The higher education diploma year focuses on the development of manual and technological skills, design thinking, problem-defining and solving. On successful completion of the diploma, students progress into the Griffith University bachelor with credit. During the bachelor, students learn methods with deep roots in the history of visual arts and experiment with radical and speculative approaches unimaginable to previous generations of artists. Through a comprehensive blend of theory-based and studio-based learning experiences, students develop studio skills and research methods that are foundational to a professional art practice or further research studies. Students also develop an understanding of the artists role in contemporary society, becoming equipped for a wide array of careers in the fields of fine art and visual arts. In year two and three, students focus on their major studio area, while developing a wide range of skills, concepts and experiences. Refer to separate entries for Griffith College’s Diploma of Design and Griffith University’s Bachelor of Visual Arts.