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Creative Industries Courses

Certificate III in Visual Arts

Develop your creative skills and build a foundation for a career in the visual arts and creative industries.

The Certificate III in Visual Arts is designed for people looking to develop practical skills across visual arts, craft and design. You’ll explore a range of creative practices while developing foundational knowledge of art theory and history.

The course provides opportunities to build confidence, develop your own creative practice and produce work within a range of visual arts, craft and design environments.

  • Next intake: January 2027

  • Duration: 12 months full time

  • Delivery: Online, Self-paced

  • Next intake: January 2027

  • Duration: 12 months full time

  • Delivery: Online, Self-paced

The Certificate III in Visual Arts is a nationally recognised qualification designed to help you develop practical creative skills and build a strong foundation for further study or a career in the visual arts and creative industries.

Through 12 units, you’ll explore a range of visual arts, craft and design practices while developing your knowledge of art theory and history. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build confidence in your creative abilities and begin developing your own artistic practice across a variety of creative environments.

Whether you’re starting your creative journey, considering a career change, developing your skills for personal practice or preparing for further study, this course provides a practical pathway to explore your creativity and take the next step in the visual arts.

This qualification can support entry-level opportunities across the visual arts, craft and design industries, including:

  • Ceramics Studio Assistant

  • Community Theatre Assistant

  • Arts, Craft or Design Practitioner

  • Other support and assistant roles within creative studios and arts organisations

The qualification can also provide a pathway to further study and other career opportunities in visual arts, craft and design.

PSC Creative College admits applicants to its undergraduate awards through direct entry, based on demonstrated capacity to succeed in higher education study. Admission decisions are guided by the principles of fairness, transparency and equal opportunity.

Standard Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary qualification); or

  • Successful completion of at least six months of an AQF Certificate III or higher qualification.

Alternative Entry Pathway

Applicants who do not meet the formal academic entry requirements may be considered for admission into any undergraduate award on the basis of at least three years of post-secondary work experience demonstrating capability to undertake study at the required level.

Suitability for Study

All applicants confirm their suitability for study through one of the following:

  • Submission of a 150-word personal statement as part of the application form, outlining their interest in creative media and design and motivation for study; or

  • A consultation with the College, conducted in person, online, or by phone.

The Certificate III in Visual Arts comprises 12 units:

  • CUAACD201 – Develop drawing skills to communicate ideas

  • CUAACD311 – Produce drawings to communicate ideas

  • CUADES301 – Explore the use of colour

  • CUADES305 – Source and apply information on the history and theory of design

  • CUAGRD501 – Research visual communication history and theory

  • CUADES202 – Evaluate the nature of design in a specific industry context

  • CUARES301 – Apply knowledge of history and theory to own arts practice

  • BSBWHS211 – Contribute to the health and safety of self and others

  • CUAPPR311 – Produce creative work

  • CUAPHI312 – Capture photographic images

  • BSBOPS301 – Maintain business resources

  • BSBESB301 – Investigate business opportunities

Flexible Payment Options

Choose a payment option that works for you:

  • Reduced Upfront Payment – Save with our discounted upfront payment option.

  • Fortnightly Payment Plan – Spread your course fees across manageable fortnightly payments.

  • Credit Card or Direct Debit – Pay your fees securely by credit card or direct debit.

Why Choose PSC to Study?

PSC Creative College (formerly Photography Studies College) is Australia’s leading photography college, now offering expanded programs in screen media and design. Our innovative, university-standard courses support creative growth, critical thinking, and industry-ready careers across visual disciplines.

Visual communication shapes how stories are told, ideas are shared, and culture is experienced today. At PSC, we believe the most successful creatives combine artistic intuition with technical skill, collaboration, and intelligent use of emerging technologies.

Since 1972, PSC has been recognised as a centre of excellence in photography and visual media, delivering award-winning education within a supportive, industry-connected creative community in Melbourne’s arts precinct.

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