Bachelor of Design (Applied Visual Art)
Visual Arts
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Prepare yourself for independent art practice in a studio environment through this degree, which develops hands-on creative skills, professional and business acumen, and offers opportunities to specialise in your areas of interest.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Madras Street Campus, Christchurch
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Independent creative practice
Develop the ability to frame and realise creative concepts in art and design, working independently in a studio environment.
Technical art and design skills
Gain competence in a range of mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and digital media.
Professional and business capability
Acquire knowledge in professional and business practices for self-employment or employment within the creative industries.
What You're Signing Up For
This degree programme enables students to become independent art practitioners, photographers, or designers through extensive hands-on interaction with various media, developing creative ideas, and gaining professional skills. The curriculum includes core and elective courses in design strategies, drawing, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and academic studies such as communication, history, sociology of creative practices, and business. Graduates are prepared for self-employment and roles within the creative industries, including craft cooperatives, galleries, curation, and design studio positions in art-focused sectors like film, TV, and museums.
Course Content
- Design strategies
- Drawing
- Printmaking
- Painting
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Digital skills
- Creative process
- Contextual studies (history, sociology of creative practices)
- Professional and business skills
- Electives: photography, book art, illustration, content management, spatial design, screen printing, 3D motion graphics, painting, film studies, 2D game design, digital printing
- Studio courses and research
- Final project
- Professional practice
What you need to know first
NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher), including 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects, plus specific literacy and numeracy requirements
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Art and Design
Visual Arts
Creative Industries
Future employment opportunities might be
Independent creative practitioner
Craft cooperative designer
Curator