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National code: CUA30520

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

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Overview About this course

Be part of an exciting and progressive industry where you can tell your story through your artistic expression. Develop your knowledge of Culture and gain real world experience creating and exhibiting work that showcases your own Cultural Identity.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Communicate ideas and your individual Cultural Identity through drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and digital imaging

  • Apply your knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural history design processes and the Cultural arts industry to your practice

  • Develop your design processes and techniques specific to your chosen field

  • Apply colour in design and its connection to Country, or industry

Course outcomes

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

  • A pathway to further study in creative arts

  • An understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural significant artistic skills, processes and techniques

  • Confidence to engage collaboratively with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities on Cultural arts projects

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

  • Credit towards a certificate IV qualification

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

  • APPLY QUESTION: Can you attend an interview prior to the course start?

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 and/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 (https://www.tafensw.edu.au/student-services/study-support) and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.

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 Community arts centre assistant, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ceramics studio assistant, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander exhibiting artist, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander curator assistant, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural officer (within local government council) and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander assistant (within a Cultural organisation)

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 1 Course

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 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 units of competency, including 5 core and 7 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

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

  • 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

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.