CUA31120

Certificate III in Visual Arts

Focus on Photography

Explore your love of photography with this entry-level course. Develop the skills you need to get your foot in the door as an assistant photographer or to pursue further study.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Sunshine Coast

WAYS TO STUDY On campus TAFE at School

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 29 Jan 2025 Duration: 6 months View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Fee-Free TAFE

Concession

$1,405

Subsidised

$2,485

Full Fee

$5,740

TAFE at School Full Fee

$4,080

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Explore your love of photography with this entry-level course and get the skills you need to enter the industry as an assistant photographer or pursue further study. This qualification provides introductory skills required for employment within both art and commercial areas of photography.

The Australian Government's Job Outlook service reports the number of people working as photographers grew very strongly over the past five years. Job prospects for qualified photographers are expected to remain strong with around 9,000 job openings anticipated over the next five years.

In this course you'll gain experience in studio photography, darkroom techniques, and digital imaging post production. You'll also have the opportunity to work with industry-standard equipment associated with professional studio production. Explore visual communication through photography and utilise software to edit your images.

Successful completion of this course will equip you with the skills required to enter the photography industry as an assistant photographer or photography studio assistant. You'll also be well-equipped to continue on to the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging and further study.

What can I do?

Assistant Photographer
Photography studio assistant

Course outcome:

CUA31120 Certificate III in Visual Arts

Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from. With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Learn more

Industry-standard studios

Our learning spaces are more than just classrooms. You'll be learning in a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art photography studio under the guidance of our highly-experienced team of industry professionals.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 8 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
CUAACD311

Produce drawings to communicate ideas

UNIT CODE :
CUAACD311

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce drawings that represent and communicate ideas. It does not relate to drawing as an art form. It involves planning drawing work, experimenting with ideas and producing drawings.
UNIT NAME
Produce drawings to communicate ideas

UNIT CODE
CUAPPR311

Produce creative work

UNIT CODE :
CUAPPR311

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and produce creative work in any media. Work is typically produced through exploration of ideas, techniques, tools, equipment and materials.
UNIT NAME
Produce creative work

UNIT CODE
CUARES301

Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice

UNIT CODE :
CUARES301

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the relevance of historical and theoretical information for application to own arts practice.
UNIT NAME
Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
CUADES201

Follow a design process

UNIT CODE :
CUADES201

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow a design process at a basic level, incorporating an element of problem solving to identify and resolve challenges that may hinder the process. It involves establishing the challenges faced in the design process, exploring different ideas for solutions and solving the associated challenges through implementation of solutions.
UNIT NAME
Follow a design process

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
CUADIG303

Produce and prepare photo images

UNIT CODE :
CUADIG303

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare photo images for integration into an interactive media sequence or product.
UNIT NAME
Produce and prepare photo images

UNIT CODE
CUAIND314

Plan a career in the creative arts industry

UNIT CODE :
CUAIND314

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and evaluate career opportunities in the creative arts industry, including personal skills analysis and portfolio development.
UNIT NAME
Plan a career in the creative arts industry

UNIT CODE
CUADIG315

Produce digital images

UNIT CODE :
CUADIG315

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce digital images through the exploration and application of different techniques, tools, equipment and materials.
UNIT NAME
Produce digital images

UNIT CODE
CUAPHI305

Use wet darkroom techniques to produce monochrome photographs

UNIT CODE :
CUAPHI305

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply a range of techniques to produce monochrome photographs suitable for display or reproduction. It applies to individuals working in photo centres, specialised photo processing laboratories or photography studios. At this level, work may be undertaken independently or with supervision, depending on the work context.
UNIT NAME
Use wet darkroom techniques to produce monochrome photographs

UNIT CODE
CUAPHI312

Capture photographic images

UNIT CODE :
CUAPHI312

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to capture photographic images using different techniques and camera technologies. It involves preparing for image capture, previewing the image, reviewing and enhancing to meet project requirements and finalising the image capture process.
UNIT NAME
Capture photographic images

UNIT CODE
CUAPPR312

Document the creative work progress

UNIT CODE :
CUAPPR312

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to document the conception, development and progress of own creative work.
UNIT NAME
Document the creative work progress

UNIT CODE
CUAPRI312

Produce prints

UNIT CODE :
CUAPRI312

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and finish print works which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress.
UNIT NAME
Produce prints

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

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
South Bank	On Campus	14 Jul 2025	6 months	Full time 3 days per week	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more Concession: $1,405 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $2,485 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $5,740 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
South Bank 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. 14 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months 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. Full time 3 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more Concession: $1,405 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $2,485 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $5,740 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. 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

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Nambour	On Campus	29 Jan 2025	6 months	Full time 2 days per week Wednesday, Thursday	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more Concession: $1,405 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $2,485 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $5,740 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Nambour 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. 29 Jan 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months 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. Full time 2 days per week Wednesday, Thursday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more Concession: $1,405 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $2,485 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $5,740 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. 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
Nambour	On Campus	23 Jul 2025	6 months	Full time 2 days per week Wednesday, Thursday	Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more Concession: $1,405 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $2,485 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $5,740 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Nambour 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. 23 Jul 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 6 months 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. Full time 2 days per week Wednesday, Thursday The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Fee-Free TAFE: $0 Fee-Free TAFE is a government initiative covering some or all of your course fees for eligible students. Learn more Concession: $1,405 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $2,485 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $5,740 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. 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

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
South Bank	On Campus	03 Feb 2025	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,080 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
South Bank 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. 03 Feb 2025 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 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $4,080 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

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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 8

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 III in Visual Arts (CUA31120)

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Certificate III in Visual Arts

COURSE CODE: CUA31120

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

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Resources required

It is recommended that students have an digital SLR or DSLR camera. There may be additional costs incurred to print your final portfolio assessment.

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 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

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

Add some extra flair to your career in photography by learning the latest in digital photography trends with this advanced course.

Careers

Commercial Photographer
Social Media Content Creator
Digital Retoucher/Enhancer
Digital Artist
Freelance Photographer
Printmaker

Full Time : 1 year

Next Start : 28 Jan 2025

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Certificate III in Visual Arts

Focus on Photography

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Fee-Free TAFE

Industry-standard studios

Core units

Elective units

South Bank

Nambour

Nambour

South Bank

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate III in Visual Arts

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Resources required

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

Careers