Diploma of Visual Arts Illustration
Overview
1 year full time / 2 years part time
1 year
February
February
Channel your creativity
Follow your passion with our Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120 the ideal course if you are looking to work as a creative professional. Our Illustration stream allows you to plan and develop a body of work with a focus on illustration, digital imaging and drawing. Focusing on your technical, creative and conceptual skills, this course will help you push the boundaries of your practice to develop your artistic skills and techniques.
Develop your skills as an illustrator
The Illustration stream of the Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120 includes advanced training in traditional studio techniques such as; drawing, illustration and digital imaging, applied history and theory, and business and professional practice skills. You’ll learn to critically analyse information with opportunities to expand on complex ideas for your own work. We offer specialist studios, dedicated classrooms for each subject area, and gallery spaces to ensure that you are supported in your creative endeavours.
You'll also have many opportunities throughout the year to grow your professional networks through industry forums, guest speakers and workshops, as well as your industry-sponsored graduate exhibition.
Upcoming info sessions
Have a chat with our highly experienced course advisors who can help you navigate your many career options.
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Visual Arts - Illustration CUA51120 take me?
Graduates of Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Visual Arts learn the artistic process from concept development through to the logistics of exhibiting their own work. You may find opportunities to work in a wide range of creative and professional contexts in commercial, government or community sectors or choose to focus on your own practice as a freelancer.
- Gallery Assistant
- Arts Professional
- Arts Administrator
- Digital Artist
- Illustrator
- Community Artist
Study Pathways
When you graduate from the Diploma of Visual Arts (Illustration) course you will be able to articulate into Melbourne Polytechnic's Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development CUA60420 or into the second year of Melbourne Polytechnic's Bachelor of Illustration.
Course Details
Delivery methods
- Studio Based
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus
Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Class Schedule
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Assessment Methods
You will build a folio of work based on projects and class exercises and be assessed on completed projects and final folio submissions.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools | Core | 80 |
| CUAACD536 | Refine 2-D design ideas and processes | Elective | 70 |
| CUADIG518 | Refine digital art techniques | Elective | 90 |
| CUADRA501 | Refine drawing techniques | Elective | 80 |
| CUAILL511 | Develop professional illustrations | Elective | 70 |
| CUAILL512 | Refine illustration techniques | Elective | 70 |
| CUAIND314 | Plan a career in the creative arts industry | Elective | 35 |
| CUAPPR511 | Realise a body of creative work | Core | 80 |
| CUAPPR512 | Develop sustainability of own professional practice | Core | 50 |
| CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work | Core | 60 |
| CUAPPR515 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice | Core | 40 |
| CUAPPR611 | Originate a body of independent creative work | Elective | 75 |
| CUAPPR616 | Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level | Elective | 120 |
| CUARES502 | Critique cultural works | Elective | 50 |
| CUARES503 | Analyse cultural history and theory | Elective | 70 |
Book an interview
Fees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $11750 | $15650 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $12000 | $15900 |
| Per year | $19600 |
| Per semester | $9800 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.
Please consider:
$500.00 AUD (approximately) - you will be required to purchase a personal Art Materials and Safety Kit
Visual Arts at Melbourne Polytechnic
Meet Visual Arts student Emily Morgan
Thinking of studying Visual Arts? Check out what our students have to say about their own journey to and through study.
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Visual Arts Folio Presentation
Information for your Visual Arts folio presentation and interview.
Visual Arts Folio PresentationRequirements
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalencyEnglish: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall, Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Other: Applicants are required to have proven interest in the visual arts field*
*Applicants seeking direct entry to the Diploma of Visual Arts are required to present a folio, which should demonstrate the use of a range of materials and techniques, including a selection of illustrations, visual artwork, photography, freehand observational drawings, digital and other artwork.
Next Steps
We're really excited for you to join the Melbourne Polytechnic community and we look forward to supporting you on your education journey.
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
You will be asked to attend an interview to ensure that this is the right course for you.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to enrol online or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
Diploma students may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.