Diploma of Visual Arts
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Want to study a progressive, contemporary fine arts course that’s run by qualified teachers and practising artists? Then our Diploma of Visual Arts is for you.
Now, more than ever, we need to provoke important conversations. Use your art to give voice to the people and issues that matter to you.
Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty on a range of tools and equipment as you paint, sculpt and draw your way through this studio-led course. Make the most of our new, purpose-built creative workshop. Discover new techniques to make your art ‘work’. Take photos, make prints, videos , drawings and digital images – and then exhibit them in our exhibition space. Learn by working directly with practising artists through workshops and mentoring sessions.
Use critical thinking to explore and develop solutions for real-world problems and multidisciplinary projects. You could find yourself working with local council on arts festivals, or teaming up with established retailers to make live art works.
Hone the soft skills – like critical thinking, collaboration, creative problem solving, and strong communication – that’ll set you up for a range of work environments. Graduate ready to work in your own practice, or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations.
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Duration
1 year full-time
Intakes
Wantirna (March) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
VTAC course code
- 3401078154 (fee type determined by provider)
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Student work
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Diploma of Visual Arts allows students to experience a wide field of studio-based studies such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital imaging and photography. The student will gain solid technical skills and aesthetic awareness combined with a sound knowledge of contemporary art issues and grasp of the arts industry. This is a contemporary visual arts course that is taught by experienced artists who are specialists in their field.
This studio practice is underpinned by a sound knowledge of art theory and history. Students will also have current arts industry knowledge and will be able to critically analyse information from a range of sources. Graduates will have the opportunity to build a current portfolio based on this experience.
This studio practice is underpinned by a sound knowledge of art theory and history. Students will also have current arts industry knowledge and will be able to critically analyse information from a range of sources. Graduates will have the opportunity to build a current portfolio based on this experience.
On successful completion of the Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51115), graduates may progress to the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA60715).
Course structure
The Diploma of Visual Arts is comprised of 15 units of study. It is delivered mainly as practical studio-based subjects and in lecture and tutorial modes. Specialisations include painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital imaging.
Technical Requirements
Students will need to have access to a small practical workspace to continue working on projects remotely from time to time and to have access to art making materials and equipment.
Students will also require the technology and access to the internet for facilitation of online classes including video and audio requirements.
Online digital units require students to download and use the Swinburne supported software such as the Adobe Creative Suite.
Units of study
Core units
Refine drawing and other visual representation tools (CUAACD501)
Realise a body of creative work (CUAPPR501)
Develop own sustainable professional practice (CUAPPR502)
Present a body of own creative work (CUAPPR503)
Establish and maintain safe creative practice (CUAPPR505)
Analyse cultural history and theory (CUARES503)
Elective units
Work with photomedia in creative practice (CUAACD512)
Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art (CUADIG509)
Install and dismantle exhibition elements (CUAEVP403)
Refine painting techniques (CUAPAI501)
Investigate painting materials and processes (CUAPAI502)
Refine printmaking techniques (CUAPRI501)
Investigate printmaking materials and processes (CUAPRI502)
Conduct research (CUARES402)
Investigate sculptural materials and processes (CUASCU502)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be able to work in their own practice, or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations.
Aims and objectives
- Educate students in key areas of fine art to enable self-employment opportunities in the visual arts industry
- Develop sound practices through multidisciplinary modes of study
- Develop aesthetic, social, environmental and ethical concepts and processes necessary to a satisfying personal philosophy and sound professional attitude
- Enable students to participate in the arts industry and to be aware of the role of artists in society
- To create opportunities for further arts training
Graduate skills
Graduates will have the skills to:
- combine specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills to plan and realise a body of work in one or more art forms
- work in their own practice, or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations.
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
Please note: The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $16,077. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Visual ArtsEstimated course fees for 2021* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place | Is this a Free TAFE course? | |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | $15,420 | $7,890 | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
| You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | Fully Covered | Fully Covered | This course is not eligible for Free TAFE |
Please note: Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2020 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 925.
Entry requirements
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
Relevant skills and knowledge that would indicate likely success at this qualification level may include successful completion of art- and design-related subjects at secondary or post-secondary level.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059