Diploma of Visual Arts

You’ll explore a variety of classical, contemporary and digital techniques in painting and drawing.

You’ll learn to combine your technical, creative and conceptual skills to develop a body of work in one or more arts forms.

This course will give you a sound understanding of art theory and history.

Taught by established and practising artists, this course also includes guest speakers who will talk about their work and art practice.

Gallery visits will form part of your studies.

You’ll also gain valuable industry knowledge about developing sustainable professional practice and providing freelance services.

To be awarded CUA51115 Diploma of Visual Arts, a student must successfully complete a total of fifteen (15) units of competency, comprising of:

• six (6) core units, and;
• nine (9) elective units, of which:
• three (3) units must be selected from Group A;
• two (2) units must be selected from Group B;
• four (4) units may be selected from the remaining electives listed in the CUA51115 Diploma of Visual Arts qualification or any other training package qualification or accredited course at Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma Level.

Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• CUAACD501 - Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
• CUAPPR501 - Realise a body of creative work
• CUAPPR502 - Develop own sustainable professional practice
• CUAPPR503 - Present a body of own creative work
• CUAPPR505 - Establish and maintain safe creative practice
• CUARES503 - Analyse cultural history and theory

ELECTIVE UNITS

Group A

• CUAACD505 - Work with the human form in creative practice
• CUADIG508 - Refine digital art techniques
• CUADIG509 - Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art
• CUAPRI501 - Refine printmaking techniques
• CUAPRI502 - Investigate printmaking materials and processes

Group B

• BSBPMG522 - Undertake project work
• CUAEVP403 - Install and dismantle exhibition elements

Imported

• CUADIG406 - Produce innovative video art
• CUADRA401 - Experiment with techniques to produce drawings

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have the technical and organisational skills to conceptualise and create works in selected medium.Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience in creative practice or through formal study such as the completion of VCE Studio Arts, the Certificate IV in Screen and Media or the Certificate IV in Design.Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification reflects the role of individuals who combine specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills to plan and realise a body of work in one or more art forms. Mediums may include ceramics, drawing and illustration, painting, photomedia, printmaking, public art, sculpture, textile design, wood design, digital art and glasswork.

Practice at this level is underpinned by application of arts theory and history and the ability to critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources. Discourse around complex ideas is also required. Visual artists may work in their own practice or in a wide range of contexts across the arts government, community or commercial organisation.