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  4. Diploma of Visual Arts
QUALIFICATION

Diploma of Visual Arts


 National Code: CUA51120
 TAFE SA Code: TP01223


2025 start

Description

Working within purpose-built facilities and a hands-on supportive environment, students can learn across a range of studio disciplines including printmaking, photography, ceramics, and jewellery. Drawing, sculpture, and painting classes complete this well-rounded, dynamic visual art experience across the course.
You will learn and create in Adelaide College of the Arts’ state-of-the-art facilities which include purpose-built studios and exhibition spaces.

Award Course
Duration
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12 months 

Full Time or Part Time equivalent

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Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Adelaide College of the Arts

804001

On Campus On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Full & Part Time Full & Part Time Full & Part Time
Day Only
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On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • Certificate III or higher in Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Screen and Media or Creative Arts or
  • Submission of a portfolio which provides evidence of your technical and organisational skills to conceptualise and create works in a selected medium or
  • Year 12 or SACE subject in Art or Design and Technology
If there are more applications for this course than places available, applicants will be ranked by date of application to this course.

Please Read Before Applying

Entry Recommendations
Recommended for those wanting to complete a studio-based visual arts qualification or who are refreshing existing skills, knowledge and practice.

Attendance Requirements (subject to change)
Full time is usually 3 to 4 days a week.

Industry Conditions and Skills

  • You will need basic digital communication and production skills such as word processing.
  • You will learn art theory and practical skills in ceramics, jewellery, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture and develop and broaden your personal art making practice.

Additional Uniforms, Equipment and Costs
You will need to purchase your own materials. Cost $200 - $450 (approximately). Lecturers will recommend a range of materials to suit most budgets.

Fees

Average cost per semester
Total Fees for the 12 month course
Subsidised
$2,363
$4,725
Concession
$1,688
$3,375
You may be eligible for government subsidised training.
Subsidised Training Eligibility
Subsidised training may require applicants to complete a Core Skills Profile Assessment (CSPA).
What is the CSPA?
Full Fee
$9,270
$18,540

Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary. Fee updates will be available prior to offers being made.

  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    VET Student Loan

    This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    Visual artists may work in their own practice, or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51120)
    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. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 5 core units and 10 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Develop sustainability of own professional practice 50
    Establish and maintain safe creative practice 40
    Present a body of own creative work 60
    Realise a body of creative work 80
    Refine drawing and other visual representation tools 80

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Analyse cultural history and theory 70
    Collaborate in creative processes 40
    Create observational drawings 60
    Critique cultural works 50
    Develop and refine metalworking techniques 50
    Investigate drawing materials and processes 70
    Investigate painting materials and processes 80
    Investigate sculptural materials and processes 110
    Make mixed media artworks 65
    Refine 2-D design ideas and processes 70
    Refine 3-D design ideas and processes 70
    Refine ceramics techniques 60
    Refine printmaking techniques 85
    Work with photomedia in creative practice 65

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

Diploma of Visual Arts
TP01223
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