Visual Art

Courses

The Diploma of Arts: Visual Art (12857VIC)

The first year focuses on the acquisition of solid technical skills and an understanding of the compositional process. All subjects complement two painting classes that run for three hours each. One of these classes focuses on depicting representational subject matter objectively in oil paint, while the other explores ideas, techniques and materials.

The second year has nine hours per week devoted to a major study of painting. Students are expected to produce a body of exhibition work expressive of their own personal philosophy developed in relation to contemporary art. Second year students have their own individual studios on Floor 17, 300 Flinders Street, with breathtaking views over the Melbourne CBD and six-day-per-week access.

All our classes take place at Flinders Street campus.

Full Time
The full time program takes two years to complete. The majority of full time students are exit year 12/VCE graduates. Some second year students have articulated to the second year of a Fine Art Degree course in Higher Education.

Part Time
For the majority of part time students the program would take four years to complete. Part time students have their own group for Painting, Drawing, Figure Drawing, and Studio and Materials, but join the full time groups for the academic subjects. Students complete an average of 12 hours per week between 9.00am and 5.00pm. We offer a flexible timetable that has proven particularly popular with mature age students.

Subjects

• Painting (objective)
• Studio & Materials (techniques/materials/concepts)
• Drawing
• Electronic Imaging
• Life Drawing
• Painting (major study)
• Context and Culture
• Contemporary Art Studies
• Photography
• Video
• Printmaking
• OH&S
• Art Business Practice
• Visting Artists Program

Tuition
All our teachers are practicing professional artists. Most are employed one or two days a week so they can pursue their art careers. All are committed to education and sharing their skills and expertise with students. In addition students are exposed to a diverse range of contemporary art practices through our visiting Artists program.

Assessment
Assessment is tutorial based. The major study for final year students is assessed in conjunction with Caroline Williams, prominent Australian painter, our industry representative for the Visual Arts Program.

Exhibition
Second year students present their work in a Graduate exhibition in November at the University Gallery and are eligible for the Fiona Myer Awards ($2000 and $500).

Campuses
Our Visual Art courses are taught in our spectacular new Flinders Street facility, located directly opposite Flinders Street train station in the heart of the city and adjoining the vibrant gallery and café precinct of Flinders Lane and Degraves Street.

As well their own painting studios at Flinders Street with outstanding views of the CBD, students have access to an extensive art library on campus and other facilities on the University's eight campuses.

More information on our state of the art Flinders Street and St Albans facilities can be found here.

 
Fees and Kits
The total fee for a full time student is approx $1200. Fees must be paid at the time of enrolment. Fee exemptions and concessions may be available depending on eligibility.

All students need to purchase an art kit before the start of the course to the value of approximately $700.

Entry Requirements

In addition to completing the 'VTAC Application' (full time study only), all applicants must telephone the School of Creative Industries during October to obtain an Application for Interview. Interviews and folio presentations are held in late November to early December.