University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Creative Arts combines studio and practice-based units with theory, history and professional practice. You structure your degree around one or more majors or specialisations and elective options, allowing study across visual arts, screen and film production, theatre and performance, music and composition, creative writing, and arts curation or histories.

• Core practice units — foundation studio or workshop subjects that develop technique, processes and individual creative voice.
• Theory and context — units in art history, cultural studies, performance studies, screen theory or contemporary literature that situate practice within wider critical frameworks.
• Professional practice — project management, exhibition and festival production, portfolio development, freelancing and industry-ready skills.
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary projects — cross-disciplinary briefs and team-based projects that mirror professional creative practice.
• Work-integrated learning and placements — opportunities to undertake internships, industry placements or community-engaged projects with galleries, theatres, production companies and festivals.
• Capstone or honours pathway — final-year research- or practice-led major project; an honours year is available for students who wish to undertake supervised research or extended practice.

Entry requirements

Entry is offered on the basis of secondary school results (or equivalent), with a minimum ATAR or recognised interstate/overseas equivalent required for direct admission. Applicants who do not meet the direct entry score may be considered via alternative pathways including foundation studies, recognised diploma programs, or as mature-age applicants with relevant experience.

• Portfolio or audition — some majors or streams (for example visual arts, music and performance) will request a portfolio of creative work or an audition/interview as part of selection.
• English language requirement — applicants whose prior study was not in English must meet the University’s English proficiency requirements through an accepted test or qualification.
• Assumed knowledge — while specific prerequisites are minimal, previous study in arts, media or similar subjects is advantageous for some specialisations.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of creative and cultural roles. The degree emphasises practical experience and industry connections to prepare you for both employed and freelance careers.

• Visual artist, exhibiting artist or studio practitioner
• Curator, gallery technician or collections officer
• Screen and film production roles: producer, editor, production coordinator or screenwriter
• Theatre and performance practitioner, director, stage manager or dramaturge
• Composer, performer, music educator or arts facilitator
• Creative writer, editor, content producer or copywriter
• Arts manager, festival producer, cultural policy officer or community arts worker
• Further study pathways into honours, postgraduate coursework or research degrees and professional training (e.g. teaching qualifications) are common for specialised careers.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers access to dedicated creative facilities, including studios, theatres, music practice rooms and production workshops, alongside strong links with the local arts sector. Students benefit from small-scale seminars and studio classes, opportunities for industry placements and collaborations with major cultural events and institutions in Adelaide.

The program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary practice, professional readiness and research-informed teaching provides a balance of practical skills, critical thinking and industry awareness—useful whether you pursue a creative practice, arts administration or further study.