Diploma of Visual Arts - CUA51120

When you study visual arts at RMIT, you'll create a professional folio of work.

This diploma is taught by practicing artists in real studio environments. All our staff are practitioners with national and international reputation in the arts. This enables them to connect you to work on projects with industry, other practicing artists, and galleries.

This diploma offers both practical and theoretical subjects, which have been developed in conjunction with the arts industry. It is designed to prepare you for a career in the visual arts or other related creative fields.

On completion of the first year, you can transition to the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts. This is also a one-year qualification, which allows you to further investigate your creative practice with a more specialised focus.

A major focus is the production of a professional folio of work that reflects your personal creativity. The folio will display a sequential development, with emphasis on the acquisition of skills and the adaptation of those skills to the production of artworks with a sound personal philosophical base.

This diploma has a strong focus on exhibition practice and providing practical experience in the arts industry. You will undertake independent studio practice and develop a wide-range of highly specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills and knowledge.

You will have the knowledge and confidence to shape your future as a self-employed art practitioner, as a paid employee in the visual art and crafts industry, or as a high-level support staff member in an arts-related industry.

Artists can be employed in a number of areas, including self-employment, project-based work, in schools, councils and government organisations, public project and commission-based work and as artists in residence. Artists may work in private studios or collective artist run spaces. There are commercial opportunities available across the design, illustration and tattoo industries.

Students who complete the Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts may also continue with their studies in higher education.

You can choose to pursue further study or undertake work in a multitude of arts-related industries, such as gallery or museum work, community arts or as an art practitioner.

You will graduate with the knowledge and confidence to make appropriate decisions regarding your future in arts roles such as:

• self-employed art practitioner (artist)
• arts education
• gallery or museum assistant/officer
• technician
• high-level support staff in art-related industries.

Step 1: Find a course

Step 2: Check the entry requirements

Step 3: Collect required documents

Step 4: Submit your application

If you are applying for on-campus study in a coursework program (Bachelor, Associate Degree or Honours), use the online application system for international students. 

Remember, our team are experts in RMIT study options and how to apply, so contact the team if you need support with your application.