Bachelor of Fine Arts
at University of the Sunshine Coast, 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 University of the Sunshine Coast 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-based foundation: drawing, painting, photography, digital media, three-dimensional and time-based work, plus an introduction to contemporary art theory. You begin a studio diary documenting your process and ideas. Small UniSC studio cohorts mean regular one-to-one critique time rather than large lectures. Second year you develop a primary studio focus alongside continuing theory subjects. Group critiques become weekly and projects connect to the Sunshine Coast cultural sector, including regional galleries, artist-run initiatives and council arts programs, so you build exhibited work for your portfolio. Third year is the capstone year: a major self-directed body of work for the graduate exhibition, a written research-driven artist statement and advanced theory electives. The graduate show is the key moment for connecting with regional galleries, residencies and Honours applications.
Example first-year subjects
- Studio Foundation
- Drawing 1
- Photography and Digital Media
- Contemporary Art History and Theory 1
- Painting and Materials
- Three-Dimensional and Spatial Practice
How you will be assessed
- Studio portfolio and final body of work (majority of marks)
- Studio diary or process journal
- Weekly group critiques
- Short critical and theoretical essays
- Capstone graduate exhibition
- Artist statement and exegesis
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
- Studio assistant to a practising artist
- Gallery assistant or installer in regional and commercial galleries
- Arts administrator at a festival, council or institution
- Freelance artist with grant, residency and commission income
- Visual arts educator (with a Master of Teaching)
- Community-arts or public-art project worker
- Production or art-department assistant in screen and media
Graduate starting salary
$52,000 - $64,000 per year
Source: https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos). Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
Most graduates combine an artistic practice with part-time work in galleries, arts administration or teaching, often building a regional profile before moving to Brisbane. Honours is available for top students and is the entry point to research masters and PhD by practice. Other postgraduate options include masters in creative industries, curatorship or design, and the Master of Teaching (Secondary, Visual Arts) for those moving into schools.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Self-motivated makers with a developing personal practice
- Patient students who iterate work over months
- People comfortable showing unfinished work in critique
- Curious readers who follow contemporary art theory
- Networkers who pursue residencies, prizes and artist-run initiatives
It is probably not for you if
- Students seeking a guaranteed stable salary at graduation
- Those who avoid public critique of their work
- People who want a structured, exam-driven course
- Students unwilling to keep a parallel job to fund practice
Related courses at UniSC
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and ATAR cutoffs on the University of the Sunshine Coast handbook and on QTAC before applying. Page generated at https://examexplained.com.au/uni/usc/bachelor-of-fine-arts.