TAFE NSW
12 months (full-time) or 18-24 months (part-time)
Master visual arts through drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and ceramics. This nationally recognised diploma combines technical, creative, and conceptual skills to help you develop a professional artistic practice and build industry networks.
Entry to this course requires evidence of previous experience or study. You must provide successful completion of Certificate III in Visual Arts (transcript or certificate), NSW Higher School Certificate (Year 12 certificate or transcript), or a portfolio demonstrating relevant creative practice with experience in drawing and understanding of colour theory. You should have a portfolio of your work, genuine interest in visual arts and creative industry, access to a computer with reliable internet connection, basic skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills at Year 12 level. TAFE NSW may request completion of a Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills test to develop personalised support.
The course comprises 15 units of competency: 5 core units and 10 specialty units. Core units include refining drawing and visual representation tools, realising a body of creative work, developing sustainability of professional practice, presenting creative work, and establishing safe creative practices. Specialty units cover diverse areas including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, digital art, illustration, jewellery, glassworking, textile work, and woodworking. Additional units address business skills (marketing, finances, legal requirements), project management, research, cultural analysis, and professional development. Students can customise their qualification by selecting specialty units aligned with their artistic interests and career goals.
TAFE NSW is a nationally recognised training provider offering accredited qualifications that are portable across Australian states. The institution provides comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, careers counselling, and access to libraries and learning resources. TAFE NSW recognises prior learning and offers credit transfers, enabling faster qualification completion. The course is delivered across multiple campuses with flexible study options combining on-campus, virtual, and online learning to accommodate diverse student needs.
Graduates pursue diverse career pathways in the visual arts industry including roles as independent artists (sole traders), technical officers in arts organisations, gallery assistants or attendants, community artists, facilitators or project workers in community arts, art tutors, and art retail assistants. The diploma provides strong pathways to further study, including the Bachelor of Creative Practice and other advanced qualifications. Graduates develop professional networks within the creative industry and gain skills to establish sustainable creative practices, whether as independent practitioners or within arts organisations.