CUA31120 - Certificate III in Visual Arts
Overview
The Certificate III in Visual Arts is a great place to begin your training as a visual artist. The Certificate III in Visual Art develops a range of visual art skills. Foundation skills in painting, drawing, printmaking, silver-smithing, creative process and basic design are offered in this course.
The Studio Area Specialisation - The Studio Area Specialisation has been designed for students who would like to have a specialisation in two studio areas. Students are to choose two studio areas from Printmaking, Painting or Jewellery. In this course, students will complete art theory and history and drawing as well as their two chosen specialisation areas.
This is a nationally recognised course.
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Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
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In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
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CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Career Opportunities
Self-employment opportunities exist as a visual artist or craftsperson, visual designer, workshop tutor, jewellery maker or theatre set painter. Skills acquired in this program may be relevant to the production of goods suitable for markets and gift galleries. Some candidates may produce work relevant to commercial fine art galleries. Students completing the silver-smithing specialisation will be well-placed to undertake a jeweller’s apprenticeship.
Structure & Availability
Online
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 24 months |
If students are studying in a full-time capacity they may complete the course in 52 weeks.
If students are studying in a part-time capacity they may complete the course in 104 weeks.
Individual students may complete the course sooner.
Required Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUADRA311 | Produce drawings |
| CUAACD311 | Produce drawings to communicate ideas |
| CUADES302 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms |
| CUADES301 | Explore the use of colour |
| CUAPPR311 | Produce creative work |
| CUAPAI311 | Produce paintings |
| CUAPPR312 | Document the creative work progress |
| CUAPRI312 | Produce prints |
| CUAPPR211 | Make simple creative work |
| CUAPPR417 | Select and prepare creative work for exhibition |
| BSBWHS211 | Contribute to the health and safety of self and others |
| CUARES301 | Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice |
Start TAFE Now (STN) - Online
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 24 months |
If students are studying in a full-time capacity they may complete the course in 52 weeks.
If students are studying in a part-time capacity they may complete the course in 104 weeks.
Individual students may complete the course sooner.
Required Units
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUADRA311 | Produce drawings |
| CUAACD311 | Produce drawings to communicate ideas |
| CUADES302 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms |
| CUADES301 | Explore the use of colour |
| CUAPPR311 | Produce creative work |
| CUAPAI311 | Produce paintings |
| CUAPPR312 | Document the creative work progress |
| CUAPRI312 | Produce prints |
| CUAPPR211 | Make simple creative work |
| CUAPPR417 | Select and prepare creative work for exhibition |
| BSBWHS211 | Contribute to the health and safety of self and others |
| CUARES301 | Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice |
Silversmithing Specialisation
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 24 months |
Students will complete majority of the units online, with on campus classes only for Jewellery units.
Jewellery on campus classes have intakes in February and July only.
Jewellery cluster
CUADES303 Explore and Apply the Creative Design Process to 3D Forms
CUAJWL311 Produce jewellery
CUAJWL211 Apply techniques to produce jewellery
Silversmithing Specialisation - Jewellery Cluster
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAJWL311 | Produce jewellery |
| CUADES303 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms |
| CUAJWL211 | Develop jewellery-making skills |
Silversmithing Specialisation - ONLINE
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUAACD311 | Produce drawings to communicate ideas |
| CUADRA311 | Produce drawings |
| CUAPPR311 | Produce creative work |
| CUAPPR417 | Select and prepare creative work for exhibition |
| BSBWHS211 | Contribute to the health and safety of self and others |
| CUARES301 | Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice |
Painting Cluster
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUADES301 | Explore the use of colour |
| CUAPPR211 | Make simple creative work |
| CUAPAI311 | Produce paintings |
Printmaking Cluster
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CUADES302 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms |
| CUAPPR312 | Document the creative work progress |
| CUAPRI312 | Produce prints |
To learn more about the course structure for this course, please visit the handbook.
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
Completion of the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.
There are no other entry requirements for this course.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
How to Apply
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Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
