School of Creative Arts 
The medium of instruction for classroom teaching (in all forms) at HKBU is English, except for those courses that are granted exemption.
Government Funded
September 2024
HK$42,100 (local); HK$160,000 (non-local) i
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Programme Vision
Developments within the visual arts in the last century have introduced new processes and situations, which have resulted in an expanded notion of creative practice beyond the traditional concepts of art and/or design, bringing forward new practices that are no longer based upon strictly-distinguished disciplines or a particular medium, but are rather a hybrid of many. Accordingly, the BA (Hons) in Visual Arts Programme operates in the interdisciplinary area of creative practice that lies across and between media, thus it does not distinguish between fine arts and design. Instead at the Academy of Visual Arts (AVA) we consider all creative disciplines as equally valuable outlets for creative ideas and concepts.
Teaching Philosophy
The BA (Hons) in Visual Arts Programme at the Academy of Visual Arts is a professional degree that focuses on intensive practice-led work in the visual arts supported by a programme in General Education. It emphasises creativity, versatility, and intelligent articulation, thus enabling its graduates to enter professional, studio-based careers in such fields as studio arts, design, and/or craft after earning the degree. Our BA-students have the opportunity to develop technical competencies, informed aesthetic judgment, and an understanding of the context in which contemporary work is created, rooted in the ever-shifting cultural climate of creative production.
Programme Structure
The BA (Hons) in Visual Arts Programme is a comprehensive study programme in visual arts that incorporates subjects from across the scope of fine arts, design, craft and art theory.
As a guiding principle of the programme students will progress from breadth to depth over the time of study. Accordingly upon entry to the programme and completion of the required introductory courses, all students may choose electives that match with their personal preferences, their talent, and/or professional career intentions. Based on their choices in Year 2 they will further choose their courses in Year 3 and Year 4, thereby gradually developing a focus in their studies, which will finally articulate in one of two available programme concentrations:
Unique Features
Student Learning Experiences
We require all students of the BA (Hons) in Visual Arts programme to undertake a self-organised non-credit-bearing work experience (internship, work placement, or similar) during their time of study. The work experience links classroom theory to professional practice and provides the student with learning opportunities beyond the academic programme. Such experiences are invaluable for the students’ professional and personal development, giving them the expose to the wider arenas of the creative and cultural sectors.
Career Opportunities
A majority of our graduates are employed full-time, curating on their own businesses or working as freelancers. Amongst the full-time/self-employed graduates, the significant portion find work in the creative and cultural sectors, while others engage themselves in visual arts education, or in public relations and communication, marketing or research.
Remark
We adopt a holistic approach in selecting applicants on individual merits. Applicants are required to meet the University entrance requirements, English Language requirements and Programme entrance requirements (if any).
Associate Degree/ Higher Diploma Students/ Holders
Local final year students or graduates of an Associate Degree/ Higher Diploma programme at an institution recognised by the University are eligible for publicly-funded senior year places.
Transfer Students
Transfer students who are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree or higher degree programmes at a local or non-local university may apply.
Please note that according to the guidelines of the University Grants Committee (UGC) on inter-institutional transfer of students, repeating of UGC-funded undergraduate study across institutions, irrespective of whether there is a change of programme or discipline, is generally discouraged unless under very exceptional circumstances.
Candidates are required to submit a portfolio for assessment. Shortlisted candidates are required to attend practical tests and an interview. Interview performance will be specially considered. For portfolio submission guidelines, assessment details as well as schedules, please visit: https://ava.hkbu.edu.hk/en/bachelor/admission/admission-ex/2