First year studies
All undergraduate students begin their degree programs with AUArts’ unique first-year studies program.
Why first-year studies?
Your first year at AUArts exposes you to an exciting range of studio and liberal studies courses, giving you a strong foundation to build on and a common vocabulary to share with your peers and instructors.
What courses will I take?
All students take two Drawing courses, plus any four introductory studio courses from the Ceramics, Fibre, Glass, Jewellery and Metals, Media Arts, Painting, Photography, Print Media, Sculpture, and Visual Communications Design (Visual Arts) program areas.
You’ll also take Visual Arts Surveys I and II, and Critical Practice: Interpretive Research, which will give you a broader cultural understanding of art and design, and prepare you for future Liberal Studies courses.
Art and Design Now is another mandatory course, where you'll explore current issues and practice in contemporary craft, fine art, design, and media technologies through visiting artists, research, readings, and discussions.
See the First Year Studies planning guide to help guide you.
How can I complete first-year studies?
You can complete first-year studies as a full-time or part-time student.