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
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.
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.
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.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| North and Far North Queensland | ||
| CUAPPR304 |
Participate in collaborative creative projects | Townsville (Pimlico) only |
| CUAANM303 |
Create 3D digital models | Townsville (Pimlico) only |
| CUAIND401 |
Extend expertise in specialist creative fields | Townsville (Pimlico) only |
| CUAPPR401 |
Realise a creative project | Townsville (Pimlico) only |
| BSBDES301 |
Explore the use of colour | |
| CUADIG305 |
Produce digital images | |
| CUADRA301 |
Produce drawings | |
| CUAIND304 |
Plan a career in the creative arts industry | |
| CUAPAI301 |
Produce paintings | |
| CUAPPR302 |
Document the creative work progress | |
| CUAPRI301 |
Produce prints | |
| CUASCU301 |
Produce sculpture | |
| Greater Brisbane | ||
| BSBDES301 |
Explore the use of colour | |
| CUADIG305 |
Produce digital images | |
| CUADRA301 |
Produce drawings | |
| CUAIND304 |
Plan a career in the creative arts industry | |
| CUAPAI301 |
Produce paintings | |
| CUAPPR302 |
Document the creative work progress | |
| CUAPRI301 |
Produce prints | |
| CUASCU301 |
Produce sculpture | |
| East Coast and Wide Bay | ||
| BSBDES301 |
Explore the use of colour | |
| CUADIG305 |
Produce digital images | |
| CUADRA301 |
Produce drawings | |
| CUAIND304 |
Plan a career in the creative arts industry | |
| CUAPAI301 |
Produce paintings | |
| CUAPPR302 |
Document the creative work progress | |
| CUAPRI301 |
Produce prints | |
| CUACER301 |
Produce ceramics | Nambour only |
| CUASCU301 |
Produce sculpture | Bundaberg only |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
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 21 April 2021. Please note: a transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period for this course finishes on 14 April 2022. If required, enrolment 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.
How to apply
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.
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.
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 