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National code: CUA31120

Certificate III in Visual Arts

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Overview About this course

Build your confidence and explore your creativity in this introductory course. Hone your visual art skills to communicate ideas, work with various mediums and pursue further study. Collaborate and connect with like-minded peers in the creative arts.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Develop your observation and technical drawing skills

  • Research the art industry and apply what you've learned to your own practice

  • Develop core technical skills in painting, printmaking and sculpture

  • Collaborate and work well with others

  • Build your awareness of work health and safety practices for yourself and others

  • Plan a career in the arts industry

Course outcomes

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

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate III level

  • A pathway to further study in visual arts, ceramics or photography

  • A portfolio of creative work that demonstrates your technical skills and creativity

  • Exposure to a range of visual arts techniques and mediums

  • A fundamental understanding of art theory and the social and cultural contexts that influence art

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

Entry recommendations

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

  • Strong attention to detail

  • An interest in pursuing a career in the visual arts industry

  • An ability to work and collaborate with others

  • Creativity or an interest in developing your visual communication skills using art elements and principles of design

  • A desire to learn basic visual art skills, including drawing

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: visual artist, art therapist and art conservator with the Diploma of Visual Arts.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 0 Courses

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

The Certificate III in Visual Arts does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 3 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 III in Visual Arts qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 units of competency, including 4 core and 8 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.

  • Contribute to the health and safety of self and others BSBWHS211

  • Produce drawings to communicate ideas CUAACD311

  • Produce creative work CUAPPR311

  • Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice CUARES301

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.