Critical and Theoretical Studies
Our students are taught in an immersive, studio and workshop-based environment that offers artists the opportunity to develop their technical and conceptual skills across a wide range of methodologies.
Study Visual Art at the VCA
Visual Art at the VCA focuses on independently led studio practice. You will be expected to develop studio projects that require investigation and experimentation with a range of concepts, materials, techniques and processes.
Critical and theoretical studies and professional arts practice skills subjects provide you with the skills to pursue the practice of a professional working artist, and allow you to critically engage in the debates of contemporary visual art.
Regular student exhibitions and the annual end-of-year exhibitions form an important part of the curriculum and offer the opportunity to engage the wider public in your work.
Areas of Study
At undergraduate level, artists work within four distinct mediums: Drawing and Printmaking, Painting, Sculpture, and Photography with the opportunity to explore all mediums through related studies subjects. Graduate students’ practice incorporates the methods and ideas of a variety of these mediums.
Visual Art Courses
Our people
Head of Art
Our people - Graduate, Honours, Breadth
Fiona and Sidney Myer Gallery
I never intended to pursue a career as an artist. But I knew art was something I was good at, and knew I wanted to go to university. So, I ended up pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts as an undergraduate. I fell in love with the art making process at university and was inspired by the way others pursued their craft.
Amina BriggsMaster of Contemporary Art student
Want to know more?
Get information on the courses you’re interested in, or ask our team a question.
News
'A fragment of something much bigger' — new exhibition showcases paintings by Paul Maymuru
15 May 2024
A new exhibition showcasing expansive works by Maŋgalili artist Paul Maymuru will open next week at the University of Melbourne’s Fiona and Sidney Myer Gallery....
'I fell in love with the art making process at university': Meet VCA graduate Amina Briggs
7 March 2024
Amina Briggs is a Boonwurrung Erub artist and recent graduate of the Master of Contemporary Art at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Since graduating in 2023, Amina has...
‘Your first set of instincts are usually the best ones’: Meet VCA graduating artist Zane Edwards
28 November 2023
Meet Zane Edwards, a graduating Honours student at the VCA whose latest series of portraits explore themes of vulnerability, distrust, and desire. In this captivating body of...
Showcase
Explore the 2023 VCA Art Grad Show – an extraordinary display of new art by more than 140 graduating students from our Sculpture, Photography, Painting, Drawing and Printmaking, Honours, Master of Contemporary Art, Masters of Fine Art, and PhD programs.