CUA20420

Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Set yourself on the path to a creative career in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry. Develop the practical skills required to work as a visual arts and crafts professional.

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STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland

WAYS TO STUDY TAFE at School

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 16 Mar 2026 Duration: 4 terms View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

TAFE at School Subsidised Fee

TAFE at School Full Fee

$4,470

Course overview

Kick start your creative career in the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander arts industry and get the skills needed to gain an entry-level position as a visual artist. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts are a rich contribution to Australia’s diverse contemporary culture and national identity. Now more than ever artists are depicting their culture in their art and showcasing it in mainland exhibitions.

This course will help you develop a range of art and craft skills in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts. Develop your understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and learn to apply this knowledge to an arts context. You will learn basic drawing and painting skills, and organise and complete daily work activities.

Successful completion of this course will prepare you for further study in this area. You will also be able to enter the industry as a visual arts and crafts professional.

What can I do?

Visual Arts and Crafts Professional

Course outcome:

CUA20420 Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

Upgrade your qualification

If you've got a taste for something bigger, use this course to pathway to higher qualifications in a number of streams within the creative industries.

Learning support options

We have around-the-clock, one-on-one support services if you need an extra hand. The Learning Skills Centre — located in most of our campus libraries — is a drop-in service staffed by experienced teachers who can help with study skills. Studiosity is our online after-hours tutoring service focusing on writing, research, referencing, and subject-specific questions.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 5 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBWHS211

Contribute to the health and safety of self and others

UNIT CODE :
BSBWHS211

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work in a manner that is healthy and safe in relation to self and others, and to assist in responding to incidents.
UNIT NAME
Contribute to the health and safety of self and others

UNIT CODE
CUAACD101

Use basic drawing techniques

UNIT CODE :
CUAACD101

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create a basic visual representation of objects or ideas. It does not relate to drawing as an art form.
UNIT NAME
Use basic drawing techniques

UNIT CODE
CUAATS111

Develop understanding of own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity

UNIT CODE :
CUAATS111

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop understanding of the cultural and intellectual properties of one's own cultural identity.
UNIT NAME
Develop understanding of own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity

UNIT CODE
CUAATS211

Prepare for work in the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts industry

UNIT CODE :
CUAATS211

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop general knowledge of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts industry and investigate cultural arts practices of local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists.
UNIT NAME
Prepare for work in the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural arts industry

UNIT CODE
CUAPPR211

Make simple creative work

UNIT CODE :
CUAPPR211

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make simple creative work in any medium. It involves the process of developing and discussing ideas, and using a limited range of specific art and design techniques to communicate those ideas through creative work.
UNIT NAME
Make simple creative work

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBWRT311

Write simple documents

UNIT CODE :
BSBWRT311

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, draft and finalise a simple document.
UNIT NAME
Write simple documents

UNIT CODE
CUAACD201

Develop drawing skills to communicate ideas

UNIT CODE :
CUAACD201

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop simple drawing techniques to communicate ideas. It does not relate to drawing as an art form.
UNIT NAME
Develop drawing skills to communicate ideas

UNIT CODE
CUAATS212

Investigate and present features of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture

UNIT CODE :
CUAATS212

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to investigate and present information on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture compared to other cultures. It involves investigating impact of cultural differences on the daily life of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
UNIT NAME
Investigate and present features of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture

UNIT CODE
CUADES301

Explore the use of colour

UNIT CODE :
CUADES301

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore the use of colour and to apply colour theory. It involves researching colour and colour theory, experimenting with different colours and colour-combinations and communicating different ideas using colour.
UNIT NAME
Explore the use of colour

UNIT CODE
CUAPAI211

Develop painting skills

UNIT CODE :
CUAPAI211

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a limited range of basic painting techniques to produce fundamental paintings from simple ideas. It involves preparing resources to use and test paint techniques and develop painting skills.
UNIT NAME
Develop painting skills

UNIT CODE
CUAPRI211

Develop printmaking skills

UNIT CODE :
CUAPRI211

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a limited range of basic printmaking techniques to produce fundamental prints from simple design concepts.
UNIT NAME
Develop printmaking skills

UNIT CODE
CUATEX201

Develop skills in textile work

UNIT CODE :
CUATEX201

Unit description :
UNIT NAME
Develop skills in textile work

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Thursday Island	On Campus	16 Mar 2026	4 terms	Part time block training scheduled on enrolment	TAFE at School Subsidised Fee: $0 A government initiative covering some or all of course fees for eligible High School students also studying at TAFE. Learn more TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,470 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Thursday Island On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 16 Mar 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time block training scheduled on enrolment The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,470 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choosing to study a TAFE at School course is a great way to get a vocational qualification while you’re still in high school. You also gain valuable credits towards your QCE, an apprenticeship, a diploma or university.
TAFE at School gives you a taste of what higher education is all about, makes you work-ready, and helps you build practical skills in an adult-learning environment. Successful completion of a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any of our diploma courses. Learn more

You must be a Year 11 or 12 student enrolled at a participating high school, in some instances Year 10 students may be considered. In addition, the duration of your TAFE at School course cannot be longer than your remaining high school studies. Speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor for more information.

Course placements are subject to availability.

QCE points: up to 4

Information is current at time of publishing, to confirm the QCE points for your course please speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor, or visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.

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Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts (CUA20420)

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Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

COURSE CODE: CUA20420

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 2 in English, 2 in Maths and 2 in Digital Technology.

If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

Whilst this course has no specific entry requirements, the unit CUAATS111 - Develop understanding of own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Identity requires interpretation of one's own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island cultural identity in order to complete the unit of competency. Due to this requirement, enrolment into this core unit is limited to those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Students who do not identify as Indigenous or Torres Strait Islanders who complete all other units in this qualification will only receive a Statement of Attainment.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class some art materials and supplies. Details will be provided after enrolment or during orientation.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

Set yourself on the path to a creative career in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industry. Gain the practical skills required to gain an entry-level position as an artist.

Careers

Production Assistant
Textile Artist
Artist

Next Start : 13 Oct 2025