Diploma of Visual Arts

Diploma of Visual Arts - CUA51120

VOCATIONAL

Build your professional portfolio in the visual arts.

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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 (2024 total)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

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.

Why study visual arts at RMIT?

Start your portfolio

Focus on producing of a professional folio of work that reflects your personal creativity.

Real-world experience

Gain practical experience in the arts industry through work on community-based projects and exhibitions.

Specialist studios

Access a broad range of studios and workshops for printmaking, painting, sculpture, photography and drawing.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

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.

Facilities/equipment include:

  • Studios and workshops for printmaking, painting, sculpture, photography and drawing
  • MAC lab.

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

Assessment methods

Assessment for both qualifications is folio based, with major emphasis on the production of a 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.

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 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.

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.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

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

Diploma

In your diploma year, you will learn the skills necessary to be competent in working to a brief and producing works of art. You will also learn more about the arts industry in general. The core subjects in the first year are:

  • Establish and maintain safe professional practice
  • Prepare for sustainable professional practice
  • Analyse cultural history and theory
  • Refine drawing
  • Realise a body of creative work
  • Present a body of your own creative work.

You must also select three studio specialisations from:

  • fine art photography 
  • painting
  • sculpture
  • printmaking.

Students who have completed their Diploma of Visual Arts at another institution still apply for the diploma qualification but move directly into the advanced diploma.

Advanced Diploma

The advanced diploma year allows you to further investigate your creative practice with a more specialised focus. You will undertake independent studio practice and develop a wide-range of highly specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills and knowledge.

On completion of this year, you will have developed a strong personal philosophy and aesthetic that demonstrates an understanding of visual arts and contemporary art practice.

You must select two studio specialisations from:

  • fine art photography 
  • painting
  • sculpture
  • printmaking.

You will learn from teaching staff who are professional practicing artists in the above study areas.

You will also showcase your work at an end of year student exhibition.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Visual Arts
Program code: C5414
National curriculum code: CUA51120
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Visual Arts
City Campus
1 year full time
C5414
108040F
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full time
Plan code
C5414
CRICOS
108040F
View plan
Diploma of Visual Arts
City Campus
1 year full time
C5414
108040F
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full time
Plan code
C5414
CRICOS
108040F
View plan

Diploma

1 year full-time

Advanced Diploma

1 year full-time

Please note: You will be admitted to the diploma level of the training package and upon successful completion you can apply to study the next qualification, the advanced diploma.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

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.

Admissions

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

There are no minimum academic entry requirements.

All applicants must submit the selection task

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

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

Semester 1, 2024

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 VTAC applicants
VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
December round 13 December 2023
January rounds 22 December 2023
February rounds 30 January 2024
Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. 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 9 February 2024

Interview

Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews.

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement
  • A statement describing a recent exhibition you have seen (maximum 100 words).
  • A statement outlining what you expect to learn from the visual arts program (maximum 100 words).
Folio

A folio consisting of 6 to 8 images of visual art work you have created. This should contain a variety of works that demonstrate your interests and creative thinking, as well as your conceptual and technical skills.

Examples of art works to consider for inclusion in your folio include, but are not limited to, drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, public art ideas, models, sculptures, visual diary extracts, sound and video.

Submissions instructions

Submit 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 the password if applicable). All images must be contained and visible on one webpage.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

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

Pre-Selection Kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 140kb) along with your application.

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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

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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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

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.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Visual Arts guarantees entry into the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts.

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

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

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You can gain entry to this program from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

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 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts when you successfully complete the Diploma of Visual Arts.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or 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.

  • 2024 government subsidised place: AU$9,750* per annum
  • 2024 full-fee place: AU$16,500* 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$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • 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 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

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

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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The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$24,000.

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.

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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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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