In this course students situate their art practice within the framework of practice-led research. It provides structured support to extend critical and analytical thinking, connecting students to the problem-solving processes and methodologies employed in the contemporary art today. In this course students propose, develop and execute an independent practice-led research project in alignment with the SOAD research hubs. The project proposal is negotiated through a formal agreement between the student and a proposed workshop, discipline or available resources. The course encourages specialised, interdisciplinary, speculative, and reflective practices, and allows for experiential learning outcomes that question and test the ideas and concepts underpinning a student’s own art practice. Through practice-led research students are encouraged to try a range of approaches to contemporary art practices focuses on specialist knowledge of materials and skills, or tests new conceptual methodologies, or solve problems through cross-disciplinary or hybrid experiences.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- propose, plan and execute original independent practice-led research, utilising methodologies that test and investigate contemporary art practices;
- demonstrate a critical understanding of contemporary art practices, including knowledge, concepts, skills, techniques and contexts relevant to their own practice;
- critically reflect upon, and demonstrate research outcomes through their practice, supported by written and oral components; and
- communicate theoretical, aesthetic, conceptual and imaginative propositions to a range of audiences through independent practice-led research.
Indicative Assessment
- Scripted oral independent proposal presentation (1000 words, 10 min) 24 unit: + Supporting research report (1000 words) (20) [LO 1,2]
- Wattle forum and online activities participation (1000 words) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Progressive visual and audio documentation of completed work in progress (10) [LO 3,4]
- Written critical reflection and methodological analysis to support independent practice-led research 12 unit: 2500 words 24 unit: 5000 words (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Independent practice-led research project Volume and level of project scoped to 12 or 24 unit course requirements (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
12 unit version
260 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 30 hours of contact in the form of lectures, seminars and workshop type activities. Contact hours may include field trips in the Canberra region.
and b) 230 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
24 unit version
520 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 30 hours of contact in the form of lectures, seminars and workshop type activities. Contact hours may include field trips in the Canberra region.
and b) 490 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Readings and other course materials will be listed on the course Wattle site.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 12 to 24 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
| 13.00 | 0.27083 |
| 14.00 | 0.29167 |
| 15.00 | 0.31250 |
| 16.00 | 0.33333 |
| 17.00 | 0.35417 |
| 18.00 | 0.37500 |
| 19.00 | 0.39583 |
| 20.00 | 0.41667 |
| 21.00 | 0.43750 |
| 22.00 | 0.45833 |
| 23.00 | 0.47917 |
| 24.00 | 0.50000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $670 per unit |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $930 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 unit class | ||||||
| 9023 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| 24 unit class | ||||||
| 9243 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |