Diploma of Visual Arts
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
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
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.
Course structure
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
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
- 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* |
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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 |
This course is delivered with state government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
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.
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
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059