Diploma of Visual Arts

Looking to expand on your existing visual arts skills and build on your portfolio of work?

The Diploma of Visual Arts will give you the opportunity to refine your visual arts skills, knowledge and techniques. The course will also prepare you for further study in related qualifications to have your knowledge and skills formally recognised, adding to your current employability skills. 

During this course you will also be marketing, preparing, installing, and managing an art exhibition where you can display and sell the products you have created.

You will often work independently during the course with mentoring and guidance from your teacher. You will be required to complete studio work and assessments in your own time. 

Through working on a number of community and arts industry projects and exhibitions you will learn:

• sustainable practice
• work health and safety
• history and theory of art
• how to present and exhibit a body of work
• painting
• printmaking
• photography
• sculpture
• drawing
• ceramics
• work for public spaces
• installation work
• developing a body of work
• arts industry knowledge

Upon completing this qualification, you will use your highly developed technical, creative and conceptual skills to plan and realize a body of work in one or more art forms. You will utilise your understanding of arts theory and history to critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources.

You may work in your own practice or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations.

Career opportunities may include:

• studio artist
• community artist
• public artist
• assistant curator
• gallery assistant
• arts officer

There is no formal placement for this course but you will work closely with local arts organisations throughout your course, gaining hands-on practical experience.

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

You must be at least 17 years of age and provide evidence of your technical and organisational skills to conceptualise and create works in a selected medium. You will be required to provide your portfolio, prior qualification records or work samples to enrol in this course.

To be eligible to be awarded this qualification you must successfully complete 15 units: 5 core and 10 electives.

You will need to provide the following during the course:

• Laptop
• Art materials for each studio, list to be supplied/outlined per studio.
• General kit: pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, sharpener, workable fixative, masking tape, glue stick, fine liners
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

Class attendance and participation is a critical element of learning and gaining the knowledge and skills required to be assessed as competent. 

Attendance of scheduled classes is expected to be 100%.  If you do not attend at least 80% of the scheduled classes for a unit of competency, you may be ineligible for completion of the unit and your enrolment in the course may be reviewed.

In the event that classes are missed due to illness or other personal reasons, you are expected to inform the teacher of your absence prior to the commencement of the scheduled class.  For extended or frequent non-attendance, you may be requested to provide a medical certificate or other supporting evidence.

Fees for 2027 to be determined.

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

1. Apply – Submit your online application form.
2. LLN Assessment – Complete an LLN assessment if required.
3. Chat to our team – Discuss your course and study plan with a teacher or specialist.
4. Enrol – Accept your offer and confirm your details.
5. Pay – Receive your invoice and arrange payment.

Need help? Contact us or visit your nearest campus.

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.