This program is normally undertaken as two-years full-time, although part-time study is available in some workshops. A candidate qualifies for the diploma by completing courses in one discipline offered in Ceramics, Furniture, Glass, Gold & Silversmithing, Painting, Photomedia, Sculpture and Textiles to the total value of 96 units.

Entry into the Diploma of Art is based on ACT or NSW HSC equivalent and interview and portfolio. Once an application has been lodged through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), applicants are required to fill out a Request for Interview Form on the ANU website at http://www.anu.edu.au/sas/admission/Audition_Interview/. Interviews are held across three days during November. International applicants lodge an application directly with ANU and include their portfolio with their application.