Program Overview

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Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts

The Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts is a highly practical and industry-led program that allows students to further develop their creative practice and enhance their artistic skills. This qualification is designed to build practical and highly transferable skills across a range of industry contexts, including drawing, painting, installation, printmaking, digital media, sculpture, web design, photography, business, and exhibition.

Program Description

In this program, students will learn to effectively communicate and present ideas and concepts, interpret visual arts assignment briefs, and develop a continuous improvement mindset. They will also learn to work collaboratively and independently, select appropriate mediums to create works of art, and work sustainably from studios and workshops. The program utilizes a range of traditional, contemporary, and emergent technologies to teach students the skills they need to succeed in the visual arts industry.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts may pursue a range of career paths, including:

• Artist
• Art therapist
• Visual arts teacher
• Arts technician
• Museum conservator
• Exhibition curator
• Tattoo artist
• Visual arts professional
• Animator
• Illustrator
• Gallery assistant
• Gallery curator

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry into this program, students must satisfy 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.
• Prerequisites: There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Selection Tasks

Applicants must complete and submit a selection task, which includes:

• A pre-selection kit (for direct entry applicants)
• A folio of work (for all applicants)

English Language Requirements

To study this program, students must complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
• C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

Pathways and Further Study

The Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts provides pathways into further study, including:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts: students will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points)
• Bachelor of Photography: students will receive credit (equivalent to 48 credit points)

Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit and recognition of prior learning may be available to students who have completed previous studies or have relevant work experience. Students can apply for credit by submitting a completed credit application form and providing supporting documentation.

Fees

The total indicative tuition fee for 2026 commencement is AU$24,500. Additional costs include:

• Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) (for international students)
• Living expenses

Program Structure

The program consists of 6 core units and 6 elective units, which are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the visual arts industry and the skills they need to succeed. The core units include:

• Apply critical thinking for complex problem solving
• Extend professional expertise with drawing and other visual representation tools
• Publicly present a body of own creative work
• Extend cultural research expertise
• Originate a body of independent creative work
• Engage in the business of creative practice

The elective units include:

• Extend professional expertise across new art forms and media
• Work with the human form in creative practice
• Realise an installation work
• Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level
• Evolve ideas for professional creative work
• Build and launch a small business website

Learning and Teaching

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and studio-based learning. Students will have the opportunity to work with industry practitioners and develop their skills in a range of areas, including drawing, painting, installation, printmaking, digital media, sculpture, web design, photography, business, and exhibition.