CUA51120 - Diploma of Visual Arts

Version Effective: 17th of June, 2025

Course Details

Course Summary

This qualification provides students with training in the technical, creative and conceptual skills necessary to become a professional artist or designer. Students can select from the studio areas of painting or printmaking as they work to develop their professional skills and knowledge in the visual arts arena. Visual artists may work in their own practice, or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations. Painting and printmaking are offered online. 

Students can complete this course in 1 year if studying full-time (2 units at a time) or in 2 years if studying part-time (one unit at a time).

Requirements - To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

Completion of the BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.

It is recommended, but not mandatory, that students enrolling in the Diploma of Visual Arts will have knowledge around the technical aspects of their chosen media (such as painting or printmaking). Students entering this course are also expected to have knowledge of basic drawing techniques and experience with different drawing media. 

Students commencing their skills development in visual arts are encouraged to consider CUA31120 - Certificate III in Visual Arts.

VET Student Loan Information

VET Student Loans may be available for eligible students in approved Diploma level qualifications. The loan can be used towards Tuition Fees only and does not cover additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, equipment, travel, tools, and accommodation or general living expenses. Loan limits or caps may apply for some eligible courses and where a loan limit is reached for a course, students may be required to pay upfront for any remaining units.

For more information or to check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan, please visit our VET Student Loans webpage or contact us .

Course Details

Course Type Qualification
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees
Full Fee $19,050.00 (2026)
Subsidised Full Fee $11,865.00 (2026)
Subsidised Concession Fee $10,335.00 (2026)
Fee for service per unit $1,270.00 (2026)
Subsidised full fee per unit $791.00 (2026)
RPL Fee for service per Unit $953.00 (2026)
For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees
Application Mode
  • Direct To University
How to Apply Please Enquire
Study Area
  • Creative, Performing and Visual Arts
Skill Area
  • Arts and Entertainment
AQF Level Level 5: Diploma

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

The job roles that relate to this qualification are that of a professional artist or designer. More specifically, these roles may include; Printmaker, Painter, Designer, Digital Artist, Installation Artist or Arts Practitioner. This course also provides a pathway to other visual arts, craft and design job roles.

Course Structures
Online - Painting or Printmaking

1 year full-time (study 2 units at a time)

2 years part-time (study 1 unit at a time)

You will need to choose either painting or printmaking as a specialisation. 

  • Online
Required units
CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools More Information Training.gov Details
BSBCRT512 Originate and develop concepts More Information Training.gov Details
CUAACD532 Create observational drawings More Information Training.gov Details
CUADRA501 Refine drawing techniques More Information Training.gov Details
CUAACD536 Refine 2-D design ideas and processes More Information Training.gov Details
CUAACD534 Research and apply light and colour More Information Training.gov Details
CUARES503 Analyse cultural history and theory More Information Training.gov Details
CUAPPR512 Develop sustainability of own professional practice More Information Training.gov Details
BSBMKG546 Develop social media engagement plans More Information Training.gov Details
CUACMP511 Manage copyright arrangements More Information Training.gov Details
CUAPPR511 Realise a body of creative work More Information Training.gov Details
CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work More Information Training.gov Details
CUAPPR515 Establish and maintain safe creative practice More Information Training.gov Details
Printmaking Specialisation
CUAPRI512 Investigate printmaking materials and processes More Information Training.gov Details
CUAPRI511 Refine printmaking techniques More Information Training.gov Details
Painting Specialisation
CUAPAI512 Investigate painting materials and processes More Information Training.gov Details
CUAPAI511 Refine painting techniques More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Sequence Unit
1 CUAACD531 - Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
2 BSBCRT512 - Originate and develop concepts
3 CUAACD532 - Create observational drawings
4 CUADRA501 - Refine drawing techniques
5 CUAPRI512 - Investigate printmaking materials and processes
5 CUAPAI512 - Investigate painting materials and processes
6 CUAACD536 - Refine 2-D design ideas and processes
7 CUAPRI511 - Refine printmaking techniques
7 CUAPAI511 - Refine painting techniques
8 CUAACD534 - Research and apply light and colour
9 CUARES503 - Analyse cultural history and theory
10 CUAPPR512 - Develop sustainability of own professional practice
11 BSBMKG546 - Develop social media engagement plans
12 CUACMP511 - Manage copyright arrangements
13 CUAPPR511 - Realise a body of creative work
14 CUAPPR513 - Present a body of own creative work
15 CUAPPR515 - Establish and maintain safe creative practice


Course Assessment Information

Assessment Types
Written/Electronic Assessment
Other
RPL
Practical Task
Course Learning Outcomes
Where and when can I start?

Domestic 2022 Availabilities

Online - Painting or Printmaking

Domestic 2023 Availabilities

Online - Painting or Printmaking

Domestic 2024 Availabilities

Online - Painting or Printmaking

Domestic 2025 Availabilities

Online - Painting or Printmaking

Domestic 2026 Availabilities

Online - Painting or Printmaking
Online
February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
More Details