WHAT IS IT LIKE? If you’d like a taste of design or art then a Diploma in Visual Arts is the way to go. You’ll be introduced to the basics of art and design - creative thinking, visual communication, specialist skills and critical awareness - through a flexible programme of study with lots of choice. No portfolio is required, just passion. You’ll study with art and design degree students in a range of studio and lecture-based courses. These exciting electives cover everything from critical and contextual studies, to social media, painting, and digital fabrication. Planning your programme The Diploma in Visual Arts is an open entry programme consisting of 120 credits (8 courses) at 100-level from the programme schedule and/or approved courses from the schedules for the Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Fine Arts. Students may include up to 15 credits of courses from schedules for other degrees. Transition Studying courses in the Diploma in Visual Arts can be a good way to develop your portfolio for entry to the Bachelor of Design (Hons) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons). If you are accepted into the design or fine arts programmes after having completed the Diploma in Visual Arts you can credit or transfer courses you have already completed in the certificate to the degree programme.