Diploma in Visual Art
Southern University College · Johor, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Diploma in Visual Art at Southern University College trains you through both theory and practice in a range of visual mediums and techniques, including painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, 3D sculpture, and installation art.
You study common core and programme core subjects, plus elective options and industrial training, and the programme is designed to help you contribute to creative industries such as industrial design studios or art-related companies.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Build visual art fundamentals through theory and practice across multiple mediums and techniques.
- Develop drawing and painting skills for creating visual artworks with clear form and content decisions.
- Begin applying mixed-media approaches and studio workflow through guided projects.
- Expand into advanced visual-centred artwork using disciplines such as photography, printmaking, and 3D sculpture.
- Work with installation art approaches and integrate materials, presentation, and concept development.
- Strengthen critical thinking by learning to appreciate and criticise artworks through course activities.
- Create portfolio-style outputs that show decision-making about form, materials, and presentation.
- Apply interdisciplinary elective learning areas to broaden creative and technical capability.
Curriculum
Credit hours breakdown for Diploma in Visual Art is not published on the official Southern University College programme page or accessible official documents in the provided sources; only the module list and total credits are available.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programme credits (not published as a semester-by-semester credit table) | Named modules list published, but credit-by-semester table not found | Color Study | ||
| Computer Graphic Study | ||||
| Design Fundamental | ||||
| Drawing Fundamental | ||||
| History of Art & Design | ||||
| Introduction of Photography | ||||
| Professional Practice | ||||
| Studio Drawing: color | ||||
| Studio Drawing: Techniques | ||||
| History of Art Appreciation | ||||
| Aesthetics Appreciation | ||||
| Aesthetics Criticism | ||||
| Oil Painting | ||||
| Chinese Ink Painting | ||||
| Water Color Painting | ||||
| Mix Media Painting | ||||
| Printmaking: Media | ||||
| Printmaking: Techniques | ||||
| Sculpture: 3D | ||||
| Sculpture: Metal | ||||
| Installation Art | ||||
| Diploma Project | ||||
| Basic Chinese | ||||
| Chinese | ||||
| Communicative English | ||||
| Illustration | ||||
| Digital Image Processing | ||||
| Desktop Publishing I | ||||
| Film Appreciation | ||||
| Digital Graphic Design | ||||
| Corporate Identity System | ||||
| Visual Production | ||||
| Chinese Calligraphy | ||||
| Workshop Practice I | ||||
| General English | ||||
| Industrial Training | ||||
| Total | Overall programme total credits (credit total published; semester-by-semester credit breakdown not found in accessible official sources) | 90 credit hours | ||
Career outcomes
- You develop job-ready studio and making skills across painting, drawing, fine art photography, printmaking, and 3D sculpture that support entry into creative roles.
- You build a portfolio-focused learning foundation that helps you showcase your artwork quality for creative industry opportunities.
- You gain practice in critical art appreciation and criticism, supporting roles that require visual analysis and communication of creative ideas.
- You can position yourself for art-related employers and industrial design studios by understanding mixed-media and installation-based visual production approaches.
- You strengthen creative decision-making across form, content, materials, and presentation, which is valuable for freelance and project-based creative work.
Employability rate
Employability rate and unemployment rate statistics specifically for Diploma in Visual Art graduates in Malaysia are not published on the official Southern University College pages that were available during this enrichment.
Based on the structured studio and portfolio skills gained in this diploma, you can expect a practical career pathway into art-related and creative-industry roles, with outcomes depending on portfolio readiness and ongoing skill development.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School-leaving qualification or equivalent | International applicants may be considered with SPM / O-Level with a minimum of 3 credits, or UEC with a minimum of 3 credits, subject to the required interview OR submission of a portfolio as determined by the university. |
| Certificate in a related field (with CGPA) or equivalent | International applicants may be considered with a certificate or its equivalent in a related field with a CGPA of at least 2.0, subject to the required interview OR submission of a portfolio as determined by the university. |
| English competency (international applicants) | International applicants must meet the programme’s English competency requirement: a minimum score of High Band 2 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) or an equivalent acceptable English qualification. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | Relevant preparation | Programme entry includes an interview and/or portfolio submission determined by the university when required, so relevant visual art work and evidence are helpful for review. |
Language requirements
For international applicants, you must meet the English competency requirement stated by Southern University College for this Diploma in Visual Art.
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 30000 / total program | Southern University College published total fee (RM) for Diploma in Visual Art as 27,000 in the programme guide and also shows 30,000 tuition in the 2023 programme fees list for some diploma entries; use the university programme guide figure for your intake once confirmed by admissions. |
| Application fee | MYR 500 / one time | Application fee RM 500 shown in the Southern University College 2023 Programme Fees List (International). |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants should prepare proof of funds as required for the student pass process, covering tuition and applicable charges. Your financial documents will typically be reviewed during the international student admission and visa process.
- Proof of ability to pay tuition and applicable charges for the student pass process (as required by the international admission and student pass procedures).
- Bank payment details and fee schedule information provided by Southern University College for international students (tuition and listed charges for this programme).
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A |
| Semester begins | N/A |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your entry and English competency documents
Gather your academic documents for the qualification you are using to apply (for example, SPM/O-Level, UEC, or a relevant certificate with the stated minimums). Prepare your English competency proof for international applicants (MUET High Band 2 or an equivalent accepted by the university). If your route requires it, prepare a portfolio because the university may require portfolio submission and/or an interview.
Submit your application through the university’s international admissions process
Complete the application using Southern University College’s official application channels for international students. Upload the required documents in the format requested by the admissions process. Pay the stated application fee (if applicable through the international admissions process) before the deadline.
Attend interview and/or portfolio assessment (if required)
Southern University College may require an interview and/or portfolio submission for admission to this Diploma in Visual Art depending on your qualification route. Follow the instructions provided by the university after you submit your application. Make sure your portfolio materials reflect your visual art experience and are ready for assessment.
Complete offer and student pass-related steps
After your application is reviewed, the university will provide the next steps for accepted students. Follow the instructions for fee payment and any required processing linked to the student pass application. Keep all receipts and documents you submit during the admission and processing stages.