Bachelor of Creative Industries (Visual Arts)

Course Overview

Establish your career in the visual arts with this bachelor degree and develop a broad and coherent range of specialist knowledge and practical skills. Delivered in partnership with the University of Canberra, this unique degree provides you with an open and supportive studio environment for you to define and shape your career as a visual artist.

What Can I Do?

• Arts Professional
• Visual Arts and Crafts Professional

Course Outcome

ARB405 Bachelor of Creative Industries (Visual Arts)

UC Brisbane Creative Industries Degrees

Gain practical experience and develop key employability skills including communication, teamwork, and critical, creative and strategic thinking. Learn from industry professionals whilst studying in Brisbane, graduate with real-world experience, ready to impress employers and launch your creative career.

Specialised Training Facilities

Our degrees are delivered here at TAFE, on our modern campuses, using top of the line facilities and equipment. Across Creative Arts, Dentistry, Engineering and Information Technology, our learning spaces are at the forefront of new technology, offering students the benefit of learning on industry leading equipment.

What You Will Study

If you have completed the below diploma you will gain up to a year's credit towards this qualification:

• CUA50920 Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
• CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts

This is a typical study pattern and may differ depending on credit received. Please note not all units are offered in each teaching period.

The below study pattern is for new students.

Core Units

Year 1 Semester 1

• UNIT CODE: 11591
  • UNIT NAME: Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and digital Design) - Level 1
  • Unit description: This unit introduces students to the diverse opportunities in the world of creative and digital design industries. Aspects that will be considered include: contemporary demands of the industry including social responsibility, ethical and sustainability issues. Through engagement with industry and community, students will gain an understanding of global discipline knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform as responsible, capable creative industry and digital design professionals. Students will start their career awareness and planning through approaches such as five year plans and ePortfolios.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11603
  • UNIT NAME: 2D Art Foundation
  • Unit description: In this introductory unit students will engage with a variety of manual drawing, painting and print-making processes, covering: media, application, technique, design and content. Students will learn to research key information on historical and contemporary artists and their application of 2D media. 2D Media will be discussed and situated within contemporary culture. The broad base of study here provides the foundation for further involvement with 2D media processes and applications. It provides the basis for the understanding of, and engagement with manual image making skills and their critique.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11605
  • UNIT NAME: Response to Art History - Level 1
  • Unit description: This unit explores and navigates modern art history. It discusses how the major artistic and cultural movements of the Modern Era have presence and influence within contemporary art and culture. Students will learn to identify key artists, concepts and styles within the Modern Era. They will investigate the integration of cultural, historical and theoretical knowledge with their practical work. And they will be able to outline the major artistic and cultural movements of the Modern Era. A sound understanding of this subject will allow the student to culturally and historically situate both their own practice and the work of other practitioners in the Visual Arts sector.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: OEU
  • UNIT NAME: Open Elective Unit
  • Unit description:
  • Credit points: 3

Year 1 Semester 2

• UNIT CODE: 11595
  • UNIT NAME: The Big Picture - Level 2
  • Unit description: This project-based unit provides students with a unique opportunity, working in small cross-disciplinary teams, to explore courageous or experimental projects, without the pressure of having to produce something that is objectively 'successful'. Assessment in this unit will focus not upon the quality or otherwise of the group-driven creative outputs, but rather upon the reflective, individual exegetical and reflective components that accompany them.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11604
  • UNIT NAME: 3D Art Foundation - Level 1
  • Unit description: In this introductory unit students will engage with a variety of sculptural and ceramic processes, covering: media, application, technique, design and content. Students will learn to research key information on historical and contemporary artists and their application of 3D media. 3D Media will be discussed and situated within contemporary culture. The broad base of study here provides the foundation for further involvement with 3D media processes and applications. It provides the basis for the understanding of, and engagement with manual image making skills and their critique.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: OEU
  • UNIT NAME: Open Elective Unit
  • Unit description:
  • Credit points: 6

Year 2 Semester 1

• UNIT CODE: 11596
  • UNIT NAME: Creativity and Culture: Truth and Ideation - Level 2
  • Unit description: This unit challenges the notions of truth and knowledge. It will explore the idea of cultural relativity and challenge our own way of thinking. Knowledge generation will be examined by exploring fictional and historical worlds that establish their own truths and ideations.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11593
  • UNIT NAME: Creative Practice 1 - Level 1
  • Unit description: Creative Project 1 focuses on the independent conceptualisation, planning and realisation of a student-generated work in the creative field. The unit aims to introduce the student to working independently as a freelance creative, applying all principles and skills gained from other core units.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11607
  • UNIT NAME: Landscape/Environment/Space - Level 2
  • Unit description: This unit investigates the topic of landscape / environment/ space in modern art practice. Students will appraise a diverse range of historical and contemporary resources that reference cultural responses to landscape / environment/ space. They will relate the critical comprehension of this research to develop their own practice and working methods. A sound understanding of this subject will allow the student to address and adhere to major cultural themes in both their research and practical work.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: OEU
  • UNIT NAME: Open Elective Unit
  • Unit description:
  • Credit points: 3

Year 2 Semester 2

• UNIT CODE: 11017
  • UNIT NAME: Professional Practice 1: Work Integrated Learning - Level 2
  • Unit description: In this unit students will work with academics, peers and industry partners to apply their learning in real-world contexts, develop employability skills and strengthen the disciplinary skills and knowledge needed to contribute to and excel in their professions. Authentic learning experiences will include simulated workplace experiences, industry collaborations, competitions, internships, exhibitions or studio work.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11608
  • UNIT NAME: Art & Contemporary Culture - Level 2
  • Unit description: This unit explores and navigates contemporary culture. It outlines some of the major social and cultural trends within the contemporary era. Students will analyse contemporary artworks and make informed comment on key artistic and conceptual approaches within contemporary art practices. They will hypothesize on social, cultural and/or sub-cultural trends within contemporary visual culture. A sound understanding of this unit will allow the student to culturally situate themselves and their practice within our larger global culture.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11606
  • UNIT NAME: Figure/Portrait/Object - Level 2
  • Unit description: This unit investigates the topic of figure / portrait / object in modern art practice. Students will appraise a diverse range of historical and contemporary resources that reference cultural responses to figure / portrait / object. They will relate the critical comprehension of this research to develop their own practice and working methods. A sound understanding of this subject will allow the student to address and adhere to major cultural themes in both their research and practical work.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: OEU
  • UNIT NAME: Open Elective Unit
  • Unit description:
  • Credit points: 3

Year 3 Semester 1

• UNIT CODE: 11018
  • UNIT NAME: Professional Practice 2: Work Integrated Learning - Level 3
  • Unit description: In this unit students will further develop their abilities as agile professionals with the transferable employability skills and critical and creative abilities to work across industries and sectors and craft diverse employment paths. They will integrate disciplinary knowledge with the professional skills required in their industry through authentic simulated or real workplace experiences, international exchanges or industry collaborations or projects.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11609
  • UNIT NAME: Art and Community - Level 3
  • Unit description: This unit explores contemporary contexts for art, value and community. The unit involves the analysis of creative/community projects, their contexts, funding and frameworks for employment - engagement. Students will identify appropriate project types that suit their personal interests and their skill base. They will evaluate existing professional benchmarks to assist in the development of a creative/community project proposal. And they will implement a creative/community art project. A sound understanding of this unit will allow students to develop, professional contexts and communities for their practice in the Visual Arts sector.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: OEU
  • UNIT NAME: Open Elective Unit
  • Unit description:
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: OEU
  • UNIT NAME: Open Elective Unit
  • Unit description:
  • Credit points: 3

Year 3 Semester 2

• UNIT CODE: 11592
  • UNIT NAME: Professional Evidence (Creative Industries and Digital Design) - Level 3
  • Unit description: This unit prepares students for professional work in the cultural sector and finalises and reviews your ePortfolio. Through practical activities, such as preparing a grant application, developing a team-based project proposal, and researching a cultural organisation, students learn to relate their discipline specific knowledge to a range of professional contexts. The unit will emphasise the significance of multiculturalism, cultural consumption and globalisation as key influences shaping cultural work in the twenty first century.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 11594
  • UNIT NAME: Creative Practice 2 - Level 2
  • Unit description: This unit focuses on the independent conceptualisation, planning and realisation of a student-generated major work in their creative field. The unit emphasises consultation/collaboration as part of the creative process, skill refinement and the consideration of publication. This unit is based on a model of academic supervision and is intended to pave the way towards independent modes of learning crucial in the industry and at postgraduate levels of study.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: 9759
  • UNIT NAME: Artist as Curator - Level 3
  • Unit description: This unit explores the role of the curator and curatorial skills for artists in the Visual Arts. The subject involves the analysis of curatorial projects, their contexts, funding and frameworks for employment - engagement. Students will select appropriate project types to suit their personal interests and their skill base. They will evaluate existing professional benchmarks to assist in the development of an exhibition proposal. And they will implement a curated exhibition. A sound understanding of this subject will allow the student to develop group opportunities and professional contexts for their practice in the Visual Arts sector.
  • Credit points: 3
• UNIT CODE: OEU
  • UNIT NAME: Open Elective Unit
  • Unit description:
  • Credit points: 3

Ways to Study

• On campus

Choose Your Study Location

• Greater Brisbane

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

View Comparison Chart

More Apply

South Bank

On Campus

• Online Time: 0%
• On Campus Time: 100%

START DATE: 28 Jul 2025 DURATION: 3 years Workload: Full time 5 days per week ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST: Domestic: $8,020

Class format: Teacher-led, Scheduled VIRTUAL CLASS: No ASSESSMENT: On-Campus TEACHER COMMS: Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Payment Options

How Can I Pay for This Course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment Plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront Payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

HECS Help

HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme for eligible students studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place, that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf.

Learn more

Entry Requirements

Selection Criteria

Admission into this course is based on the following selection criteria:

• Year 12 ATAR
• Diploma pathway
• Other Australian qualification
• Work experience
• Overseas qualification

We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to the university via alternate pathway programs and admissions schemes. More information is available on the University of Canberra Alternate entry page.

Please note: In addition to your QTAC application you will be required to attend an interview. TAFE Queensland will invite you to the audition after your QTAC application has been received.

Resources Required

It is recommended that students have access to a reliable internet connection to access the University of Canberra’s online learning system Canvas, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for students to use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Placement

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is embedded within this degree.

Important Information

Articulation

• Any one-year TAFE Queensland diploma (or equivalent) can articulate with 24 credit point transfer, which equates to one year full time study (or 8 units).
• 24 credit point transfer, which equates to one year full time study (or 8 units), from any other degree program.

Student Services and Amenities Fee

You will be required to pay a SSAF.

Pathways to Honours

The Bachelor of Arts and Design (Honours) is open to students who have completed a UC/TAFE QLD partnership degree with at least a grade point average of 5.0 or better (equivalent to a credit average), or students from a three-year degree in a cognate discipline with a relevant major in which they received a grade point average of 5.0 or better. Pass degree graduates in similar disciplinary fields from other universities, with comparable results, may also be eligible to undertake this honours degree.

International Important Information

University of Canberra: CRICOS Code E | CRICOS Provider number 00212K

Assessment Methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

How to Apply

Direct Application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Apply Through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.

Course Disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Related Courses

Diploma of Visual Arts

Unlock your creative talents with this visual arts diploma qualification. This course is perfect for individuals seeking self employment or work within the wider creative industries community.

Careers

• Woodwork Designer
• Printmaker
• Commercial Textile Designer
• Ceramic Artist
• Visual Artist
• Illustrator
• Photographer
• Painter (Visual Arts)
• Sculptor
• Digital Artist
• Glasswork Artist

Full Time: 1 year Next Start: 14 Jul 2025

TAFE Queensland Summary