The Post Graduate Diploma of Arts (Visual Arts) is the first stage of the Masters of Arts (Visual Arts) offered by the School of Contemporary Arts.

On completion of the course, graduates should be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced techniques and skills appropriate to their personal artistic development;
2. Demonstrate individual research skills through studio practice and research;
3. Analyse and critically respond to problems of art practice;
4. Relate current theoretical standpoints in art theory to their own work and artistic development;
5. Demonstrate their role as articulate professionals in their specific area of the visual arts;
6. Contribute to the professional context of their specific area of the visual arts within the broad area of educational and social contexts.

TEACHING METHOD

 The course aims to balance individual learning with group activities, to allow students to pursue their own directions, but with a concomitant provision of regular opportunities for interchanging ideas with other students as well as staff in group sessions.  Contemporary Visual Art Criticism and Studio Analysis encourage all students to engage in constructive criticism of their own art works, to see their work in context and to present information and arts' advocacy in a clear and rational manner.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must apply directly to the University.  The interviewing panel will normally comprise the Post Graduate course coordinator and two studio lecturers from the School.  Qualified applicants will subsequently be invited to submit a portfolio, a proposal of the practical project to be carried out on the Post Graduate Diploma program, and a statement outlining their reasons for seeking admission.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates are expected to:
· hold a first degree or equivalent in Visual Arts from a recognised institution;
· demonstrate recent practical experience in the visual arts; and
· submit a written proposal of work to be undertaken during the Post Graduate Diploma program.

CRITERIA

Admission to the Post Graduate Diploma program will be based on the following criteria:
· Quality of portfolio of practical work.
· Quality of undergraduate academic record (normally above average or highly competent marks for the relevant studio units in the undergraduate degree or its equivalent).
· Curriculum vitae and written and verbal statements regarding the proposed Post Graduate Diploma project.
All applicants will be asked to provide the names of two referees (e.g., lecturers or other appropriate persons) who would be willing to comment on their artistic and academic competence.  Availability of places will depend on the School's capacity to accommodate the proposed practical studio work and to supervise it.

COURSE DURATION AND MODE OF DELIVERY

The duration of the course which is to be offered in the internal mode only, is one year full-time or the part-time equivalent. Students completing this course will be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma of Visual Arts and will be eligible to apply for the second year of the Master of Arts Visual Arts program.

MODE OF STUDY

The course is available by full-time or part-time study.

STUDIO AREAS

Students will have access to and may work in any of the specialist areas offered in the School of Contemporary Arts. Any student wishing to propose practical studio projects in an area outside the above may negotiate for expert supervision within other areas of the Faculty.