Diploma of Visual Arts Painting Printmaking
Overview
1 year full time / 2 years part time
1 year
February
February
Paint a picture of your dream career
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120 is perfect for those wanting to leave a creative mark on the world. Our Painting/Printmaking stream focuses on developing your technical, creative and conceptual skills and techniques to help you push the boundaries of your fine art practice.
Develop real-world creative skills
Our Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120 Painting/Printmaking stream prepares you for work as a freelance artist and exhibitor. It offers advanced training in traditional studio techniques such as drawing, painting, printmaking, 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, and 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 - Painting Printmaking CUA51120 take me?
Graduates of Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120 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. Successful graduation from this course may lead to careers such as:
- Community Artist
- Arts Administrator
- Art Curator
- Gallery Assistant
- Freelance Printmaker
- Arts Practitioner
- Freelance Painter
Study Pathways
When you graduate from the Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120 (Painting/Printmaking) you will be able to articulate into the Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development CUA60420, or you can apply for degree courses in fine art.
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, Thursday and Friday
Assessment Methods
You will build a folio of work based on projects and class exercises. You will 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 |
| CUADRA501 | Refine drawing techniques | Elective | 80 |
| CUAIND314 | Plan a career in the creative arts industry | Elective | 35 |
| CUAPAI511 | Refine painting techniques | Elective | 90 |
| CUAPAI512 | Investigate painting materials and processes | Elective | 80 |
| 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 |
| CUAPRI511 | Refine printmaking techniques | Elective | 85 |
| CUAPRI512 | Investigate printmaking materials and processes | Elective | 90 |
| CUARES502 | Critique cultural works | Elective | 50 |
| CUARES503 | Analyse cultural history and theory | Elective | 70 |
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.
View on Youtube
Visual Arts Folio Presentation
Information for your Visual Arts folio presentation and interview.
Visual Arts Folio PresentationFees & 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.
Book an interview
Requirements
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 a 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.