
Develop your visual arts skills through drawing and painting. You may explore printmaking, sculpture, photography or ceramics. Learn to combine technical, creative and conceptual skills to plan and realise your ideas.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
use a range of visual tools to refine your drawing skills
realise and present a body of creative work through studio practice, focusing on drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture or ceramics
develop a sustainable professional practice
establish and maintain safe creative practices
analyse cultural history and theory.
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level.
The skills to develop and organise work that can support business outcomes.
The ability to plan and organise exhibitions while meeting industry requirements.
The confidence to build networks with other practitioners and industry workers and a clear understanding of how the visual arts industry works.
The skills, knowledge and confidence to develop your own creative practice.
Strong pathways to continue your study and improve your career opportunities.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Successful completion of the Certificate III in Visual Arts, shown by a copy of your transcript or certificate, or
successful completion of a NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), shown by your Year 12 certificate or transcript, or
relevant creative practice, demonstrated through a portfolio that shows experience in drawing and an understanding of colour theory.
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
a portfolio of your work
a genuine interest in the visual arts and creative industry
access to a computer with a reliable internet connection
basic skills in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This helps us understand your individual study needs and develop a personalised support plan to support your study success and ensure your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like: artist (sole trader), technical officer (arts), gallery assistant or attendant, community artist facilitator or project worker (community arts or broader industry), art tutor and art retail assistant.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
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.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Visual Arts qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 5 core and 10 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.
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