Course Description
Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51125
The nationally accredited Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51125) reflects the role of visual artists who combine specialised technical, creative and conceptual skills to plan and realise a body of work in one or more art forms.
Graduates may work independently in their own practice or across the arts, government, community or commercial sectors. Practice at this level is underpinned by a strong grasp of art theory and history, critical analysis of ideas, and the ability to engage in complex creative discourse.
Key learning outcomes include:
- Creating cohesive and resolved bodies of original artwork
- Applying art theory and historical context to contemporary practice
- Critically analysing and synthesising ideas from diverse sources
- Establishing and maintaining a sustainable professional creative practice
This diploma delivers versatile skills in both traditional and emerging media (including digital art, illustration, and photography), making it a powerful foundation for creative careers.
It offers recognised credit transfer and pathways into Australian university bachelor degrees and is CRICOS-registered for international students.
In 2025, Australia’s cultural and creative industries (including visual arts) contribute $63.7 billion to the economy and employ over 282,000 people — with strong ongoing growth driven by digital transformation and cultural exports.
Entry Requirements
Individuals must provide evidence of their technical and organisational skills to conceptualise and create works in their selected medium.
Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience in creative practice or formal study.
Entry into the Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School is selective.
Admission is based on consideration of factors including (but not limited to):
- Completion of a Certificate IV in Visual Arts at Sydney Art School OR
- Submission of a portfolio of work that demonstrates your current level of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, or jewellery
- Your ability and willingness to support your fellow students
Qualification Rules and Units
Total number of units = 15
5 core units plus 10 elective units
Core Units
- CUAACD531 – Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
- CUAPPR511 – Realise a body of creative work
- CUAPPR512 – Develop sustainability of own professional practice
- CUAPPR513 – Present a body of own creative work
- CUAPPR515 – Establish and maintain safe creative practice
Elective Units (examples)
- CUADRA401 – Experiment with techniques to produce drawings
- BSBMKG546 – Develop social media engagement plans
- CUAEVP413 – Install and dismantle exhibition elements
- CUARES503 – Analyse cultural history and theory
- CUAACD535 – Work with the human form in creative practice
- CUADRA501 – Refine drawing techniques
- CUAPAI511 – Refine painting techniques
- CUAPRI511 – Refine printmaking techniques
- CUAJWL401 – Experiment with techniques to produce jewellery
- CUAACD532 – Create observational drawings
- CUADRA502 – Investigate drawing materials and processes
- CUAPAI512 – Investigate painting materials and processes
- CUAPRI512 – Investigate printmaking materials and processes
- CUAILL401 – Develop and refine illustrative work
Where relevant, the choice of elective units can provide the qualification with one of the following specialisations:
- Digital Art
- Drawing
- Jewellery
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Full qualification details: training.gov.au → CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts
Units of Competency
The following units of competency are currently offered for Sydney Art School Students
| Code | Unit Name | Comment | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Units (all students) | |||
| CUAACD531 | Refine drawing and other visual representation tools | Core | |
| CUAPPR511 | Realise a body of creative work | Core | |
| CUAPPR512 | Develop sustainability of own professional practice | Core | |
| CUAPPR513 | Present a body of own creative work | Core | |
| CUAPPR515 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice | Core | |
| Mandatory Electives (all students) | |||
| BSBMKG546 | Develop social media engagement plans | Mandatory Elective in Exhibition Module | All Streams (B) |
| CUAEVP413 | Install and dismantle exhibition elements | Mandatory Elective in Exhibition Module | All Streams (B) |
| Stream Electives | |||
| CUADRA501 | Refine drawing techniques | Required Unit for Drawing Specialisation | Drawing |
| CUADRA502 | Investigate drawing materials and processes | Required Unit for Drawing Specialisation | Drawing |
| CUAPAI511 | Refine painting techniques | Required Unit for Painting Specialisation | Painting |
| CUAPAI512 | Investigate painting materials and processes | Required Unit for Painting Specialisation | Painting |
| CUAPRI511 | Refine printmaking techniques | Required Unit for Printmaking Specialisation | Printmaking |
| CUAPRI512 | Investigate printmaking materials and processes | Required Unit for Printmaking Specialisation | Printmaking |
| CUAJWL401 | Experiment with techniques to produce jewellery | Required Unit for Jewellery Specialisation | Jewellery |
| CUASCU511 | Refine sculptural techniques | Required Unit for Sculpture Specialisation | Sculpture |
| CUASCU512 | Investigate sculptural materials and processes | Required Unit for Sculpture Specialisation | Sculpture |
| CUADIG518 | Refine digital art techniques | Required Unit for Digital Art Specialisation | Digital Art |
| CUADIG519 | Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art | Required Unit for Digital Art Specialisation | Digital Art |
| CUAILL401 | Develop and refine illustrative work | Illustration | |
| CUAILL511 | Develop professional illustrations | Illustration | |
| CUAILL512 | Refine illustration techniques | Illustration | |
| CUAPHI531 | Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice | Required Unit for Photography Specialisation | Photography |
| CUAPHI533 | Explore and apply photo lighting techniques | Required Unit for Photography Specialisation | Photography |
| CUAPHI539 | Plan and produce visual art photo images | Required Unit for Photography Specialisation | Photography |
| CUAACD532 | Create observational drawings | Drawing | |
| CUAACD533 | Select and refine a specialised drawing technique | Drawing | |
| CUAACD534 | Research and apply light and colour | General Elective | |
| CUAACD535 | Work with the human form in creative practice | General Elective | |
| CUARES503 | Analyse cultural history and theory | General Elective B | |
Full details at training.gov.au/Training/Details/CUA51120
Employability Skills
Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51125) – Hot Career Paths 2025
Australia & Overseas
Top Careers in Australia
Australia’s creative sector is worth $63.7 billion and employs over 282,000 people. Demand is skyrocketing for visual arts skills in digital, gaming and public art.
| Career Path | Description | Why It’s Hot in 2025 | Key Skills / Next Steps | Avg. Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Artist / Illustrator | Concept art, advertising, social media visuals, game assets | AI + metaverse boom; 20%+ growth in digital roles | Strong Adobe portfolio, digital electives | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| Game Artist | 2D/3D characters, environments, UI for studios (Big Ant, Mighty Kingdom) | Australian games industry >$4B; VR/AR surge in Sydney & Melbourne | Maya, Blender, Unity basics + strong visual arts folio | $70,000 – $115,000 |
| Graphic Designer | Branding, packaging, web & app visuals | E-commerce & startup explosion | Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| UI/UX Designer | User interfaces for apps & websites | Remote-friendly; huge demand from tech companies | Add Google UX or Figma cert to your diploma | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Exhibition Curator / Arts Administrator | Curate shows, manage galleries, write grants | Post-COVID gallery revival + public art funding | Internship experience, art history knowledge | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| Art Tutor / Community Artist | Teach in schools, TAFEs, councils or run private workshops | Massive demand for creative education & wellbeing | Teaching electives + Working With Children Check | $55,000 – $80,000 |
| Public Artist / Sculptor | Murals, installations, council & festival commissions | Government sustainability & placemaking grants | Sculpture skills + grant-writing | $70,000 – $110,000+ (project-based) |
Top Careers Overseas
CUA51125 is CRICOS-registered and recognised worldwide (UK HND, US associate-level). Perfect for skilled migration, working holiday or O-1 artist visas.
| Career Path | Description | Why It’s Hot in 2025 | Key Skills / Visa Tips | Avg. Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game Artist / Concept Artist | 2D/3D assets for AAA & indie studios (EA, Ubisoft, Riot) | Global games market $220B+; remote & studio roles | Maya/ZBrush + strong folio → H-1B or O-1 eligible | $65,000 – $110,000 |
| UI/UX Designer | App & web interfaces for tech giants and startups | Fully remote possible; Google, Meta, Canva hiring | Figma + diploma portfolio → Global Talent Visa (UK) | $80,000 – $130,000 |
| Animator / Motion Designer | Film, TV, advertising, Netflix, Disney | Streaming + short-form content explosion | After Effects, Cinema 4D | $65,000 – $100,000 |
| Art Therapist | Mental health roles in hospitals, schools, private practice | Post-COVID wellness focus (especially USA & UK) | Add Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy | $55,000 – $85,000 |
| NFT / Digital Content Creator | Sell art on OpenSea, Foundation; create for brands & influencers | Creator economy + Web3 rebound | Digital painting + social media savvy | $50,000 – $150,000+ |
| Museum / Gallery Conservator | Restoration & preservation (MoMA, Tate, Louvre) | Digitisation & heritage funding | Extra conservation units + internships | $60,000 – $95,000 |
Fast-Track Tips
- Build a killer portfolio on ArtStation or Behance – recruiters check these first.
- Add short courses in Maya, Blender, Unity or Figma (AIE, SAE, JMC or free online) to unlock game & UI/UX roles.
- Start freelancing on Upwork, Fiverr or 99designs while you study.
Bottom line: With the Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51125), the hottest, highest-paying paths in 2025 are game art, UI/UX design and digital illustration – both in Australia and globally.
General Information
Refer to Student Handbook https://sydneyartschool.com.au/enrolment-form-student-handbooks-sydney-art-school/
