About Us

The University of Tasmania was officially established on 1st January 1890, by an Act of the Colony's Parliament and was only the fourth university to be established in nineteenth-century Australia. The University was originally located on the Domain in Hobart. As the University developed, it outgrew its original place and in the early 1940's began to transfer its departments to Sandy Bay, which became the new home for the institution.

Contempory Arts(Honours)

Introduction

This on-campus, 1 year full-time (or 2 consecutive years part-time) course is offered on the Launceston campus through the School of Visual & Performing Arts.
The BCA(Hons) aims to provide an introduction to research training in the visual, theatre and/or music arts through the preparation, execution and presentation of an in-depth, supervised project complemented by coursework research skills study.

These course rules and specifications apply to students commencing the BCA(Hons) in 2008. For students who commenced prior to 2008, the applicable course rules are those from the year of commencement. i.e. students who commenced in 2005 should refer to the 2005 Handbook.

Admission & Prerequisites

Students may be offered a place in the BCA(Hons) on the basis of:

  • a degree in the visual and/or performing arts or a degree in a cognate area or the equivalent (as determined by the dean);
  • an average mark of Distinction or above in the major area of study in the final year of the three-year undergraduate degree;
  • demonstrates during audition/interview process the capacity to undertake the BCA(Hons); and
  • where the School is able to offer suitable supervision.

or who

  • has a substantial (ie 5 years minimum) level of professional experience in arts practice where the applicant does not hold a degree; and
  • demonstrates during audition/interview process the capacity to undertake the Bachelor of Contemporary Arts with Honours; and
  • where the School is able to offer suitable supervision.

Course Objectives

The objectives of the BCA(Hons) are to:

  • introduce students to research methods and strategies relevant to contemporary visual, theatre and music arts practices;
  • foster the student's capacity for critical thinking, analysis and reflection through the formation and testing of theoretical propositions in visual, written, oral, musical and/or performative modes;
  • develop the student's technical and aesthetic abilities so that ideas can be confidently expressed in visual, performative and/or textual modes;
  • provide students with an opportunity to plan, implement and present a significant research project set within the context of contemporary studio/theatre/music practice and theory;
  • cultivate the student's communication abilities in being able to present and defend their beliefs and assumptions in settings such as seminars, workshops, conferences and symposia; and
  • provide entry to higher degrees by research programs.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from the BCA(Hons) will find employment in a variety of positions within the visual and performing arts professions. Students who specialise in either 2D Studies or 3D Studies or Theory Studies may work as curators, gallery administrators, researchers and teachers, as well as participating in individual and group-generated projects and studio practice. Students who specialise in Theatre Studies stream may work in professional theatre as actors, stage managers or technicians, film and television, or in public relations.


Articulation to/from Course


Students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Contemporary Arts with Honours may apply for entry to a higher degree (Masters or PhD) in accordance with policies governing candidature for such admission.

Miscellaneous Information


General provisions


The dean may, on the recommendation of the Head of School, permit a candidate whose work has been interrupted by illness or other unavoidable cause to complete the course over a longer period.

The classes of honours are first class, second class and third class. There is an upper and lower division in the second class.

Back to University of Tasmania (UTAS)

To find out course fees, intake dates, entry requirements and more details about courses and the Institute please click on the Enquiry button and complete our form.