Visual Arts

Do you want to unleash the artist within? Come to CIT and learn how to turn your creative passion into your career.

Our experienced, industry-skilled teachers will show you how to direct your imagination into producing artworks that show creativity, ingenuity and technique in your chosen art form. You will learn to take an idea from concept to realised artwork and draw from a range of inspirations and techniques that will form your lifelong artistic practice.

Artists work within and across many media and their practice may incorporate: ceramics, digital art, glasswork, drawing and illustration, jewellery making, painting, photo media, printmaking, sculpture, textile design and wood design.

  • Course Details
    Course/s

    Diploma of Visual Arts | CUA51115
    CRICOS: 090439A

  • Course Duration
    Duration

    1 year

  • Course Intake
    Intake

    2022 Semester 1 (February)

    2023 Semester 1 (February)

  • Course Campus
    Campus

    CIT Reid

  • Course Fees
    Fees*

    Tuition Fees:

    2021-2022: $7,250 per semester

    Extra Fees:

    Material fees: $600 approx.
    Safety/protection equipment: $30 approx. (if applicable)
    Two Sydney Art Gallery exhibitions: $150 approx. (optional)
    Printing costs: $5 approx. per week during each semester

  • *Please note - Course fees are listed in $AUD and are based on a semester rate. Total course cost will vary depending on semester start date. Small fee increases may happen annually in line with CIT's fee pricing review. 2021 and 2022 fees subject to change.

  • Entry Requirements

    Academic requirements:

    • Year 12 Certificate (or equivalent)
    • A portfolio of work that demonstrates your aptitude for design. A portfolio may be either:
        • A collection of your own work from a range of activities and media types or
        • A collection of design solutions that you have found while researching this area of design, showing you have an understanding and appreciation of design basics. Images should be accompanied by a paragraph explaining why you appreciate the image/design. These may include: drawing, photography, painting, printmaking or graphic design projects. You may also focus on an artist, architect or designer whose work you enjoy.
    • Interview (or other negotiated process)
    • Basic computing skills


    Students over the age of 20 may be eligible for adult entry. Please refer to Entry Requirements for more information.

    English requirements

    Students must meet one of the following English requirements:

  • Course Subjects - Diploma

    Diploma of Visual Arts | CUA51115 – 15 subjects

    Core: Complete all 6 subjects

    • CUAACD501 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
    • CUAPPR501 Realise a body of creative work
    • CUAPPR502 Develop own sustainable professional practice
    • CUAPPR503 Present a body of own creative work
    • CUAPPR505 Establish and maintain safe creative practice
    • CUARES503 Analyse cultural history and theory

    Electives: Complete all 9 subjects

    • CUAPAI502 Investigate painting materials and processes
    • CUAIND502 Maintain and apply creative arts industry knowledge
    • BSBMKG414 Undertake marketing activities
    • CUAACD402 Experiment with moulding and casting techniques
    • CUADIG508  Refine digital arts techniques
    • CUADRA501 Refine drawing techniques
    • CUAPAI501  Refine painting techniques
    • CUAPRI501  Refine print making techniques
    • CUASCU501  Refine sculpture techniques
  • Likely Job Outcome

    Visual artists may work in their own studio, or in a wide range of contexts across the arts, government, community or commercial organisations. Artists work within and across many media and their practice may incorporate; ceramics, digital art, glasswork, drawing and illustration, jewellery making, painting, photo media, printmaking, sculpture, textile design and wood design.

  • Teaching Methods and Assessment

    Modes of study include:

    • simulated workplaces for students to practice their new skills include large artist studios and specialty print and sculpture workshops fully equipped with creative tools and technologies
    • work experience includes participating in industry-led workshops, attending public exhibitions and working studios
    • supervised study time with industry specialists
    • on-line learning and student engagement through e-Learn


    Students will be assessed in the following ways:

    • Participation in studio workshops, complete assignments and projects
    • Assessment may be based on competency, marks and grades, or a combination of all three methods
  • Pathways to Further Study

    CIT’s credit transfer arrangements can reduce the time and fees required to complete a bachelor degree at university. If you successfully complete your CIT qualification and gain entry into the university below, you will receive the following:

    University of Canberra (UC)

    • Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51115) = 24 credit points (1 year) towards UC’s Bachelor of Visual Arts (308JA.1)

    We advise you speak directly with your chosen university in relation to credit transfer, entry requirements and their application process.

    Diploma of Visual Arts 1 year
    = 1 years of study
    ▼
    Optional degree pathway available