Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Nambucca CLC, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.
Skip to main content
Our enrolment and student portal is undergoing an important upgrade and will be unavailable from 7:00am until 10:00pm Saturday, 8 Mar 2025.
TEST
- Go to international homepage
- International Courses
- Diploma of Visual Arts
TAFE NSW Course
International
Course code: CUA51120 | CRICOS Code: 110852G
Diploma of Visual Arts
Overview
About this international course
The Diploma of Visual Arts gives you the skills and knowledge you need to work in the creative arts industry as a visual artist, creator, art tutor, and assistant museum or gallery curator.
In this course, you will learn about art theory and history, and develop your ability to critically analyse information and communicate complex ideas. You will also learn specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills to further your art practice and realise your artistic vision.
At TAFE NSW, you will have the opportunity to work with a range of art media, including ceramics, digital art, drawing and illustration, painting, photo media, printmaking, sculpture, wood and textiles
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Refine your drawing and other visual representation tools
- Develop your own sustainable professional practice
- Realise and present a body of creative work
- Establish and maintain a safe creative practice
- Analyse cultural history and theory
Gain practical experience
Build your experience with practical learning, and strengthen your art skills by:
- Realising and presenting a body of work
- Documenting your art project
- Preparing your work for exhibition
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in the arts industry:
- Creativity and imagination
- Self-discipline
- Commitment to practical study
- Sound understanding of historical and cultural arts practices
Global industry demand
The global art market reached a total of AU $89.3 billion in sales in 2019. China now represents 18% of the art market, achieving sales estimated at AU $16.3 billion in 2019.
The latest trends for the global art market include:
- Museums moving toward a more inclusive presentation of art history, with a focus on female artists, LGBT+ art and non-Western narratives
- Immersive exhibitions suited to social media representation such as Instagram
- Art collectors continuing to find artists online
- Museums becoming more accountable for the source of their funding
- Art dealers using online sales to find new buyers
Suitability
International entry requirements
At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.
Fees and locations
Starting dates, course fees and locations
As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.
Additional costs
Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.
Structure and units
What you will study
At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.
5 core units plus 10 elective units, of which 6 must be from Group A and/or Group C 2 must be from Group B 2 may be from the remaining listed electives or any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course. CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools CUAPPR511 Realise a body of creative work CUAPPR512 Develop sustainability of own professional practice CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
CUAPPR515 Establish and maintain safe creative practice
Core units - 0
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Pathways
Continue your studies
At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:
Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW degree pathway
From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways
TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
Other university pathways
You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.
Keep learning with TAFE NSW
Services
Campus facilities and support services
TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, simulated workplaces, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.
Student facilities, amenities and support services include:
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
- Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
- LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
We're here to help
If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.
Contact TAFE NSW International