Bachelor of Art Theory (Honours)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Paddington
- Codes
- Program code 4516
- CRICOS code 082204J
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ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
- N/A View all admission criteria
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $9,500*
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $47,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $48,500*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Art & Design campus
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Hands-on environment
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Pathway to MPhil or PhD
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
What does this mean for my studies? UNSW is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Bachelor of Art Theory (Honours) is a one-year advanced undergraduate degree for high-achieving students. It may be undertaken after completion of an undergraduate pass degree in art history, art theory or equivalent.
The degree enables students to expand and deepen their knowledge and understanding of art theory, and to develop analytical, problem-solving and research skills through undertaking a significant independent research thesis.
The degree may be a pathway to a MPhil or PhD.
Why study at UNSW?
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success – UNSW has been awarded Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025)
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world class alumni connections
- Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have completed (or to be eligible to complete) a Bachelor of Art Theory or other bachelors degree in art history, art theory, visual culture, cultural studies or related fields.
Applicants may be graduates either of UNSW or another recognised institution. A weighted average mark (WAM) or equivalent of 70 or higher is an entry requirement.
Applications should be submitted via the UNSW Apply Online portal and include a 500-word research proposal sent directly to the Program Authority. This proposal should outline the topic and area of interest so that an appropriate supervisor can be assigned.
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- The 2025 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025.
- The 2025 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2025 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2025 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a UNSW Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Applicants are required to have completed (or to be eligible to complete) a Bachelor of Art Theory or other bachelors degree in art history, art theory, visual culture, cultural studies or related fields.
Applicants may be graduates either of UNSW or another recognised institution. A weighted average mark (WAM) or equivalent of 70 or higher is an entry requirement.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Full program structure
Future careers
Arts and cultural manager, Gallery and event curator, Arts policy administrator, Creative director, Art critic, Art historian, Cultural critic.
Potential careers
- Arts and cultural manager
- Gallery and event curator
- Arts policy administrator
- Creative director
- Art critic
- Art historian
- Cultural critic
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via the UNSW Apply Online portal and include a 500-word research proposal sent directly to the Program Authority, Dr. Grant Stevens at grant.stevens@unsw.edu.au. This proposal should outline the topic and area of interest so that an appropriate supervisor can be assigned. Admission is subject to the WAM requirements as well as supervisory capacity in the Faculty as determined by the Program Authority.
Ready to start your application?
Applications should be submitted via the UNSW Apply Online portal and include a 500-word research proposal sent directly to the Program Authority, Dr. Grant Stevens at grant.stevens@unsw.edu.au. This proposal should outline the topic and area of interest so that an appropriate supervisor can be assigned. Admission is subject to the WAM requirements as well as supervisory capacity in the Faculty as determined by the Program Authority.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
