| Course Code | CUA51120 |
| Locations |
Warrnambool
Would you prefer another study location? Click here |
| Study Mode | Part-time, On Campus |
| Length | 24 months |
| Commencement | Expressions of interest to start in July 2026 |
| Timetable | Two days a week. |
Looking to expand on your existing visual arts skills and build on your portfolio of work?
The Diploma of Visual Arts will give you the opportunity to refine your visual arts skills, knowledge and techniques. The course will also prepare you for further study in related qualifications to have your knowledge and skills formally recognised, adding to your current employability skills.
During this course you will also be marketing, preparing, installing, and managing an art exhibition where you can display and sell the products you have created.
You will often work independently during the course with mentoring and guidance from your teacher. You will be required to complete studio work and assessments in your own time.
Through working on a number of community and arts industry projects and exhibitions you will learn:
Upon completing this qualification, you will use your highly developed technical, creative and conceptual skills to plan and realize a body of work in one or more art forms. You will utilise your understanding of arts theory and history to critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources.
You may work in your own practice or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations.
Career opportunities may include:
There is no formal placement for this course but you will work closely with local arts organisations throughout your course, gaining hands-on practical experience.
Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts.
You must be at least 17 years of age and provide evidence of your technical and organisational skills to conceptualise and create works in a selected medium. You will be required to provide your portfolio, prior qualification records or work samples to enrol in this course.
To be eligible to be awarded this qualification you must successfully complete 15 units: 5 core and 10 electives.
You will need to provide the following during the course:
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools | 80 | $50.00 |
| CUAPPR511 | Realise a body of creative work | 80 | $0.00 |
| CUAPPR512 | Develop sustainability of own professional practice | 50 | $0.00 |
| CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work | 60 | $0.00 |
| CUAPPR515 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice | 40 | $0.00 |
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUADRA502 | Investigate drawing materials and processes | 70 | $50.00 |
| CUACER511 | Refine ceramic techniques | 60 | $75.00 |
| CUAIND512 | Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge | 60 | $0.00 |
| CUAPAI511 | Refine painting techniques | 90 | $65.00 |
| CUAPAI512 | Investigate painting materials and processes | 80 | $65.00 |
| CUAPRI511 | Refine printmaking techniques | 85 | $80.00 |
| CUAPRI512 | Investigate printmaking materials and processes | 90 | $80.00 |
| CUAPUA511 | Create works of art for public spaces | 90 | $50.00 |
| CUARES412 | Conduct research | 30 | $0.00 |
| CUASCU511 | Refine sculptural techniques | 80 | $0.00 |
This course involves accredited units. You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes. A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment.
Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms. Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance. You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.
Class attendance and participation is a critical element of learning and gaining the knowledge and skills required to be assessed as competent.
Attendance of scheduled classes is expected to be 100%. If you do not attend at least 80% of the scheduled classes for a unit of competency, you may be ineligible for completion of the unit and your enrolment in the course may be reviewed.
In the event that classes are missed due to illness or other personal reasons, you are expected to inform the teacher of your absence prior to the commencement of the scheduled class. For extended or frequent non-attendance, you may be requested to provide a medical certificate or other supporting evidence.
Once you have applied for your chosen course, you will receive a thank you email from South West TAFE with a few steps to help process your enrolment.
Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online evaluation. This evaluation helps us tailor your training to suit your needs.
Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI
Already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI
Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.
Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.
Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements. Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :
There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances).
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY
The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.
| Course fees by student type | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Government subsidised rate (if eligible) | $13,295.00 |
| Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) | $18,150.00 |
Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.
| Additional course fees | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Course consumable/materials (approximate) | $615.00 |
Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.
You have three options when organising your payment:
Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.
We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.
There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.
If you need any assistance with applying, contact our team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.
Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.
Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.
As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.
