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.
CUA31115 Certificate III in Visual Arts
TAFE at School Full fee | $3,375 - $3,480 |
Subsidised | $520 - $650 |
Concession | $520 - $650 |
Full fee | $4,730 - $4,875 |
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.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 8 elective units from the list below.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
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BSBWHS201Contribute to health and safety of self and othersUnit 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 | |
CUAACD201Develop drawing skills to communicate ideasUnit 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 | |
CUAPPR301Produce creative workUnit 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 | |
CUARES301Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practiceUnit 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 |
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
North and Far North Queensland | ||
CUAPPR304Participate in collaborative creative projectsUnit code: CUAPPR304 |
Participate in collaborative creative projects | Townsville (Pimlico) only |
CUAANM303Create 3D digital modelsUnit 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 |
CUAIND401Extend expertise in specialist creative fieldsUnit 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 |
CUAPPR401Realise a creative projectUnit 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 |
BSBDES301Explore the use of colourUnit 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 | |
CUADIG305Produce digital imagesUnit 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 | |
CUADRA301Produce drawingsUnit 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 | |
CUAIND304Plan a career in the creative arts industryUnit 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 | |
CUAPAI301Produce paintingsUnit 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 | |
CUAPPR302Document the creative work progressUnit 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 | |
CUAPRI301Produce printsUnit 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 | |
CUASCU301Produce sculptureUnit 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 | ||
BSBDES301Explore the use of colourUnit 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 | |
CUADIG305Produce digital imagesUnit 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 | |
CUADRA301Produce drawingsUnit 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 | |
CUAIND304Plan a career in the creative arts industryUnit 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 | |
CUAPAI301Produce paintingsUnit 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 | |
CUAPPR302Document the creative work progressUnit 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 | |
CUAPRI301Produce printsUnit 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 | |
CUASCU301Produce sculptureUnit 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 | |
East Coast and Wide Bay | ||
BSBDES301Explore the use of colourUnit 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 | |
CUADIG305Produce digital imagesUnit 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 | |
CUADRA301Produce drawingsUnit 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 | |
CUAIND304Plan a career in the creative arts industryUnit 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 | |
CUAPAI301Produce paintingsUnit 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 | |
CUAPPR302Document the creative work progressUnit 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 | |
CUAPRI301Produce printsUnit 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 | |
CUACER301Produce ceramicsUnit 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 |
CUASCU301Produce sculptureUnit 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.
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 | 25 January 2021 | 6 months | Full time 18 hours per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday |
Classroom | Full fee: $4,875 Subsidised: $540 Concession: $540 |
Townsville (Pimlico) | 25 January 2021 | 6 months | Full time 18 hours per week Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday |
Classroom | Full fee: $4,875 Subsidised: $540 Concession: $540 |
Cairns | 28 January 2021 | One year | Part time | Classroom | Full fee: $4,875 Subsidised: $540 Concession: $540 |
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 | 12 July 2021 | 6 months | Full time up to 4 days per week | Classroom | Full fee: $4,875 Subsidised: $650 Concession: $650 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bundaberg | 02 February 2021 | 1 year | Art Focus - Part time 1 day per week Tuesday |
Classroom | Full fee: $4,730 Subsidised: $520 Concession: $520 |
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 2021 | 6 months | ART FOCUS: Full Time 2 days per week Wednesday, Thursday |
Classroom | Full fee: $4,872 Subsidised: $540 Concession: $540 |
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
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 | 01 February 2021 | 1.5 years | Part time 1 day per week | Classroom | TAFE at School Full fee: $3,480 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bundaberg | 02 February 2021 | 1 year | Art Focus - Part time 1 day per week Tuesday |
Classroom | TAFE at School Full fee: $3,375 |
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.
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 visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.
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 pathwaysNo 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.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
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.
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.
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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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.
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