Expand your skill set and get a taste of uni life, with a short course from UC's Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD). From 3D Art to Landscape Architecture and UX/UI design, you'll have the opportunity to explore your interests while getting a glimpse into your future career as a creative professional.
Held during the school holidays over two or three days, our short courses provide hands-on learning opportunities inspired by our creative degrees. Get a sense of life at UC before you finish school. Learn from the best in the field and discover your passions here at the University of Canberra.
DiscoverFAD short courses offer a certificate upon completion, recognising students' attendance and participation. These courses focus on producing work worthy of a portfolio, which can be used to apply for your dream degree in a way that doesn't rely on your ATAR score. FAD's Portfolio Entry scheme emphasises practical experience and creativity over standardised tests, and is the perfect pathway for a range of aspiring designers, filmmakers, architects and storytellers.
Our short courses are a great way to get a glimpse into what your future career could look like, and understand your study pathways to get there.
Affordable prices from $0 to $79
$20 discount when you spend $80 or more per transaction
Great school holiday activity
Explore a study area that matches your passions
Submit your finished work into UC Creative Competition or Portfolio Entry
On campus
Free
10 - 12 July 2024
10 am - 2 pm
Interested in telling your story? This short course will allow students the opportunity to be mentored by Dr. Paul Collis and Ms Andi Stapp-Gaunt in the creation of works that reflect their engagement with Aboriginal ways of thinking, knowing, being and valuing.
The Story Ground for Secondary Students short course offers multiple sessions throughout the year.
On campus
$59
8 - 10 July 2024
1 pm - 4 pm
This short course will teach you how to create and sell 3D Voxel Asset Packs on a range of digital marketplaces. This will be achieved using a range of free software packages. This course doesn’t require previous knowledge in 3D.
On campus
$79
8 - 12 July 2024
9.30 am - 12.30 pm
You will undertake a series of creative exercises, each exploring an aspect of Landscape Architecture. At the completion you will have produced your own ideas on how to improve Petrie Plaza, a pedestrian mall located in Civic, ACT.
Online
$59
9, 10 & 12 July 2024
11 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 4 pm
Digital Interaction Design is the practice of designing interactive digital products, environments, systems, services and products for use by people. This short course will introduce you to one of the fastest growing digital design careers in the world.
On campus
$59
8 - 10 July 2024
10 am - 1 pm
This short course will introduce you to various aspects and skills of heritage and conservation that are integral to a career in the Galleries Museums, Archives and Libraries (GLAM) and heritage sectors through a series of hands-on activities and workshops.
On campus
$39
10 - 11 July 2024
1 pm - 4 pm
This short course will explore creative spatial design strategies in the built environment: architecture, interior architecture and landscape architecture. We will use a combination of hand drawing and physical modelling towards the realisation of a spatial proposition.
On campus
$59
15 - 17 July 2024
9.30 am - 12.30 pm
In this course, you will be introduced to the industrial design process, professional design tools and emergent technologies (robotic 3d printing) through a real-world product design project.
On campus
$39
15 & 18 July 2024
9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Learn the basic principles of multimedia journalism and produce reporting for The Owl. Tell engaging stories by conducting interviews and taking compelling photographs.
On campus
$39
17 - 18 July 2024
11.30 am - 2.30 pm
How does social and political change come about and what role can you play? In this course, you will learn about key drivers of conflict, change, and consensus building in contemporary climate change debates. Through investigation of the links between climate change, human rights and social inequalities, you will also deepen your knowledge of diverse cultural, political and theoretical perspectives.
On campus
$39
18 - 19 July 2024
9.30 am - 12.30 pm
In this project we will walk around the UC campus and identify spaces which we think need a little help. Following the steps of Visual Communication Design practice, we will develop a sign/signs for the spaces we have identified and fabricate them to display in their allocated spaces.
On campus
$39
18 - 19 July 2024
2 pm - 5 pm
This short course will provide an overview of the world of creativity and branding. You will gain insight into brands and how they are managed whilst developing your design thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
Visit the DiscoverFAD gallery to view images of finished work from previous courses.
Teachers and career advisors can also request a tailored workshop or information session for a whole class or school group. The Faculty of Arts and Design is always keen to grow partnerships with high schools and colleges, simply visit for schools website to see how we can help engage and inspire creativity in all students.
Whether you want to chase your dream career or pursue a lifelong passion, it’s all possible at UC. Choose from more than 200 courses across a diverse range of study areas.
Don’t let your ATAR define you. At UC, we know ATARs aren't everything. Thanks to Portfolio Entry, if you've got the will to get into university, we've got the way.
The UC Creative Competition celebrates the creativity of Year 11 and 12 students from across Australia.
Be the first to hear about our upcoming courses and news from the Faculty of Arts and Design.
Email us for more information about DiscoverFAD short courses for high school students.
Email us
