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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 1 to 2 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who are beginning to develop their own artistic voice and command of techniques in a range of art forms. It applies to work in different visual arts, craft and design work environments. Practice at this level is underpinned by application of broad and integrated technical and theoretical knowledge and the ability to analyse and use information from a range of sources. Individuals at this level usually operate autonomously, however they may provide some leadership and guidance to others with limited responsibility for the output of others.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Visual Arts and Craft, Jewellery include:
- Artist
- Visual Artist
- Arts Practitioner
- Jewellery Designer
- Studio Artist
- Ceramic Artist
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Students who successfully complete VET qualifications at the Certificate IV level or above and subsequently enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field or discipline, will receive advanced standing as detailed in the table below.
Completed Award Course Level | HE | VET | to a HE Award | Credit granted for a completed award in the same field |
Certificate IV | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Certificate IV | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Associate Degree | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
Associate Degree | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Fees
2024 Fees
Fee Type | 2024 Course Fees |
Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
Full Fee | $10,312.50 - $10,937.50 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments. 2025 TAFE fees will be published as soon as they become available.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve CUA41320 Certificate IV in Visual Arts a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising six (6) Core and nine (9) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 885.
Course structure
To achieve CUA41320 Certificate IV in Visual Arts a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising six (6) Core and nine (9) Elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 885.
CASUARINA Campus
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
Core units of competency | ||
CUAACD311 | Produce drawings to communicate ideas | 90 |
CUAPPR411 | Realise a creative project | 90 |
CUAPPR414 | Develop self as artist | 60 |
CUAPPR415 | Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work | 70 |
CUARES403 | Research history and theory to inform own arts practice | 70 |
CUAWHS312 | Apply work health and safety practices | 30 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 410 | |
Elective units of competency (complete 9) | ||
Group A | ||
CUADES301 | Explore the use of colour | 50 |
CUADES302 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 2D forms | 60 |
CUADES303 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms | 60 |
CUAPAI411 | Experiment with techniques to produce paintings | 50 |
CUAPPR417 | Select and prepare creative work for exhibition | 30 |
CUAIND411 | Extend expertise in specialist creative fields | 45 |
CUADIG415 | Produce innovative digital images | 70 |
Unnamed | ||
BSBTEC201 | Use business software applications | 60 |
CUADIG315 | Produce digital images | 50 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 475 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 885 |
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 835-880.
ALICE SPRINGS Campus
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
Core units of competency | ||
CUAACD311 | Produce drawings to communicate ideas | 90 |
CUAPPR411 | Realise a creative project | 90 |
CUAPPR414 | Develop self as artist | 60 |
CUAPPR415 | Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work | 70 |
CUARES403 | Research history and theory to inform own arts practice | 70 |
CUAWHS312 | Apply work health and safety practices | 30 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 410 | |
Elective units of competency (Select 9) | ||
Group A | ||
CUADES301 | Explore the use of colour | 50 |
CUAPAI411 | Experiment with techniques to produce paintings | 50 |
CUADES303 | Explore and apply the creative design process to 3D forms | 60 |
CUASCU411 | Experiment with techniques to produce sculpture | 50 |
CUAIND411 | Extend expertise in specialist creative fields | 45 |
CUADRA401 | Experiment with techniques to produce drawings | 50 |
CUAPRI411 | Experiment with printing techniques | 50 |
CUACER411 | Experiment with techniques to produce ceramic works | 50 |
CUACER413 | Experiment with ceramic surface techniques | 50 |
CUAPPR417 | Select and prepare creative work for exhibition | 30 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 425-455 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 835-865 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
Having lecturers who were practising artists themselves gave me a greater understanding of the art world and their guidance was invaluable.
Jonathon
CDU student
Through the experiences I’ve had of exhibiting my art in open spaces, I’ve learned about the joys and challenges of engaging diverse publics in art. It has encouraged me to do more in art and in engaging with others.
Luci
CDU student
Having lecturers who were practising artists themselves gave me a greater understanding of the art world and their guidance was invaluable.
Jonathon
CDU student
Through the experiences I’ve had of exhibiting my art in open spaces, I’ve learned about the joys and challenges of engaging diverse publics in art. It has encouraged me to do more in art and in engaging with others.
Luci
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the CUA Creative Arts and Culture Training Package .
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus, online, both
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Academy of the Arts |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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