Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts

Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts - CUA60720

VOCATIONAL

Further develop your creative practice in this highly practical and industry-led advanced diploma. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$24,000 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts, you will have the opportunity to further develop your artistic practice and enhance your creative skills.

Designed to build practical and highly transferrable skills across a range of industry contexts, including drawing, painting, installation, printmaking, digital media, sculpture, web design, photography, business and exhibition, this qualification will teach you to:

  • effectively communicate to present ideas and concepts
  • interpret visual arts assignment briefs
  • big picture thinking
  • work collaboratively and independently
  • a continuous improvement mindset
  • select appropriate mediums to create works of art
  • work sustainably from studios and workshops
  • utilise a range of traditional, contemporary, and emergent technologies.

Why study the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at RMIT?

Hone your craft

Develop your aesthetic approach and creative practice under the guidance of industry practitioners with knowledge of new technologies and visual arts techniques.

Build your network

Access networking opportunities with industry and alumni to help guide you in gaining employment upon graduation.

Flexible career

Build specialised and highly transferrable skills that will take your career across a range of industry contexts.

As a graduate of this advanced diploma, you will have a sound theoretical and practical knowledge base, and the skills to use a range of specialised and technical skills to plan, execute and evaluate.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

You will learn through hands-on practice in studios, workshops and labs.

Theory subjects are taught in a lecture format. All classes are taught by industry practitioners who have current knowledge of new technologies and visual arts techniques.

Study areas include drawing, painting, installation, digital media, web design, printmaking, sculpture, photography, business, and exhibition.You will learn from teachers who are working arts practitioners, focused on developing each students’ own individual aesthetic approach and creative practice.

Our staff, as industry practitioners, can support networking opportunities with industry and alumni to help guide you in gaining employment upon graduation. As part of the curriculum, you will not only learn creativity and theory but also the business skills you need to start your career. 

Flexible study options are available for those who currently work or are aiming to work in the industry while studying.

Assessment methods

Throughout this advanced diploma, you will be assessed via folios, printed and digital output, written documentation, reports, online quizzes and exhibitions. Although some projects are team oriented, most work is individual.

The Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts also offers strong links to the arts industry, gallery tours and exhibitions, guest speakers and visiting arts practitioners.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with vocational practice.

All teaching staff are practicing arts professionals with extensive industry experience, which will enrich your learning.

Visual arts have close links with industry and gives students opportunity to work on community-based projects and exhibitions. In addition, this advanced diploma makes regular use of industry connections such as guest speakers and gallery visits, to ensure you are exposed to current developments in the arts practice.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this advanced diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This diploma will require approximately 21 hours on campus per week, plus additional independent studio hours.

The advanced diploma is designed to reflect the role of individuals working as arts practitioners.

You will learn to apply a broad range of practical and conceptual skills in:

  • installation
  • web design
  • digital media
  • drawing
  • business practice
  • exhibition.

You will also select two of the following specialism areas:

  • painting
  • sculpture
  • photography
  • printmaking.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts
Program code: C6174
National curriculum code: CUA60720
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts
City Campus
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
C6174
110047C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C6174
CRICOS
110047C
View plan
Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts
City Campus
1 year full-time
C6174
110047C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C6174
CRICOS
110047C
View plan

Career

Many of our graduates gain employment soon after they complete their studies and often win local, national and international awards.

Our graduates go on to establish and run successful, independent practices due to their strong business and problem-solving skills, and their ’can do’ attitude. 

Possible job outcomes include:

  • artist
  • art therapist 
  • visual arts teacher
  • arts technician
  • museum conservator 
  • exhibition curator
  • tattoo artist
  • visual arts professional
  • animator
  • illustrator
  • gallery assistant
  • gallery curator.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Semester 1 (February)

There are no minimum academic entry requirements.

All applicants must submit the selection task

The selection task has 3 options: RMIT previous studies, external qualification or a folio with supporting evidence. Applicants only need to complete the section most relevant to their qualification(s) and experience.

Semester 2 (July)

Semester 2 applications are only open to current or previous RMIT guaranteed pathway students.

You must have successfully completed at least one of the following RMIT qualifications:

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 1, 2025

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application by the date below. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 7 February 2025

Selection task requirements

The selection task comprises of three sections; RMIT previous studies or external qualification or a folio with supporting evidence. Applicants need to only complete the section most relevant to their qualification(s) and experience. 

RMIT previous studies

If you have successfully completed, or are due to complete at the end of the current RMIT semester, one of the following RMIT University courses, you must submit your selection task so that your eligibility and application will be assessed based on the approved RMIT pathway program: 

External qualification

If you have successfully completed, or are due to complete at the end of the current semester, one of the following nationally recognised qualifications, you must upload a copy of your official award and transcript of results for one of the previously listed diplomas and submit your selection task:

  • CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts   
  • CUA51115 Diploma of Visual Arts.
Folio and supporting evidence

Submit a folio consisting of a minimum of 8 images showing a variety of visual artwork you have created using different mediums. These works should demonstrate your interests and creative thinking. 

Examples of art works to consider for inclusion in your folio include, but are not limited to, drawings, digital art, paintings, printmaking, photographs, sculptures, video and visual diary extracts. 

Upload any other supporting evidence to demonstrate previous or current experience in the creative industries. 

Supporting documents may include, but are not limited to:  

  • a Certificate of Completion and transcript of results for a related creative industries qualification (e.g. photography, fashion, design).  
  • a Statement of Attainment or transcript of results for partial completion of the Diploma of Visual Arts or a related creative industries qualification.  
  • a detailed resume outlining your formal and/or volunteer experience in the industry.   
  • a detailed personal statement regarding your experience with visual art. (Maximum 250 words)
Submission instructions

Upload your folio as:

  • A single PDF (maximum size 10MB). Please ensure to include the page number, and your full name and application number on each page.

OR

  • Provide a URL to your folio (please provide a password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Visual Arts or equivalent qualification.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (446kb PDF) along with your application.

Please note: Pre-selection kit is only required for applicants applying for direct entry on the basis of industry experience.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You are guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts when you successfully complete the Diploma of Visual Arts.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry into the following programs when you successfully complete the following programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) – with 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Photography) – with credit (equivalent to 48 credit points) when you complete all pre-requisite courses. If you do not complete all the pre-requisite courses, you may still apply and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$9,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$15,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information