Certificate III in Visual Arts

At a glance
Course overview
Ways to study
Payment options
Important Information
How to apply

At a glance

Start your career in the arts with this entry-level qualification that will hone your skills to work as a visual artist across a number of mediums.

JOB PROSPECTS

Painter (Visual Arts)
Sculptor
Arts and Media Professional
Ceramics Studio Assistant

COURSE OUTCOME

CUA31115 Certificate III in Visual Arts

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Course overview

Begin your career in the arts with this entry-level qualification. This course will hone your skills to work across a number of arts mediums as well as giving you the foundation knowledge needed to undertake further study in the field.

The creative arts industry plays an important role in Australia's economy. According to the Australian Government's MySkills service, it contributes over $10 billion to the our economy and employs nearly 100,000 people. The emergence of new technologies and wide range of job prospects available mean this is an exciting industry to be a part of.

This course will give you the practical skills and knowledge to explore the use of colour, use visual components to communicate ideas, and develop critical thinking techniques. Our highly experienced and passionate teaching team have years of industry experience and will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to prepare you for a career in the creative industries.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work in a variety of roles as either an arts and media professional, sculptor, painter, or visual arts and crafts professional. It will also give you the core skills needed to undertake further study in the visual arts field and other creative areas.

UPGRADE YOUR QUALIFICATION

Got a taste for something more? Use this course as a pathway to higher qualifications in a number of creative areas including photography, screen and media, film and television, animation and visual effects, or interactive media.

INDUSTRY-STANDARD FACILITIES

We have an extensive suite of visual arts facilities including ceramics workshops and kilns, printmaking equipment, drawing and photography studios, AV equipment, and hardware and digital labs that include 3D printing and motion capture facilities. Students study in modern learning spaces including lecture theatres, classrooms, and breakout learning spaces.

Units

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 8 elective units from the list below.

Core units

UNIT CODE	UNIT NAME

BSBWHS201 Contribute to health and safety of self and others Unit code: BSBWHS201 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 respond to emergency incidents. It covers following work health and safety (WHS) and emergency procedures and instructions, implementing WHS requirements and participating in WHS consultative processes.	Contribute to health and safety of self and others
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.	Develop drawing skills to communicate ideas
CUAPPR301 Produce creative work Unit code: CUAPPR301 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.	Produce creative work
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.	Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice

Elective units

UNIT CODE	UNIT NAME
North and Far North Queensland
CUAPPR304 Participate in collaborative creative projects Unit code: CUAPPR304 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the production of a collaborative creative project. It involves contributing to the project set-up and development, as well as using technical skills, tools, materials and equipment to assist in the project’s realisation.	Participate in collaborative creative projects	Townsville (Pimlico) only
CUAANM303 Create 3D digital models Unit code: CUAANM303 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create 3D digital models that meet technical and design specifications.	Create 3D digital models	Townsville (Pimlico) only
CUAIND401 Extend expertise in specialist creative fields Unit code: CUAIND401 Unit description: This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by those working in the creative industries to add depth to expertise in a specialist field or technique. Fields include dance, music, cultural heritage, screen and media, visual arts, craft and design. The unit is particularly applicable in contexts where techniques require a high level of skill and coordination.	Extend expertise in specialist creative fields	Townsville (Pimlico) only
CUAPPR401 Realise a creative project Unit code: CUAPPR401 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to experiment with ideas and techniques to find an individual style or voice throughout a creative project that results in a completed work	Realise a creative project	Townsville (Pimlico) only
BSBDES301 Explore the use of colour Unit code: BSBDES301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore the use of colour and to apply colour theory.	Explore the use of colour
CUADIG305 Produce digital images Unit code: CUADIG305 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce digital images through the exploration and application of a range of techniques, tools, equipment and materials.	Produce digital images
CUADRA301 Produce drawings Unit code: CUADRA301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished drawings from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress. This unit relates to drawing as an art form and differs from units that focus on drawing as a visual representation tool.	Produce drawings
CUAIND304 Plan a career in the creative arts industry Unit code: CUAIND304 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.	Plan a career in the creative arts industry
CUAPAI301 Produce paintings Unit code: CUAPAI301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished paintings from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress.	Produce paintings
CUAPPR302 Document the creative work progress Unit code: CUAPPR302 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to document the conception, development and progress of own creative work.	Document the creative work progress
CUAPRI301 Produce prints Unit code: CUAPRI301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished prints from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress. It applies to individuals who are still developing their expertise in design and technique. They work under supervision but have some independence and use discretion and judgement within defined guidelines.	Produce prints
CUASCU301 Produce sculpture Unit code: CUASCU301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished sculptures from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress.	Produce sculpture
Greater Brisbane
BSBDES301 Explore the use of colour Unit code: BSBDES301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore the use of colour and to apply colour theory.	Explore the use of colour
CUADIG305 Produce digital images Unit code: CUADIG305 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce digital images through the exploration and application of a range of techniques, tools, equipment and materials.	Produce digital images
CUADRA301 Produce drawings Unit code: CUADRA301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished drawings from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress. This unit relates to drawing as an art form and differs from units that focus on drawing as a visual representation tool.	Produce drawings
CUAIND304 Plan a career in the creative arts industry Unit code: CUAIND304 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.	Plan a career in the creative arts industry
CUAPAI301 Produce paintings Unit code: CUAPAI301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished paintings from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress.	Produce paintings
CUAPPR302 Document the creative work progress Unit code: CUAPPR302 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to document the conception, development and progress of own creative work.	Document the creative work progress
CUAPRI301 Produce prints Unit code: CUAPRI301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished prints from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress. It applies to individuals who are still developing their expertise in design and technique. They work under supervision but have some independence and use discretion and judgement within defined guidelines.	Produce prints
CUASCU301 Produce sculpture Unit code: CUASCU301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished sculptures from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress.	Produce sculpture
Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay
BSBDES301 Explore the use of colour Unit code: BSBDES301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore the use of colour and to apply colour theory.	Explore the use of colour
CUADIG305 Produce digital images Unit code: CUADIG305 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce digital images through the exploration and application of a range of techniques, tools, equipment and materials.	Produce digital images
CUADRA301 Produce drawings Unit code: CUADRA301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished drawings from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress. This unit relates to drawing as an art form and differs from units that focus on drawing as a visual representation tool.	Produce drawings
CUAIND304 Plan a career in the creative arts industry Unit code: CUAIND304 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.	Plan a career in the creative arts industry
CUAPAI301 Produce paintings Unit code: CUAPAI301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished paintings from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress.	Produce paintings
CUAPPR302 Document the creative work progress Unit code: CUAPPR302 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to document the conception, development and progress of own creative work.	Document the creative work progress
CUAPRI301 Produce prints Unit code: CUAPRI301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished prints from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress. It applies to individuals who are still developing their expertise in design and technique. They work under supervision but have some independence and use discretion and judgement within defined guidelines.	Produce prints
CUACER301 Produce ceramics Unit code: CUACER301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished ceramic work from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress.	Produce ceramics	Nambour only
CUASCU301 Produce sculpture Unit code: CUASCU301 Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explore and use a range of combined techniques to produce finished sculptures from design concepts which are reviewed and adjusted during the work in progress.	Produce sculpture	Bundaberg only

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

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Ways to study

By location

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

Campus	START DATES When your course is scheduled to begin	Duration	WORKLOAD How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements.	STUDY MODE Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more	COST The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more
Cairns	24 January 2022	1 year	Part time	Classroom	Full fee: $4,995 Subsidised: $555 Concession: $555
Cairns	24 January 2022	6 months	Full time 4 days per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	Classroom	Full fee: $4,995 Subsidised: $555 Concession: $555
Townsville (Pimlico)	24 January 2022	6 months	Full time 4 days per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday	Classroom	Full fee: $4,995 Subsidised: $555 Concession: $555
Townsville (Pimlico)	24 January 2022	1 year	Part time	Classroom	Full fee: $4,995 Subsidised: $555 Concession: $555

CairnsPart time

WORKLOADPart time

START DATES24 January 2022

Duration1 year

COSTFull fee: $4,995
Subsidised: $555
Concession: $555

CairnsFull time 4 days per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

WORKLOADFull time 4 days per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

START DATES24 January 2022

Duration6 months

COSTFull fee: $4,995
Subsidised: $555
Concession: $555

Townsville (Pimlico)Full time 4 days per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

WORKLOADFull time 4 days per week
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

START DATES24 January 2022

Duration6 months

COSTFull fee: $4,995
Subsidised: $555
Concession: $555

Townsville (Pimlico)Part time

WORKLOADPart time

START DATES24 January 2022

Duration1 year

COSTFull fee: $4,995
Subsidised: $555
Concession: $555

Campus	START DATES When your course is scheduled to begin	Duration	WORKLOAD How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements.	STUDY MODE Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more	COST The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more
South Bank	24 January 2022	6 months	Full time up to 4 days per week	Classroom	Full fee: $4,995 Subsidised: $660 Concession: $660

South BankFull time up to 4 days per week

WORKLOADFull time up to 4 days per week

START DATES24 January 2022

Duration6 months

COSTFull fee: $4,995
Subsidised: $660
Concession: $660

Campus	START DATES When your course is scheduled to begin	Duration	WORKLOAD How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements.	STUDY MODE Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more	COST The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more
Nambour	27 January 2022	6 months	ART FOCUS: Full Time 2 days per week Wednesday, Thursday	Classroom	Full fee: $4,995 Subsidised: $555 Concession: $540

NambourART FOCUS: Full Time 2 days per week
Wednesday, Thursday

WORKLOADART FOCUS: Full Time 2 days per week
Wednesday, Thursday

START DATES27 January 2022

Duration6 months

COSTFull fee: $4,995
Subsidised: $555
Concession: $540

What you need to know about studying on campus

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.

TAFE at School

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

Greater Brisbane

Campus	START DATES When your course is scheduled to begin	Duration	WORKLOAD How much time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course, combining face-to-face and self-directed study and any required placements.	STUDY MODE Also known as delivery mode, this is how your training is delivered. Learn more	COST The cost of your course may vary, depending on your eligibility for funding, subsidies or concessions. See the payment options section for more information. Learn more
South Bank	31 January 2022	6 terms	Part time 1 day per week	Classroom	TAFE at School Full fee: $3,590

South BankPart time 1 day per week

WORKLOADPart time 1 day per week

START DATES31 January 2022

Duration6 terms

COSTTAFE at School Full fee: $3,590

What you need to know about TAFE at School

Eligibility

You must be a Year 10, 11 or 12 student enrolled at a participating high school. 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.

Outcome

CUA31115 Certificate III in Visual Arts

QCE points: 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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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

Payment options

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.

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.

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Payment plan

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

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Important Information

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

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, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. 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. Please note: the purchase of these items may incur additional costs of up to $250.

Need to know

This qualification has been replaced by CUA31120 – Certificate III in Visual Arts, as of 15 April 2021. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 16 October 2022. If required, enrolments will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.

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.

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.

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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.

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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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

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Get started with TAFE Queensland

If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.

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University pathways

Learn more about university pathways

Certificate III in Visual Arts

At a glance

JOB PROSPECTS

COURSE OUTCOME

STUDY LOCATIONS

Ways to Study

Cost

Get Started Today

Course overview

Units

Get Started Today

Ways to study

What you need to know about studying on campus

What you need to know about TAFE at School

Eligibility

Outcome

Get Started Today

University pathways

Payment options

Upfront payment

Payment plan

Get Started Today

Important Information

Entry requirements

Resources required

Need to know

Assessment Methods

Get Started Today

How to apply

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Get started with TAFE Queensland

University pathways

TAFE at School Full fee	$3,590
Subsidised	$555 - $660
Concession	$540 - $660
Full fee	$4,995

Certificate III in Visual Arts

At a glance

JOB PROSPECTS

COURSE OUTCOME

STUDY LOCATIONS

Ways to Study

Cost

Get Started Today

Course overview

Units

Get Started Today

Ways to study

What you need to know about studying on campus

What you need to know about TAFE at School

Eligibility

Outcome

Get Started Today

University pathways

Payment options

Upfront payment

Payment plan

Get Started Today

Important Information

Entry requirements

Resources required

Need to know

Assessment Methods

Get Started Today

How to apply

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Get started with TAFE Queensland

University pathways

Related courses