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Program Overview
Diploma of Visual Arts
The Diploma of Visual Arts is a vocational program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the visual arts industry. This program is taught by practicing artists in real studio environments, providing students with hands-on experience and industry connections.
Program Overview
The Diploma of Visual Arts is a one-year full-time program that focuses on building a professional portfolio in the visual arts. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in the visual arts or other related creative fields. Students will learn and develop a wide range of technical, creative, and conceptual skills and knowledge, with a strong focus on exhibition practice and providing practical experience in the arts industry.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Diploma of Visual Arts will have the knowledge and confidence to shape their future as self-employed art practitioners, paid employees in the visual art and crafts industry, or high-level support staff members in arts-related industries. Career opportunities include:
- Self-employed art practitioner (artist)
- Arts education
- Gallery or museum assistant/officer
- Technician
- High-level support staff in art-related industries
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the Diploma of Visual Arts, students must meet the following requirements:
- There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course.
- Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
- All applicants must submit a selection task, which includes:
- An applicant statement answering two questions:
- What do you expect to learn from the visual arts program?
- Describe any recent exhibition you have seen.
- A folio consisting of a minimum of six images showing a variety of visual artwork created using different mediums.
- An applicant statement answering two questions:
Pathways and Further Study
The Diploma of Visual Arts provides a pathway to further study, including the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts. Graduates of the Diploma of Visual Arts are guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts.
Fees
The total indicative tuition fee for 2026 commencement is AU$25,000 for international students. For local students, the tuition fee is AU$12,750 per annum for a government-subsidized place, and AU$19,500 per annum for a full-fee place.
Course Structure
The Diploma of Visual Arts consists of five core courses and four mandatory elective courses. Students must also complete three specializations from the following options:
- Printmaking
- Painting
- Digital Art
- Sculpture
Each specialization requires the completion of two courses.
Learning and Teaching
The program is delivered in industry-aligned art studios, with teaching staff who are practicing artists and educators with industry knowledge and experience. Facilities and equipment include studios and workshops for printmaking, painting, sculpture, photography, and drawing, as well as MAC labs.
Assessment
Assessment is folio-based, with a major emphasis on the production of a folio of work that reflects the student's personal creativity. The folio will display sequential development, with an emphasis on the acquisition of skills and the adaptation of those skills to the production of artworks with a sound personal philosophical base.
RMIT Capabilities
The program incorporates RMIT's six future-focused capabilities, which are designed to prepare students for success in their chosen career. These capabilities include:
- Ethical
- Global Citizens
- Connected
- Adaptive
- Digitally Adept
- Expert
- Critically Engaged
By incorporating these capabilities into the program, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the visual arts industry and beyond.