This qualification reflects the role of individuals who have para-professional level technical, creative and conceptual skills to originate, realise and exhibit a substantial body of resolved work that expresses their own creative vision. Individuals at this level work within and across many mediums, and their practice may incorporate ceramics, art management, digital art, glasswork, drawing and illustration, jewellery making, painting, photomedia, printmaking, public art, sculpture, textiles or wood design. Practice at this level is underpinned by application of art theory and history, the ability to engage in critical discourse and to debate one’s own work and the work of others. Visual artists may work in their own practice, or across the arts, government or commercial organisations, and bring a visual arts perspective to areas such as business, community services and science.
Provided in accordance with Standard 2.1 of the Standards for RTOs (Outcome Standards) 2025 - clear, accurate and current pre-enrolment information.
| Training product code & title | CUA60725 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts |
|---|---|
| Course duration | Up to 22 months from enrolment. At about 20 hours of study per week, the 1,850 hours of training for this qualification take approximately 22 months. Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning reduce this, and extensions are available where genuine progress is being made. |
| Amount of training / volume of learning | 1,850 hours. This is the amount of training CAQA has determined for this qualification, and it sits within the AQF volume of learning of 1,800–2,400 hours for this qualification level. Your own amount of training is adjusted for your existing skills, knowledge and experience and confirmed in your individual Training Plan. |
| Modes of delivery | Online self-paced learning via the CAQA student portal, supported by scheduled trainer webinars, phone/email trainer support and optional virtual classrooms. Workplace-based and blended arrangements available by negotiation. |
| Training delivery location | Online/blended delivery - available Australia-wide. Administration: 2/10 Lawn Court & 12 Excelsior Heights, Craigieburn, VIC 3064. |
| Commencement dates & scheduling | Enrol any time - intakes commence on the first Monday of every month. Orientation is completed in week one; a personalised study schedule is issued with your Training Plan. |
| Course structure | Core and elective units as packaged under the current CUA Training Package release - view the official packaging on training.gov.au. Final unit selection is confirmed in your Training Plan. View the official unit packaging on training.gov.au → |
| Assessment requirements | Competency-based assessment including knowledge questions, projects, case studies, portfolios and practical/workplace tasks. All assessments are submitted online and judged by qualified assessors. Reasonable adjustment is available. |
| Entry requirements | The conceptual, technical and organisational skills to create and present work in your chosen creative form. Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience in a creative field or formal study. |
| Licensing / regulatory requirements | No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. |
| Third-party arrangements | This course is delivered and assessed directly by CAQA (RTO 45459). No third-party delivery arrangements apply. If this changes, affected students will be notified as soon as practicable. |
| Qualification issued | Graduates receive the nationally recognised CUA60725 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts testamur and record of results within 30 calendar days of completion (subject to fees being paid and a verified USI). Students completing some units receive a Statement of Attainment. |
Entry requirements: Individuals must have the conceptual, technical and organisational skills to create and present work in their chosen creative form. Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience in a creative field or formal study.
CAQA also recommends learners are at least 18 years of age, have language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills appropriate to the level of the qualification, and have access to a computer, reliable internet and a current email address.
| Total tuition fee | $2,895 (fee-for-service). Inclusive of all learning materials, online resources, trainer support and up to two re-assessment attempts per unit at no extra charge. |
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| Enrolment fee | $0 - no application or enrolment fee. |
| Payment options | Pay in full, or interest-free payment plan from $79/week. CAQA never collects more than $1,500 in prepaid fees from a student at any time, in line with fee-protection requirements under the Standards for RTOs. |
| Other costs | No compulsory additional costs. Optional reference textbooks (typically under $100) are suggested but never required. You must have access to a computer and the internet (see study requirements above). |
| Government subsidies | This course is offered on a fee-for-service basis. Government funding or subsidies may be available for eligible students in some states from time to time - contact us and we will advise what applies to you, including any government training entitlements that could be affected by enrolling. |
| Withdrawals & refunds | You may withdraw at any time by written notice. Cooling-off period: full refund within 10 business days of enrolment if training has not commenced. After commencement, refunds of unspent prepaid fees are calculated per our Refund Policy. No withdrawal penalty fee applies; you pay only for training delivered. |
| Replacement documents | Re-issue of testamur: $35. Records of results: first copy free. |
Every CAQA student has access to the following services, at no additional cost, for the duration of their enrolment:
See Student Support & Wellbeing for how to access each service.
If you already have skills, knowledge or formal study relevant to this qualification, you may not need to repeat training. CAQA offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for skills gained through work and life experience, and credit transfer for identical or equivalent units already achieved with any RTO. Both options are explained before enrolment and may reduce your course duration and fees. Learn more about RPL & credit transfer →
Total number of units: 12 — 6 core units plus 6 elective units, of which 4 must be from Group A and 2 may be from Groups A and/or B, or from any currently endorsed training package qualification or accredited course.
| BSBCRT611 | Apply critical thinking for complex problem solving |
|---|---|
| CUAACD611 | Extend professional expertise with drawing and other visual representation tools |
| CUAPPR611 | Originate a body of independent creative work |
| CUAPPR613 | Engage in the business of creative practice |
| CUAPPR614 | Publicly present a body of own creative work |
| CUARES612 | Extend cultural research expertise |
Elective units are selected with your trainer so they are relevant to your work environment and maintain the integrity of the qualification. Source: training.gov.au, CUA60725 Release 1.
Graduates may progress to higher-level VET qualifications on CAQA's scope or to university study (credit arrangements vary by institution).
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