secondary schools.
Typical first jobs
- Practising or emerging artist
- Studio or gallery assistant
- Arts educator or workshop facilitator
- Exhibition or programme assistant at a gallery
- Arts-administration or events coordinator
- Freelance creative across screen, sound or performance
Graduate starting salary
$55,000 - $64,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Most graduates pursue independent creative practice while building a portfolio and exhibition record. Pathways include a one-year honours programme, which leads to research masters and PhD study and to teaching in the tertiary sector. Others complete the Master of Teaching to teach art in secondary schools, or move into arts administration, curatorial and gallery roles. There is no single registration body; careers depend on portfolio, networks and ongoing practice.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Self-motivated makers with a strong creative drive
- Students who can give and receive critique
- People comfortable with open-ended, experimental work
- Those willing to build a portfolio and exhibit publicly
- Independent learners who manage their own projects
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting a clear, salaried career path at graduation
- Those who dislike critique and public showing of work
- People who prefer structured, exam-based study
- Anyone uncomfortable with self-directed practice
Careers this leads to
Australian career pathways that name this Bachelor of Fine Arts as an entry route. Each page shows uni, TAFE and apprenticeship alternatives.
Related courses at QUT
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the Queensland University of Technology handbook and on QTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/qut/bachelor-of-fine-arts.