OverviewAbout this course
Shape your confidence to express and convey your creative ideas as a visual artist. Refine your craft in a supportive, immersive environment and learn highly technical and conceptual skills, engage in critical discourse and explore the many ways you can practice as a creative professional.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Use industry-specific tools and materials
Apply theory and history to further the complexity and depth of your art
Engage in critical discourse to debate art
Display your own work publicly
Extend your professional expertise to others
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Planning and management skills on delivering creative work
Experience with a range of artistic techniques
Skills and knowledge to become a freelance visual artist
A body of work to be added to your professional art portfolio
Skills and knowledge to explain complex conceptual work
A clear pathway to further your study with TAFE NSW Degrees
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Have a creative portfolio either digital or physical, with 10 to 15 examples of artwork that demonstrate skills and knowledge including drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures, journals with drawings
Conceptual, technical and organisational skills to create and present work in your chosen creative form. You will have gained these skills through formal study or from your experience in a creative field, as evidenced through a transcript, resume or extensive studio practice
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Previous study in visual arts at a Diploma level or equivalent, and/or a practising or exhibiting artist
Financial ability to provide your own art supplies
To bring safety equipment such as safety glasses and gloves, if applicable to your art medium
Motivation to succeed in the business of creative practice
A holistic approach to understanding and the practice of visual arts
Competent use of materials and processes
The ability to handle tools and techniques to achieve a desired outcome
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: artist, artist assistant, gallery curator, museum curator, visual arts and crafts professional and sole trader.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study1 Course
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 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 Units of competency, including 7 core and 5 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 critical thinking for complex problem solvingBSBCRT611
Extend professional expertise with drawing and other visual representation toolsCUAACD611
Originate a body of independent creative workCUAPPR611
Engage in the business of creative practiceCUAPPR613
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 8 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 and Career Pathways