Back to Art and Design

National code: CUA60720

Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts

Ask a question

Overview About this course

Shape your confidence to express and convey your creative ideas as a visual artist. Refine your craft in a supportive, immersive environment and learn highly technical and conceptual skills, engage in critical discourse and explore the many ways you can practice as a creative professional.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Use industry-specific tools and materials

  • Apply theory and history to further the complexity and depth of your art

  • Engage in critical discourse to debate art

  • Display your own work publicly

  • Extend your professional expertise to others

Course outcomes

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

  • Planning and management skills on delivering creative work

  • Experience with a range of artistic techniques

  • Skills and knowledge to become a freelance visual artist

  • A body of work to be added to your professional art portfolio

  • Skills and knowledge to explain complex conceptual work

  • A clear pathway to further your study with TAFE NSW Degrees

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

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

  • Have a creative portfolio either digital or physical, with 10 to 15 examples of artwork that demonstrate skills and knowledge including drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures, journals with drawings

  • Conceptual, technical and organisational skills to create and present work in your chosen creative form. You will have gained these skills through formal study or from your experience in a creative field, as evidenced through a transcript, resume or extensive studio practice

Entry recommendations

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

  • Previous study in visual arts at a Diploma level or equivalent, and/or a practising or exhibiting artist

  • Financial ability to provide your own art supplies

  • To bring safety equipment such as safety glasses and gloves, if applicable to your art medium

  • Motivation to succeed in the business of creative practice

  • A holistic approach to understanding and the practice of visual arts

  • Competent use of materials and processes

  • The ability to handle tools and techniques to achieve a desired outcome

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: artist, artist assistant, gallery curator, museum curator, visual arts and crafts professional and sole trader.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 1 Course

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

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 1 Course

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 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 Units of competency, including 7 core and 5 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.

  • Apply critical thinking for complex problem solving BSBCRT611

  • Extend professional expertise with drawing and other visual representation tools CUAACD611

  • Originate a body of independent creative work CUAPPR611

  • Engage in the business of creative practice CUAPPR613

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.