Bachelor of Fine Arts
at UNSW Sydney, New South Wales.
A three-year fine arts degree at UNSW's Paddington campus with study areas in animation and moving image, art theory, music and visual arts. No prerequisites; Visual Arts, Design and Technology or Music 2 are recommended depending on the area chosen.
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 UNSW Bachelor of Fine Arts 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 | 83.00 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 80.00 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 73.90 | 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
Study areas are animation and moving image, art theory, music (including creative practice, pedagogy and sonic arts) and visual arts. Recommended studies depend on the area: Visual Arts and Design and Technology for animation and moving image, Music 2 or AMEB grades for music, and Visual Arts for art theory or visual arts. High achievers can add an Honours year.
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 artist with gallery representation and grant funding
- Gallery assistant or junior curator at public and commercial galleries
- Art handler or installer at major institutions
- Studio assistant for established artists
- Arts administrator at councils and NGOs
- Art teacher (after a Master of Teaching)
After graduation
Graduates work as artists, animators, musicians and in the creative industries, galleries and arts organisations, or continue to Honours, postgraduate study or a Master of Teaching.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students with a serious commitment to art-making and a developing studio practice
- Those willing to spend 25 plus hours weekly in independent studio time
- People comfortable defending creative choices in regular crits
- Students who can manage long stretches of self-directed work
- Those happy to read art theory alongside making
It is probably not for you if
- Students treating creative work as a hobby rather than a discipline
- Those who prefer clearly defined briefs and deadlines
- Anyone uncomfortable with portfolio-based assessment and public exhibition
Related courses at UNSW
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the UNSW Sydney website and on UAC before applying.