Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours) (CRICOS course code 077433E) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 4 years. This AQF Level 8 qualification is for students who want to deepen their creative practice and critical thinking in media arts. Based at UNSW Art & Design in Paddington, NSW, the course combines studio-based learning with theoretical study. Graduates develop advanced skills in visual arts, digital media, and creative production. UNSW is a leading Australian university (CRICOS 00098G) and a government-owned institution. As a CRICOS-registered provider, UNSW meets the standards required to enrol international students. The course offers a work-integrated learning component of 6 weeks (210 hours), providing real industry exposure. Tuition fees are indicative at A$203,000, plus non-tuition fees of A$4,000, totalling an estimated A$207,000. International students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application fees. The English language requirement is IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5-6.0. This course is ideal for creative professionals aiming to work in media arts, film, animation, or related fields.
This course falls under the field of education 10 - Creative Arts (100301 - Fine Arts). As a Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8), students engage with advanced concepts in media arts, including digital storytelling, interactive media, video production, and contemporary art theory. The honours year involves a major research project or creative work, allowing students to specialise in an area of interest. Graduates develop high-level critical analysis, creative problem-solving, and technical skills in media production. While the exact syllabus is set by UNSW, typical learning outcomes include the ability to conceptualise, produce, and critique media artworks, and to understand the cultural and social contexts of media. This course prepares students for careers in film, television, digital media, advertising, and fine arts. Students also benefit from UNSW's strong industry connections and state-of-the-art facilities at the Paddington campus.
The course is registered on CRICOS with a duration of 4 years (208 weeks). All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. The study mode is full-time on campus at UNSW Art & Design in Paddington. The course is designed to be completed in 4 years of full-time study, with a standard study load of 48 credit points per year. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. The course structure includes core subjects, elective choices, and an honours research component. This duration allows for in-depth exploration of media arts and the development of a professional portfolio.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative at A$203,000 for the full 4-year program. Additional non-tuition fees amount to A$4,000, giving an estimated total of A$207,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. International students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (estimated at A$20,000–A$25,000 per year), and the visa application charge. Always confirm current fees with The University of New South Wales (UNSW) at their official website. Note that HeadStart Academy does not set fees; we provide indicative data from the official register.
The English language requirement for this course is IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5-6.0 (or equivalent, such as TOEFL iBT 80-90 or PTE 58-64). Applicants are expected to have completed a bachelor degree in a related field, typically with a credit average (GPA 5.0/7.0) or higher. Specific prerequisites may include a portfolio of creative work or an interview. Foundation or pathway programs may be available through UNSW Global for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Since entry requirements can change, prospective students should consult UNSW directly for the most current information. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive.
Yes, this course includes a work-integrated learning component of 6 weeks, totalling approximately 210 hours (35 hours per week). This may take the form of an industry placement, internship, or practical project in a media arts setting, such as a film production company, gallery, or digital media studio. Work-integrated learning allows students to apply their skills in real-world environments, build professional networks, and gain Australian workplace experience. It is a compulsory part of the course and is assessed. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but the work component is part of the course requirements and must be completed as arranged by UNSW.
This course is delivered at UNSW Art & Design — Paddington, NSW. Paddington is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and cafes. The campus is well-connected by public transport, including bus routes to the city and nearby train stations at Edgecliff and Bondi Junction. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a diverse student population, hosting over 200,000 international students. The city offers a high standard of living but relatively high cost of living: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$300–A$500, groceries A$80–A$120, and public transport A$40–A$60. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, Sydney alone has hundreds of study options. The Paddington location is particularly suited for creative arts students due to its proximity to galleries and cultural institutions.
International students who enrol in this course will need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, including a period after graduation for eligible students (temporary graduate visa). Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from UNSW, a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC), and English language proficiency. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of your stay. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; contact a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised guidance.
Sydney is a hub for creative industries, with a thriving arts scene, film festivals, and media companies. The city is home to many CRICOS-registered providers offering courses in creative arts. For media arts students, Sydney offers opportunities for internships at broadcasters, production houses, and digital agencies. The cost of living is higher than other Australian cities, but the cultural amenities and networking potential can be worth it. Consider your budget, preferred lifestyle, and career goals. The Paddington campus is close to the CBD and has excellent facilities, including digital media labs and exhibition spaces. Use HeadStart Academy to compare other media arts courses in NSW and find the right fit for you.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (like UNSW, CRICOS 00098G). Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, so you have many options. 2. Apply directly to The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Check entry requirements, submit your academic transcripts, English test scores, and any portfolio or personal statement. Note application deadlines – UNSW typically has intakes in February and July. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once UNSW issues a CoE, you can apply online to the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, GTE, and health insurance. Wait for visa grant. After approval, you can commence your Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours) at UNSW.
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Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.