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Diploma of Fine Arts (A1B)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 5 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2

From engaging with acclaimed international artists to participating in Tasmania's thriving and experimental art scene, visual artists Micheila Petersfield and Sam Field tell us what they loved about the studying Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania.

Within this diploma, you will develop skills in self-expression and creative problem solving to generate art work. You will be encouraged to participate in contemporary culture, engaging directly with Tasmania’s internationally acclaimed arts culture through our ongoing partnerships with festivals and arts institutions across the state. You will be provided with opportunities to actively contribute to the cultural life of our society and interact with both Australian and international visiting artists.

You will gain an awareness of your own creative practice and the role and function of visual art and design within contemporary culture. You can choose from a range of selected units, which will provide a foundation for further study in fine art and/or enable you to encounter and develop skills in diverse art disciplines.

  • 1 Produce creative works and projects with speculative and iterative outcomes as a process of directed creative inquiry
  • 2 Apply technical and theoretical knowledge to identify ideas, artefacts and methods in the arts in order to reflect on your own and others’ work.
  • 3 Consider your practice within relevant and diverse contexts (e.g. social, cultural and historical)
  • 4 Communicate ideas and processes to audiences and stakeholders using written, oral and visual skills.
Learn beyond the classroom

Collaboration is an important part of Fine Arts. Depending on your skills and interests, you could be working across Tasmania’s iconic festivals, behind the scenes at a gallery, interpreting collections, or at a museum handling objects not yet for public display. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable insights into how organisations operate and the diverse career pathways available to you.

Studying in Tasmania, our whole Island becomes your campus. Speak with your unit coordinator about how you can gain practical experience by volunteering in research initiatives, becoming an ambassador, or taking part in a work experience program.

Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with airfares, accommodation and other expenses. For more information, please visit Learning Abroad.

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Work Integrated Learning

Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.

Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities. https://www.utas.edu.au/study/work-integrated-learning

Career outcomes

Diverse opportunities

Build a career you love in the ever expanding creative arts sector. In a world being redefined by innovation, design and creativity, a vast selection of exciting career opportunities present themselves:

  • Arts administrator
  • Creative director
  • Furniture designer
  • Illustrator
  • Multimedia artist
  • Museum or gallery curator
  • Painter
  • Photographer
  • Printmaker
  • Researcher
  • Sculptor
  • Sound artist
  • Video artist
  • Teacher
Further study

Open your options with further study, students who successfully complete the Diploma of Fine Arts may progress to the Bachelor Fine Arts.

Course structure

The Diploma of Fine Arts requires the completion of 100 credit points from the schedule.

You can complete the Diploma of Fine Arts with a broad engagement in Critical Practices and Studio Practice units all at Introductory (100) level, or specialise in specific studio practice units at Introductory and Intermediate (200) level.

If you wish to complete studio practice units at Intermediate units, you should complete the relevant Introductory level studio unit first.

For example, before attempting FSH214 Photography 2A you should complete FSH111 Photography 1.

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

School Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program (SRP). Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations. 

Through the SRP, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies. In addition, this course requires you to pass specific pre-requisite subjects in Year 12 (or equivalent), see below for details. 

If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released. 

Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission if you have completed at least one of the Subject Pre-requisites below. We will consider your subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least one unit of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or
  • Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate III (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

Subject Pre-requisites

These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in one of the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subject:

ART315117

Art Production

ART315214

Art Studio Practice

ARA315116

Art Theory and Criticism (replaces Art Appreciation ARA315111)

CGD315118

Computer Graphics and Design

HDS315118

Housing and Design

MED315117

Media Production

TEG315115

Technical Graphics

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.

Provide evidence of pre-tertiary TASC subject/s in visual arts successfully completed (e.g. academic transcripts and certificates of completion).

Special Consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate III or above
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 12.5 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

Course Specific Requirements

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in one of the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subject:

ART315117

Art Production

ART315214

Art Studio Practice

ARA315116

Art Theory and Criticism (replaces Art Appreciation ARA315111)

CGD315118

Computer Graphics and Design

HDS315118

Housing and Design

MED315117

Media Production

TEG315115

Technical Graphics

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.

Students may be eligible for specific advanced standing (i.e. credit points for relevant units) in this degree if they:

• Have successfully completed relevant units through the through the University Connections Program (UCP);

• Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma at the University, from TAFE or another institution;

• Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;

• Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent qualification.

Students who successfully complete the Diploma of Fine Arts may progress to the Bachelor Fine Arts.

If you do not meet the General Entrance Requirements or course-specific requirements, there are alternate entry pathways to the Diploma of Fine Arts:

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $10,027.57

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $42,263 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 42,263 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.