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    National code: CUA31120

    Certificate III in Visual Arts

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    OverviewAbout this course

    Build your confidence and explore your creativity in this introductory course. Hone your visual art skills to communicate ideas, work with various mediums and pursue further study. Collaborate and connect with like-minded peers in the creative arts.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

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

    • Develop your observation and technical drawing skills

    • Research the art industry and apply your learnings to your practice

    • Develop core technical skills in areas such as painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and/or digital or analogue photography (dependent on campus location)

    • Collaborate and work with others

    • Build your awareness of work health and safety practices for yourself and others

    • Plan and produce creative projects

    Course outcomes

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

    • A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate III level

    • A pathway to further study in visual arts, art and cultural administration, ceramics or photography

    • A portfolio of creative work that demonstrates your technical skills and creativity

    • Exposure to a range of visual arts techniques and mediums

    • A fundamental understanding of art history and theory in relation to your practice

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • Strong attention to detail and a desire to learn basic visual art skills, including drawing

    • Creativity or an interest in developing your visual communication skills using art elements and principles of design

    • An ability to work and collaborate with others

    • An interest in pursuing a career in the arts industry

    • Basic computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

    • Access to a device such as a laptop or tablet

    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.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like: creative practitioner such as a visual artist, ceramicist or photographer, photographers' assistant and ceramics studio, gallery or community centre assistant.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Certificate III in Visual Arts does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    Related study2 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.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Visual Arts qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 units of competency, including 4 core and 8 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.

    • Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practiceCUARES301

    • Produce drawings to communicate ideasCUAACD311

    • Produce creative workCUAPPR311

    • Contribute to the health and safety of self and othersBSBWHS211

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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

    Info sessionsWant to know more?

    There are a total of 12 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.

    You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol