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National code: CUA40620

Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

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Overview About this course

Be part of an exciting industry where you can tell your story through your artistic expression. Work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists, harness your knowledge and create works that express Cultural context and your own identity.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Apply broad and integrated technical and theoretical knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts

  • Utilise your sense of Cultural Identity, family, Country and Kinship to develop your own artistic practice

  • Communicate effectively in the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural arts industry and Communities

  • Prepare and display works in exhibitions

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Confidence to create meaningful works significant to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Culture and your own identity

  • The ability to apply a broad and integrated technical and theoretical knowledge of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural art

  • Communicate effectively in the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural arts industry

  • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • You will need to participate in an interview before the course commences to make sure this is the right course for you

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • A lived experience of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Culture and Communities

  • The ability to work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Communities, both independently and collaboratively in a creative studio environment

  • Sound background knowledge or an interest in art theory and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural history

  • Adaptability to learn contemporary artistic techniques and re-examine the traditional methods

  • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level is recommended but not required.

  • TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.

  • This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

  • If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist (studio, glass or textile), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander jewellery designer, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist support worker, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community art worker, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceramics studio assistant and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community arts centre assistant

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 2 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 3 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 Units of competency, including 6 core and 9 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Follow Aboriginal cultural protocols AHCILM306

  • Develop understanding of own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity CUAATS111

  • Produce work that expresses own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity CUAATS312

  • Communicate effectively in the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts industry CUAATS411

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.