About the National Art School

Our campus is located on Gadigal land in central Sydney, within the historic sandstone walls of what was once the Darlinghurst Gaol and is now one of the nation’s premier art institutions where many of Australia’s leading artists having studied and taught. The National Art School is Australia’s leading independent art school, dedicated to exceptional, studio-based art education and shaping contemporary art practice.

The National Art School (NAS) is accredited through TEQSA and offers Bachelor of Fine Art, Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours), Masters and Doctorate courses. The School is at the forefront of learning, creativity and innovative practice utilising its independent identity and distinctive studio-based teaching model to deliver exceptional higher education and research, scholarship and professional practice.

Degree Courses

Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA)

The BFA course is designed to support the development of the creative independence, knowledge and experience required for a successful career as a practicing artist or arts sector professional. The course is delivered full-time over three years and includes a comprehensive investigation of a broad range of art making disciplines supported by rigorous theoretical enquiry. Core Drawing is central to the first year of BFA study, with Art History & Theory and Professional Studies are delivered as core subjects throughout all three years of the course. From second year, students select a Studio Specialisation in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking, or Sculpture, with further opportunities for Electives and interdisciplinary study.

Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours)

The Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) is an intensive one-year course designed for graduates of the BFA who are ready to deepen their studio practice and expand their academic and professional capabilities. This course is ideal for emerging artists who want to refine their practice, build industry connections, and prepare for postgraduate study or professional opportunities in the creative sector.

Master of Fine Art (MFA)*

The MFA is a two-year full-time research degree designed for students who seek to develop a higher level of specialised knowledge and further their professional expertise and advanced research within their studio practice. Candidates develop an individual research project supported by supervisors relevant to their areas of interest.

Doctor of Fine Art (DFA)

The three-year DFA degree is a practice-based professional doctorate that provides a platform for integrating professional expertise and scholarly enquiry within the visual arts. This unique offering provides an important alternative to conventional PhD research for practicing professionals who are committed to the highest standards of professional practice, academic research and critical enquiry through fine art practice.

The Position

The Head of Drawing is responsible for developing and leading Drawing curriculum in the BFA course, including the delivery of core units in Observational Drawing and Experimental Drawing in the first year. The Head of Drawing collaborates with the Head of Postgraduate Studies to support delivery and supervision in postgraduate courses, including the BFA(Hons), MFA and DFA degrees. The Full-time Head of Drawing works with the other Heads of Departments and Heads of Programs to deliver academic and research support to students.

What you bring to the role

The Head of Drawing provides academic leadership and management of the Drawing units, including line management of permanent staff, sessional staff, and technicians. The position manages resource allocation including studios, budget oversight, and management of related learning and teaching materials. The Head of Drawing contributes to academic governance, student recruitment activities and represents the School at internal and external events.

In keeping with minimum standards for Academic Levels under the Australian Higher Education – Academic Staff – Award 2020, staff employed at this level can normally be expected to make original and innovative contributions to the advancement of scholarship, research and teaching in their discipline.

A competitive salary of $140,000 to $155,000 per annum, plus super, is on offer, negotiable depending on experience.

How to Apply

Please visit the National Art School website https://nas.edu.au/about/work-with-us for more information and to download the position description.

Please include the following in your application:

A covering letter addressing how your experience matches the job requirements.
A comprehensive resume citing your academic qualifications and outlining professional experience.

If you have any questions or if we can assist in making the application process more accessible for you,

please call Abby Hasleham on 02 9339 8658 or email at abby.hasleham@nas.edu.au.

Please email your application to hr@nas.edu.au

The National Art School is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The closing date for all applications will be 4 October 2026.

National Art School

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