Diploma of Visual Arts

You will learn in specialised studios specifically designed for each of the specialisation areas. You will be taught by professional practising artists and educators who have a wide range of industry knowledge and experience.

The advanced diploma is a more specialised qualification that will give you more complex skills and knowledge. It also requires a higher level of personal accountability.

Assessment for both programs is folio based, where the major emphasis of the program is the production of a folio of work that re?ects 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.

Facilities/equipment include:

• Studios for printmaking, painting, sculpture, drawing
• MAC lab.

The program also offers strong links to the arts industry, gallery tours and exhibitions, guest speakers and visiting arts practitioners.

All programs are delivered in English.

You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.    

Many of the teaching staff within the program are practicing arts professionals with extensive industry experience and networks, which will enrich your learning experience.

RMIT have close links with industry, including the City of Melbourne and the Gertrude Street Projection Festival. This gives you the opportunity to work with industry on projects such as public art, exhibitions and community-based projects.

In addition, the program makes regular use of outside industry experts as guest speakers to ensure you are exposed to current developments in the arts. The regular use of sessional teaching staff also provides you with exposure to current industry practitioners. You are encouraged to visit galleries and museums within the program and on your own initiative.

You'll also participate in an end-of-year exhibition.

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

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.

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
• paid employee in the visual art and crafts industry
• high-level support staff in art-related industries
• artist
• gallery or museum assistant/officer.

You will also gain the confidence and experience to pursue further study in arts-related fields at a higher level.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Current students can join the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) as student members. Graduates can apply for associate membership and full membership once they have obtained their professional experience.

Please note: eligibility for DIA full membership is based on a points system.

You will have the opportunity to attend talks, workshops and exhibitions by international artists through our International Artists In Residence (iAIR) program. The School of Art Galleries supports the iAIR program and you are encouraged to become actively involved in order to gain a greater understanding of the industry.

RMIT’s Global Mobility supports students to undertake an exchange or short term mobility activity with over 165 partner universities worldwide.