Course Overview

About This Course

The Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School is ideal for Australian and international visual arts students who want to extend and refine existing technical artistic skills in a professional studio environment. The Diploma of Visual Arts (national code CUA51125) is a nationally accredited AQF Level 5 qualification. It is a studio-based program that follows the classical atelier tradition, with a strong focus on technical mastery in: drawing, painting, printmaking, jewellery making, sculpture, illustration, digital art, and photography. The nationally accredited Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51125) reflects the role of visual artists who combine specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills to plan and realise a body of work in one or more art forms. Graduates may work independently in their own practice or across the arts, government, community or commercial sectors. Practice at this level is underpinned by a strong grasp of art theory and history, critical analysis of ideas, and the ability to engage in complex creative discourse. Key learning outcomes include: Creating cohesive and resolved bodies of original artwork; Applying art theory and historical context to contemporary practice; Critically analysing and synthesising ideas from diverse sources; Establishing and maintaining a sustainable professional creative practice. This diploma delivers versatile skills in both traditional and emerging media (including digital art, illustration, and photography), making it a powerful foundation for creative careers. It offers recognised credit transfer and pathways into Australian university bachelor degrees and is CRICOS-registered for international students.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

25 Edgeworth David Ave, HORNSBY, NSW 2077

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Individuals must provide evidence of their technical and organisational skills to conceptualise and create works in their selected medium
Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience in creative practice or formal study
Entry into the Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School is selective
Completion of a Certificate IV in Visual Arts at Sydney Art School OR Submission of a portfolio of work that demonstrates your current level of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, or jewellery
Your ability and willingness to support your fellow students

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Digital Artist / Illustrator: Concept art, advertising, social media visuals, game assets — Avg. Salary AUD $65,000–$95,000. Game Artist: 2D/3D characters, environments, UI for studios — Avg. Salary AUD $70,000–$115,000. Graphic Designer: Branding, packaging, web & app visuals — Avg. Salary AUD $60,000–$90,000. UI/UX Designer: User interfaces for apps & websites — Avg. Salary AUD $75,000–$120,000. Exhibition Curator / Arts Administrator: Curate shows, manage galleries, write grants — Avg. Salary AUD $70,000–$95,000. Art Tutor / Community Artist: Teach in schools, TAFEs, councils or run private workshops — Avg. Salary AUD $55,000–$80,000. Public Artist / Sculptor: Murals, installations, council & festival commissions — Avg. Salary AUD $70,000–$110,000+ (project-based). Overseas opportunities include Game Artist / Concept Artist, UI/UX Designer, Animator / Motion Designer, Art Therapist, NFT / Digital Content Creator, and Museum / Gallery Conservator.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units29 units

CUAACD531

Refine drawing and other visual representation tools

Core unit

CUAPPR511

Realise a body of creative work

Core unit

CUAPPR512

Develop sustainability of own professional practice

Core unit

CUAPPR513

Present a body of own creative work

Core unit

CUAPPR515

Establish and maintain safe creative practice

Core unit

BSBMKG546

Develop social media engagement plans

Mandatory Elective in Exhibition Module — All Streams

CUAEVP413

Install and dismantle exhibition elements

Mandatory Elective in Exhibition Module — All Streams

CUADRA501

Refine drawing techniques

Required Unit for Drawing Specialisation

CUADRA502

Investigate drawing materials and processes

Required Unit for Drawing Specialisation

CUAPAI511

Refine painting techniques

Required Unit for Painting Specialisation

CUAPAI512

Investigate painting materials and processes

Required Unit for Painting Specialisation

CUAPRI511

Refine printmaking techniques

Required Unit for Printmaking Specialisation

CUAPRI512

Investigate printmaking materials and processes

Required Unit for Printmaking Specialisation

CUAJWL401

Experiment with techniques to produce jewellery

Required Unit for Jewellery Specialisation

CUASCU511

Refine sculptural techniques

Required Unit for Sculpture Specialisation

CUASCU512

Investigate sculptural materials and processes

Required Unit for Sculpture Specialisation

CUADIG518

Refine digital art techniques

Required Unit for Digital Art Specialisation

CUADIG519

Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art

Required Unit for Digital Art Specialisation

CUAILL401

Develop and refine illustrative work

Illustration stream

CUAILL511

Develop professional illustrations

Illustration stream

CUAILL512

Refine illustration techniques

Illustration stream

CUAPHI531

Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice

Required Unit for Photography Specialisation

CUAPHI533

Explore and apply photo lighting techniques

Required Unit for Photography Specialisation

CUAPHI539

Plan and produce visual art photo images

Required Unit for Photography Specialisation

CUAACD532

Create observational drawings

Drawing stream

CUAACD533

Select and refine a specialised drawing technique

Drawing stream

CUAACD534

Research and apply light and colour

General Elective

CUAACD535

Work with the human form in creative practice

General Elective

CUARES503

Analyse cultural history and theory

General Elective

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for the Diploma of Visual Arts and are there different costs for full-time and part-time study?

Yes, the fees differ based on study mode. Full-time study (1 year, 4 terms) costs $2,450 per term with a total of $9,800. Part-time study (2 years, 4 semesters) costs $2,700 per semester with a total of $10,800.

Can international students enrol in the Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School?

Yes. The Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51125) is listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) with course code 119082E, making it available to international students. It is also recognised worldwide (equivalent to UK HND and US associate-level), and can support skilled migration, working holiday or O-1 artist visa pathways.

What specialisations are available within the Diploma of Visual Arts?

The choice of elective units can provide the qualification with one of the following specialisations: Digital Art, Drawing, Jewellery, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture. Each specialisation has required stream elective units that students complete alongside the core units.

Does the Diploma of Visual Arts provide pathways into university bachelor degrees?

Yes. The Diploma of Visual Arts offers recognised credit transfer and pathway options into Australian university bachelor degrees. It also provides a pathway to the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School.

How does a student gain entry into the Diploma of Visual Arts — is a portfolio required?

Entry is selective and based on consideration of factors including completion of a Certificate IV in Visual Arts at Sydney Art School OR submission of a portfolio of work that demonstrates your current level of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, or jewellery, as well as your ability and willingness to support your fellow students. Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience in creative practice or formal study.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $45,000 to $60,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $75,000 to $100,000 per year

Career Paths

Visual Artist / Fine Artist (Self-Employed or Commissioned)PrintmakerPainterIllustratorDigital Artist / Digital Illustrator

Key Skills

Studio-based painting techniques (oil, acrylic, watercolour)Printmaking methods including etching, screen printing, and relief printingDrawing from observation and imagination across a range of mediaSculpture and three-dimensional form-makingDigital imaging, photography, and digital art creation

Full Course Overview

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Diploma of Visual Arts

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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