Are you an international student seeking a unique dual qualification that combines creative arts with secondary teaching? The Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours)/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (CRICOS course code 081432E) is a 5-year Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 5 years. This program blends fine arts and education, allowing you to graduate with two degrees and qualify as a secondary school teacher. At HeadStart Academy, we provide data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you have accurate information about this course. UNSW is a CRICOS-registered provider (00098G) offering this combined degree at its Kensington campus in Sydney, NSW. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this program stands out for its integration of creative practice with professional teaching accreditation. Whether you aim to inspire students through visual arts or pursue a career in arts education, this page covers fees, entry requirements, work components, and student visa essentials to help you make an informed decision.
The Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours)/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (CRICOS 081432E) is a Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) offered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW). As a combined degree, it is designed for students who wish to develop expertise in visual arts and crafts (Field of Education 100301 - Fine Arts) while also meeting the academic requirements for secondary school teaching in Australia. The program is registered on CRICOS, guaranteeing that international students receive an education that meets Australian quality standards. UNSW is a Group of Eight university with a strong reputation for arts and education research. The course is delivered in English and includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component, ensuring graduates have practical classroom experience. All international students are protected under the ESOS Act, which ensures tuition assurance and consumer rights. For the most current course structure, visit UNSW's official website.
This combined degree sits within the creative arts and education fields, focusing on fine arts (visual arts and crafts) and secondary teaching methodology. Students typically engage in studio-based media arts practices, art theory, and curriculum development for secondary education. Graduates learn to create and critique visual artworks, understand pedagogical theories, and apply teaching strategies across diverse classroom settings. The program integrates honours-level research, allowing students to undertake a sustained creative or scholarly project. While specific subjects are set by UNSW, the general learning outcomes include advanced artistic skills, critical analysis, and the ability to design inclusive learning experiences for students in Years 7-12. This qualification leads to professional recognition as a secondary school teacher, subject to state accreditation. Note that course structures may vary; confirm details with UNSW.
According to the CRICOS register, the Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours)/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) has a duration of 5 years, equivalent to 260 weeks. This is a full-time, on-campus program delivered in English. As a dual qualification, it combines two bachelor's degrees into an integrated program, allowing you to graduate with both the Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours) and the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in a shorter time than completing them separately. The program is not available via foundation studies or VET pathways. Full-time study is typically required to maintain visa conditions. UNSW's Kensington campus provides state-of-the-art studios, digital media labs, and teaching practice facilities. International students are expected to commit to the full 5 years, including any required work placements.
The indicative tuition fee for the full 5-year program is A$270,000, with non-tuition fees of A$5,000 (covering materials, student services, and amenities), totaling an estimated A$275,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. UNSW sets the final fees annually. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (including rent, groceries, and transport), and the student visa application charge are not included. For current fee schedules, always refer to the official UNSW website. Sydney's cost of living is among the highest in Australia; indicative weekly costs for a single student are approximately AUD 500-700 for rent, AUD 80-120 for groceries, and AUD 40-50 for public transport. Budget accordingly. All fees are indicative only.
International applicants typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall with no band below 5.5-6.0. Higher scores may be required for teacher registration. Prior academic qualifications should be equivalent to an Australian Year 12 certificate, with strong results in arts or humanities subjects. Some applicants may need to submit a portfolio or attend an interview. Foundation or pathway programs may be available through UNSW Global; contact the provider for details. These are general guidelines only; UNSW sets the specific entry requirements. Always check the official course page for the most up-to-date prerequisites.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 24 weeks, with 30 hours per week (approximately 720 total hours). This is a work-integrated learning placement, typically involving supervised teaching practice in secondary schools. Students gain hands-on classroom experience under the guidance of qualified teachers, applying educational theories learned on campus. This practical component is essential for meeting the professional teaching standards in Australia. Placements are arranged by UNSW in partnership with local schools, primarily in the Sydney metropolitan area. International students must ensure their visa allows for this off-campus work; the student visa (Subclass 500) permits unlimited hours during scheduled breaks and 48 hours per fortnight during term, subject to conditions.
The program is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb in Sydney's eastern suburbs, approximately 6 km from the city centre. The campus is well-served by public transport, including light rail and bus services. Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average; however, the city offers diverse cultural and employment opportunities. UNSW's Kensington campus is a modern, vibrant hub with extensive library, art studios, and teaching facilities. Students can easily access nearby beaches, parks, and Sydney's CBD.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this full-time CRICOS-registered course. Key visa conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a registered course, satisfactory course progress, and attendance. Work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement applies — you must demonstrate genuine intention to study and return home. Financial capacity evidence is required: tuition fees, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student), and OSHC. Dependents may accompany you. Visa outcomes are at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs; HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice. Consult a registered MARA agent for personalised guidance.
Combining media arts and secondary education is a rewarding but demanding path. Consider your passion for both creative practice and teaching — this degree requires balancing studio work with pedagogical studies. The 5-year commitment is longer than a single bachelor's, but you graduate with two qualifications and eligibility to teach. Professional teacher registration in Australia requires additional state-based testing, such as the LANTITE (Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education). Career outcomes include secondary school teacher, arts educator, or community arts facilitator. Sydney offers a vibrant arts scene and strong demand for qualified teachers, particularly in visual arts. However, the cost of living and study fees are high. Research scholarship opportunities at UNSW. Remember, all listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and ESOS protections apply.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours)/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at UNSW: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the HeadStart Academy directory to filter by course level (Bachelor Honours), field (Creative Arts), and location (NSW). Verify that UNSW (CRICOS 00098G) is registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit UNSW's international admissions page, review entry requirements (including English test scores and portfolio), and prepare your application. Check application deadlines — intakes are typically in February and July. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once UNSW issues your CoE, lodge your visa application online. Include evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, and GTE statement. Wait for visa grant before travelling.
Ready to apply? Start by exploring CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy, then contact UNSW for application details.
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Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours)/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) 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.