College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities | Adelaide University
Source: https://adelaide.edu.au/about/college/creative-arts-design-and-humanities
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities | Adelaide University
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Welcome to the College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Adelaide University’s College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities represents one of the most diverse creative and cultural academic portfolios in Australia.
Our foundation is built on a strong legacy of leadership in arts, culture and creativity, including the South Australian School of Art: one of the nation’s longest-running art schools, and home to the world’s first Bachelor of Design degree, and the Elder Conservatorium of Music, which continues to shape Australia’s musical talent.
With a focus on future creative and cultural innovators and leaders, our teaching offers a rich blend of theory and practice, underpinned by world-class research and external partnerships. Students engage in industry and community-connected learning, providing real-world experimentation and critical reflection. We collaborate with leading organisations, including Rising Sun Pictures, Adelaide Fringe, Channel 44 and the Helpmann Academy, to help students develop industry-relevant skills and professional networks. Creative and cultural exploration is nurtured through our on-campus studios, workshops and performance spaces, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to shape culture and make meaningful impact.
Our unique on-campus galleries and museums including the Architecture Museum, SASA Gallery, Samstag Museum of Art and MOD. serve as vibrant hubs for inspiration, discovery and community connection.
You can make it here
Students create and learn in our purpose-built studios, workshops and performance spaces, which feature industry-standard equipment, tools and software for hands-on, immersive practice.
Industry-connected learning
Build real-world experience through industry placements, mentorships, masterclasses and projects. We collaborate with innovative and ethical organisations to ensure our graduates are career and world-ready.
Explore the college
Our study areas
1
Our research
2
Partner with us
3
Our people
4
Express your creativity and shape culture with our degrees, which connect critical thinking, storytelling, and real-world creative and cultural practice.
Our schools
Our diverse portfolio of creative arts, design and humanities programs are housed across five dynamic schools:
Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts
Shaping visionary artists since 1898, with programs spanning music, musical theatre and the performing arts - empowering graduates for careers in the global entertainment industry.
Learn more
School of Architecture and Built Environment
Committed to shaping the future of our cities and communities through innovative thinking, design and research, with degrees in architecture - including interior and landscape architecture - and urban and regional planning.
Learn more
School of Art and Design
Building on the foundation of the South Australian School of Art, birthplace of the world’s first design degree, the school is a leader in art and design education, shaping diverse creative career pathways in the fine arts, design (graphic, industrial), visual effects, digital media, and illustration and animation.
Learn more
School of Communication, Media and Journalism
Equipping future storytellers and media professionals with the skills to inform, engage and influence in a rapidly evolving landscape. Degrees span media and communication, journalism, film and television and immersive media.
Learn more
School of Humanities
Dedicated to exploring the human experience through disciplines that challenge perspectives and inspire thoughtful dialogue, with the freedom to choose from a series of majors through degrees including the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Creative Arts.
Learn more
Shaping the future through arts, culture and creativity
Our degrees empower students to imagine new possibilities, challenge conventions, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through critical thinking, cultural insight and creative expression, you will gain the skills to lead with empathy, innovate across disciplines, and shape a more inclusive and dynamic future.
Real-world experiences
Our strong industry and community partnerships provide you with:
Internships and mentorships
Industry and community-based projects
Masterclasses and guest lectures
Opportunities to build professional networks and skills for the workplace.
Create, explore and reflect in purpose-built facilities, including:
An on-campus Virtual Production and TV studio
Radio station and podcasting suites
Theatre and performance spaces
Studios for glassblowing, ceramics, painting, 3D printing and more.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a professional portfolio that showcases your creative identity, technical skills and real-world know-how.
Our scope
Our research explores how creative and cultural practices respond to industry and societal needs, and in doing so shape the world around us. By sparking curiosity and igniting imagination through a variety of research methodologies and methods -including creative practice, design thinking, critical theory, and Indigenous ways of knowing - we aim to expand knowledge, enrich lives and contribute to a more vibrant, artistic, equitable and inclusive future.
Our research
We’re home to the following research centres and concentrations:
Creative People, Products and Places Research Centre (CP3)
The Creative People, Products and Places Research Centre (CP3) is internationally recognised for undertaking high-quality humanities and creative practice research into culture and creativity.
Learn more
J.M. Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice
The J.M. Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice is devoted to understanding creativity, and is a cultural hub where leading literary, musical and multimedia scholars and artists can learn from one another.
Learn more
Mobile Languages Team
The Mobile Languages Team supports the preservation and revitalisation of Aboriginal languages through community-led, culturally respectful research and engagement. Guided by principles of transparency, recognition, and community, they work in partnership with Aboriginal communities to document, maintain, and protect language and cultural heritage materials.
Learn more
Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music
The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music is the only devoted university-based centre for studies in Australian Indigenous music. Part of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, it has a dedicated university entry program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and works with Indigenous musicians through creative practice research projects that connect with Country and community.
Learn more
Our researchers also work with:
The
Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE)
, which leads augmented and virtual reality research, combining computer science, engineering, neuroscience, design, and creativity.
The
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute
, the only organisation in Australia dedicated exclusively to housing, homelessness, cities and related urban research.
The
National Enterprise for Rural Community Wellbeing (NERCW)
- building resilient rural communities by co-designing targeted interventions to address environmental, economic and health stressors. NERCW shape knowledge, policy and practice for rural wellbeing through collaborative research.
Adelaide University’s Signature Research Themes
Adelaide University delivers transformative research across five signature research themes.
Creative & Cultural
Food, Agriculture & Wine
Defence & National Security
Sustainable Green Transition
Personal & Societal Health
Adelaide University is also proud to support an institution-wide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy.
Our researchers work across multiple themes, with major strengths in the Creative and Cultural Signature Research Theme. In this area of focus, we build on Adelaide’s reputation as a cultural capital, home of design, festivals, and the broader creative and cultural industries. We partner on research with our many leading cultural institutions, and we aim to be global leaders in First Nations-led creative and cultural research.
Discover our research degrees
Deepen your expertise in a specialised area, contribute to shaping the creative and cultural industries, and drive innovation by undertaking a PhD, Master of Philosophy, or Master of Research.
Find out more about our research degrees and how we translate discovery into meaningful change.
Research with us
Let’s get creative together
Industry partnerships and creative collaboration are at the heart of what we do. We work with industry, cultural organisations and communities to co-create meaningful experiences that enrich student learning and spark innovation. These partnerships take many forms - internships, placements, exhibitions, residencies, guest lectures and research projects - ensuring our students and staff engage with real-world challenges and opportunities.
Connect with our researchers
Our research is led by experts who explore how creativity and culture are made, valued and experienced. We investigate what it means to be human, challenge convention and create work that inspires, informs and transforms. Whether you're looking to address social or cultural challenges, explore new creative directions or contribute to thought leadership, we welcome collaboration.
Access emerging talent
Our students and graduates are the next generation of cultural leaders, creative innovators and changemakers. Through fresh perspectives and diverse thinking, they bring energy and insight to every collaboration. By partnering with us, you’ll not only access emerging talent - you’ll also help shape it to meet the evolving needs of industry and society.
Our partnerships and collaborations are where ideas find their shape and creativity helps to forge a brighter future.
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Professor Craig Batty
Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Samantha Goodred
Executive Director, College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Associate Professor Jodie George
Dean, Academic
Associate Professor Luke Dollman
Dean, International and External Engagement
Professor Anna Sullivan
Interim Dean, Research
Associate Professor Kathryn Bowd
Dean, Students
Our schools
Associate Professor Stephen Ward
Dean, School of Architecture and Built Environment
Associate Professor Elizabeth Ellison
Dean, School of Communication, Media and Journalism
Professor Andrew van der Vlies
Dean, School of Humanities
Professor Anna Goldsworthy
Dean, Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts
Associate Professor Veronika Kelly
Dean, School of Art and Design
Contact us
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Location
Level 3 Kaurna Building
Adelaide City
Campus West
Email:
PVC.CADH@adelaide.edu.au
26 March 2026
Adelaide University scores global subject recognition
Adelaide University has confirmed its position amongst the world’s top universities, with the release of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. A total of 22 subjects were rated in the global top 100, a remarkable result in the first year of the institution.
10 March 2026
Works of wonder open Samstag’s 2026 exhibition program
2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art: Yield Strength has launched as the Parnati Season (Parnati meaning autumn in Kaurna culture) curated by Ellie Buttrose, and presented by the Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and Samstag, with works on display at all three locations. Across two levels of the Samstag galleries, the pre-eminent survey of contemporary Australian Art incl...
13 November 2025
New partnership signals opportunities in innovation
The partnership coincides with the State Government’s announcement that Qantas will establish a dedicated Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide’s CBD – the first of its kind outside of Sydney. As part of the new Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), the University and Qantas will explore opportunities to collaborate on projects related to talent development, workforce advancement, and innovation w...
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Welcome to the College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Adelaide University’s College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities represents one of the most diverse creative and cultural academic portfolios in Australia.
Our foundation is built on a strong legacy of leadership in arts, culture and creativity, including the South Australian School of Art: one of the nation’s longest-running art schools, and home to the world’s first Bachelor of Design degree, and the Elder Conservatorium of Music, which continues to shape Australia’s musical talent.
With a focus on future creative and cultural innovators and leaders, our teaching offers a rich blend of theory and practice, underpinned by world-class research and external partnerships. Students engage in industry and community-connected learning, providing real-world experimentation and critical reflection. We collaborate with leading organisations, including Rising Sun Pictures, Adelaide Fringe, Channel 44 and the Helpmann Academy, to help students develop industry-relevant skills and professional networks. Creative and cultural exploration is nurtured through our on-campus studios, workshops and performance spaces, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to shape culture and make meaningful impact.
Our unique on-campus galleries and museums including the Architecture Museum, SASA Gallery, Samstag Museum of Art and MOD. serve as vibrant hubs for inspiration, discovery and community connection.
You can make it here
Students create and learn in our purpose-built studios, workshops and performance spaces, which feature industry-standard equipment, tools and software for hands-on, immersive practice.
Industry-connected learning
Build real-world experience through industry placements, mentorships, masterclasses and projects. We collaborate with innovative and ethical organisations to ensure our graduates are career and world-ready.
Explore the college
Our study areas
1
Our research
2
Partner with us
3
Our people
4
Express your creativity and shape culture with our degrees, which connect critical thinking, storytelling, and real-world creative and cultural practice.
Our schools
Our diverse portfolio of creative arts, design and humanities programs are housed across five dynamic schools:
Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts
Shaping visionary artists since 1898, with programs spanning music, musical theatre and the performing arts - empowering graduates for careers in the global entertainment industry.
Learn more
School of Architecture and Built Environment
Committed to shaping the future of our cities and communities through innovative thinking, design and research, with degrees in architecture - including interior and landscape architecture - and urban and regional planning.
Learn more
School of Art and Design
Building on the foundation of the South Australian School of Art, birthplace of the world’s first design degree, the school is a leader in art and design education, shaping diverse creative career pathways in the fine arts, design (graphic, industrial), visual effects, digital media, and illustration and animation.
Learn more
School of Communication, Media and Journalism
Equipping future storytellers and media professionals with the skills to inform, engage and influence in a rapidly evolving landscape. Degrees span media and communication, journalism, film and television and immersive media.
Learn more
School of Humanities
Dedicated to exploring the human experience through disciplines that challenge perspectives and inspire thoughtful dialogue, with the freedom to choose from a series of majors through degrees including the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Creative Arts.
Learn more
Shaping the future through arts, culture and creativity
Our degrees empower students to imagine new possibilities, challenge conventions, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through critical thinking, cultural insight and creative expression, you will gain the skills to lead with empathy, innovate across disciplines, and shape a more inclusive and dynamic future.
Real-world experiences
Our strong industry and community partnerships provide you with:
Internships and mentorships
Industry and community-based projects
Masterclasses and guest lectures
Opportunities to build professional networks and skills for the workplace.
Create, explore and reflect in purpose-built facilities, including:
An on-campus Virtual Production and TV studio
Radio station and podcasting suites
Theatre and performance spaces
Studios for glassblowing, ceramics, painting, 3D printing and more.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a professional portfolio that showcases your creative identity, technical skills and real-world know-how.
Our scope
Our research explores how creative and cultural practices respond to industry and societal needs, and in doing so shape the world around us. By sparking curiosity and igniting imagination through a variety of research methodologies and methods -including creative practice, design thinking, critical theory, and Indigenous ways of knowing - we aim to expand knowledge, enrich lives and contribute to a more vibrant, artistic, equitable and inclusive future.
Our research
We’re home to the following research centres and concentrations:
Creative People, Products and Places Research Centre (CP3)
The Creative People, Products and Places Research Centre (CP3) is internationally recognised for undertaking high-quality humanities and creative practice research into culture and creativity.
Learn more
J.M. Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice
The J.M. Coetzee Centre for Creative Practice is devoted to understanding creativity, and is a cultural hub where leading literary, musical and multimedia scholars and artists can learn from one another.
Learn more
Mobile Languages Team
The Mobile Languages Team supports the preservation and revitalisation of Aboriginal languages through community-led, culturally respectful research and engagement. Guided by principles of transparency, recognition, and community, they work in partnership with Aboriginal communities to document, maintain, and protect language and cultural heritage materials.
Learn more
Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music
The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music is the only devoted university-based centre for studies in Australian Indigenous music. Part of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, it has a dedicated university entry program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and works with Indigenous musicians through creative practice research projects that connect with Country and community.
Learn more
Our researchers also work with:
The
Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE)
, which leads augmented and virtual reality research, combining computer science, engineering, neuroscience, design, and creativity.
The
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute
, the only organisation in Australia dedicated exclusively to housing, homelessness, cities and related urban research.
The
National Enterprise for Rural Community Wellbeing (NERCW)
- building resilient rural communities by co-designing targeted interventions to address environmental, economic and health stressors. NERCW shape knowledge, policy and practice for rural wellbeing through collaborative research.
Adelaide University’s Signature Research Themes
Adelaide University delivers transformative research across five signature research themes.
Creative & Cultural
Food, Agriculture & Wine
Defence & National Security
Sustainable Green Transition
Personal & Societal Health
Adelaide University is also proud to support an institution-wide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy.
Our researchers work across multiple themes, with major strengths in the Creative and Cultural Signature Research Theme. In this area of focus, we build on Adelaide’s reputation as a cultural capital, home of design, festivals, and the broader creative and cultural industries. We partner on research with our many leading cultural institutions, and we aim to be global leaders in First Nations-led creative and cultural research.
Discover our research degrees
Deepen your expertise in a specialised area, contribute to shaping the creative and cultural industries, and drive innovation by undertaking a PhD, Master of Philosophy, or Master of Research.
Find out more about our research degrees and how we translate discovery into meaningful change.
Research with us
Let’s get creative together
Industry partnerships and creative collaboration are at the heart of what we do. We work with industry, cultural organisations and communities to co-create meaningful experiences that enrich student learning and spark innovation. These partnerships take many forms - internships, placements, exhibitions, residencies, guest lectures and research projects - ensuring our students and staff engage with real-world challenges and opportunities.
Connect with our researchers
Our research is led by experts who explore how creativity and culture are made, valued and experienced. We investigate what it means to be human, challenge convention and create work that inspires, informs and transforms. Whether you're looking to address social or cultural challenges, explore new creative directions or contribute to thought leadership, we welcome collaboration.
Access emerging talent
Our students and graduates are the next generation of cultural leaders, creative innovators and changemakers. Through fresh perspectives and diverse thinking, they bring energy and insight to every collaboration. By partnering with us, you’ll not only access emerging talent - you’ll also help shape it to meet the evolving needs of industry and society.
Our partnerships and collaborations are where ideas find their shape and creativity helps to forge a brighter future.
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Professor Craig Batty
Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Samantha Goodred
Executive Director, College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Associate Professor Jodie George
Dean, Academic
Associate Professor Luke Dollman
Dean, International and External Engagement
Professor Anna Sullivan
Interim Dean, Research
Associate Professor Kathryn Bowd
Dean, Students
Our schools
Associate Professor Stephen Ward
Dean, School of Architecture and Built Environment
Associate Professor Elizabeth Ellison
Dean, School of Communication, Media and Journalism
Professor Andrew van der Vlies
Dean, School of Humanities
Professor Anna Goldsworthy
Dean, Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts
Associate Professor Veronika Kelly
Dean, School of Art and Design
Contact us
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
Location
Level 3 Kaurna Building
Adelaide City
Campus West
Email:
PVC.CADH@adelaide.edu.au
26 March 2026
Adelaide University scores global subject recognition
Adelaide University has confirmed its position amongst the world’s top universities, with the release of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. A total of 22 subjects were rated in the global top 100, a remarkable result in the first year of the institution.
10 March 2026
Works of wonder open Samstag’s 2026 exhibition program
2026 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art: Yield Strength has launched as the Parnati Season (Parnati meaning autumn in Kaurna culture) curated by Ellie Buttrose, and presented by the Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and Samstag, with works on display at all three locations. Across two levels of the Samstag galleries, the pre-eminent survey of contemporary Australian Art incl...
13 November 2025
New partnership signals opportunities in innovation
The partnership coincides with the State Government’s announcement that Qantas will establish a dedicated Product Innovation Centre in Adelaide’s CBD – the first of its kind outside of Sydney. As part of the new Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), the University and Qantas will explore opportunities to collaborate on projects related to talent development, workforce advancement, and innovation w...