CUA51120 - Diploma of Visual Arts
Overview
This qualification provides students with training in the technical, creative and conceptual skills necessary to become a professional artist or designer. Students can select from the studio areas of painting, printmaking or jewellery as they work to develop their professional skills and knowledge in the visual arts arena. Visual artists may work in their own practice, or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations.
Painting and printmaking are offered online. The jewellery specialisation is completed mostly online however students are required to attend the Rockhampton City campus to complete the jewellery units.
Students can complete this course in 1 year if studying full-time (2 units at a time) or in 2 years if studying part-time (one unit at a time).
This is a nationally recognised course.
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In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
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A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
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CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Study Experience
- Experienced Teaching Team
- Flexible Online Study
- Seamless Pathway
- Study Now, Pay Later
“The teaching staff at CQUniversity have been very accessible. You can email them, quite often they will call you if there is a problem and they need to discuss things that’s happening, or you can access them at any time.
Elisha Habermann
Diploma of Visual Arts
Career Opportunities
The job roles that relate to this qualification are that of a professional artist or designer. More specifically, these roles may include; Printmaker, Painter, Jeweler/Silversmith, Designer, Digital Artist, Installation Artist or Arts Practitioner. This course also provides a pathway to other visual arts, craft and design job roles.
Structure & Availability
Online
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 2 years |
1 year full-time (study 2 units at a time)
2 years part-time (study 1 unit at a time)
Required units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools |
| BSBCRT512 | Originate and develop concepts |
| CUAACD532 | Create observational drawings |
| CUADRA501 | Refine drawing techniques |
| CUAACD536 | Refine 2-D design ideas and processes |
| CUAACD534 | Research and apply light and colour |
| CUARES503 | Analyse cultural history and theory |
| CUAPPR512 | Develop sustainability of own professional practice |
| BSBMKG546 | Develop social media engagement plans |
| CUACMP511 | Manage copyright arrangements |
| CUAPPR511 | Realise a body of creative work |
| CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work |
| CUAPPR515 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice |
Printmaking Specialisation
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAPRI512 | Investigate printmaking materials and processes |
| CUAPRI511 | Refine printmaking techniques |
Painting Specialisation
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAPAI512 | Investigate painting materials and processes |
| CUAPAI511 | Refine painting techniques |
Start Tafe Now (STN) - Online
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 2 years |
1 year full-time (study 2 units at a time)
2 years part-time (study 1 unit at a time)
Required units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools |
| BSBCRT512 | Originate and develop concepts |
| CUAACD532 | Create observational drawings |
| CUADRA501 | Refine drawing techniques |
| CUAACD536 | Refine 2-D design ideas and processes |
| CUAACD534 | Research and apply light and colour |
| CUARES503 | Analyse cultural history and theory |
| CUAPPR512 | Develop sustainability of own professional practice |
| BSBMKG546 | Develop social media engagement plans |
| CUACMP511 | Manage copyright arrangements |
| CUAPPR511 | Realise a body of creative work |
| CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work |
| CUAPPR515 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice |
Printmaking Specialisation
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAPRI512 | Investigate printmaking materials and processes |
| CUAPRI511 | Refine printmaking techniques |
Painting Specialisation
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAPAI512 | Investigate painting materials and processes |
| CUAPAI511 | Refine painting techniques |
Silversmithing specialisation
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 2 years |
1 year full-time (study 2 units at a time)
2 years part-time (study 1 unit at a time)
Students will complete most units online, with on-campus classes only for Jewellery units. Jewellery on-campus classes have intakes in March and August only.
Online units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools |
| BSBCRT512 | Originate and develop concepts |
| CUAACD532 | Create observational drawings |
| CUADRA501 | Refine drawing techniques |
| CUARES503 | Analyse cultural history and theory |
| CUAPPR512 | Develop sustainability of own professional practice |
| BSBMKG546 | Develop social media engagement plans |
| CUACMP511 | Manage copyright arrangements |
| CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work |
| CUAPPR515 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice |
Jewellery group 1 (on-campus)
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAJWL401 | Experiment with techniques to produce jewellery |
| CUAACD536 | Refine 2-D design ideas and processes |
Jewellery group 2 (on-campus)
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAACD534 | Research and apply light and colour |
| CUAACD509 | Develop and refine metalworking techniques |
| CUAPPR511 | Realise a body of creative work |
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
Completion of the BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.
It is recommended, but not mandatory, that students enrolling in the Diploma of Visual Arts will have knowledge around the technical aspects of their chosen media (such as painting or printmaking). Students entering this course are also expected to have knowledge of basic drawing techniques and experience with different drawing media.
Students commencing their skills development in visual arts are encouraged to consider CUA31120 - Certificate III in Visual Arts.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
This course is included in the Australian Government’s VET Student Loan (VSL) program, assisting eligible students pay tuition fees. Refer to the VET Student Loan webpage for more information, eligibility and census date calendar. A VET student loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
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