Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours)
85.0
Overview
Gain the essential creative skills and technical knowledge to make high-quality cinema, television, and digital media productions. You'll use state-of-the-art workstations, a purpose-built green screen room, high-end cameras, and more. You could also opt for an International Study Tour to attend the Berlinale Film Festival in Germany or go on a creative residence in Italy. This is an ARRI Certified Film School Accreditation Program.
Swinburne Open Day 2026
Stop by our Hawthorn campus on Sunday 26 July for Open Day – the stop where everything starts. Got everything you need? Apply for midyear now and get on your way in Semester 2.
Your industry experience
Bolster your CV with real industry experience while you study with Work Integrated Learning programs, guaranteed in all our bachelor degrees. In Major Project: Production (FTV40010) and Major Project: Post-Production and Distribution (FTV40011), you'll produce a film in consultation with industry that replicates real-world film production.
Skills you’ll learn
- Directing
- Producing
- Cinematography
- Editing and post-production
- Sound design
- Screen storytelling and scriptwriting
Your career opportunities
- Screenwriter
- Director
- Cinematographer
- Editor
- Producer
- Post-production manager
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Student experience
Marli shares her story of being nominated for an award at a short film festival during her first year of study. After this success, she travelled to Antarctica with National Geographic and Air New Zealand.
We'll provide you with real-world support at Swinburne.
Related courses
-
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television
-
Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television
-
Bachelor of Media and Communication
-
Bachelor of Design
Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
- Applicants without a formal qualification may be considered for entry if they have significant and relevant work experience and/or upon completion of the STAT test.
ATAR Minimum Entry Score
85.0
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 [after adjustment factors]
81.05
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject adjustments, equity schemes or other factors.
Subject adjustments:
- A study score of 25 in Art Creative Practice, Drama, Literature, Media, Creative and Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Art Making and Exhibiting, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 15 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
- VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Informed Choices
Informed Choices is how Swinburne supports you through course selection, navigating university experiences and accessing the right support services at the right times, along with ensuring you can successfully complete your course, and are equipped with the information you need to make the right career decision for you.
Informed Choices covers five areas of course requirements and capability:
Sensory
Mobility and movement
Legal, duty of care and professional
Learning and knowledge creation; and
Interpersonal.
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Sight
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will use and interpret visual information, including colour and/or facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Operating camera equipment
Checking visual composition and colour grading
Determining lighting assessments for quality and direction of contrast, shadows, hues and white balance
Performing safety assessments to mitigate physical hazards, including equipment cabling, rigging, sandbags, power supplies and weather conditions.
Sound
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will use hearing to respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Editing and mixing soundtracks to adjust for volume, tone and spatial placement
Comparing audio levels for loudness and determining compression range.
Touch
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will use touch to feel tactile differences and changes in objects, assess physical conditions, and respond to discomfort or danger, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Setting up and managing props to ensure safety is maintained.
Adaptable components
Use of the following senses are required as part of this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Smell | Distinguish the differences and changes in smell for identifying odours, detecting hazards (like smoke or gas), and enhancing taste, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. |
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Endurance
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will develop and use endurance to sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Filming in fast‑paced shoots with repeated takes and responding to frequent changes, direction, technical issues, crew and conditions in time-sensitive production settings
This course is groupwork intensive, with students performing rotating, varying and multiple roles to produce and direct assessments.
Stamina
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will develop and use stamina to perform short-term, high intensity physical tasks while maintaining control and energy.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Filming sequences that require repeated set‑ups, movement of equipment, and rapid transitions between tasks under time pressure to complete shoots.
This course is groupwork intensive, with students performing rotating, varying and multiple roles to produce and direct assessments.
Dexterity
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as:
Operating a camera during filming, making precise focus and framing adjustments in real time
Attaching and positioning microphones, and handling small cables and clips without disrupting recording
Adjusting lighting on set, and angling and securing equipment accurately and safely
Assembling and connecting equipment and handling small components quickly and correctly.
These activities involve coordinated hand movements and precise control of equipment in time-sensitive production settings.
Adaptable components
Activities in this course where the use of the following forms of mobility and movement are required can likely be supported with reasonable adjustments.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Strength | Lift, move, or hold objects safely using physical effort. |
| Steadiness | Maintain balance, control, and stable movement while standing, walking, or performing physical tasks. |
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Professional reflection
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will develop skills to review their learning and performance and identify areas for improvement.
Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Providing feedback to peers and reflecting on their feedback to you.
Adaptable components
Activities in this course where the following behaviours are required can likely be supported with reasonable adjustments.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Codes of conduct | Follow professional rules, standards, and ethical guidelines provided by professional association(s). |
| Duty of care | Act in ways that support personal safety and the safety of others. |
| Cultural sensitivity (including equity awareness) | Respect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives by acting in inclusive, fair, and nonjudgemental ways. |
| Engage effectively | Interact with others honestly, respectfully, and responsibly to build trust and professional relationships. |
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Digital literacy
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will develop skills to use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge.
Some activities are core to practice or research integrity and the production of valid scholarly work. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Operating digital cameras and software applications for editing, post-production and sound design.
Some industry-standard tools and software may have limited compatibility with assistive technology or alternative formats.
Adaptable components
Activities in this course where the use of the following learning and knowledge creation abilities are required can likely be supported with reasonable adjustments.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cognition | Apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time. |
| Understand and apply information | Interpret and use information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge. |
| Critical thinking and analysis | Analyse and evaluate information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions. |
Required components
Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.
The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course.
Verbal Communication
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will use spoken language to express ideas clearly, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback.
Some activities are core to research integrity and the production of valid practice or scholarly work. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Presenting, discussing and pitching creative screen work, and communicating ideas, progress and outcomes to others within set timeframes
Responding to feedback in collaborative environments.
This model replicates the requirements of industry practice to work within time-bound production contexts.
Written Communication
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will develop and use written communication skills to express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting.
Some activities are core to research integrity and the production of valid practice or scholarly work. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Writing a thesis
Producing scholarly writing content
Preparing written production briefs and documentation within set timeframes
Outlining concepts, plans and requirements for collaborators, stakeholders or industry audiences within set timeframes.
This model replicates the requirements of industry practice to work within time-bound production contexts.
Collaboration and teamwork
Students in the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) will develop and use skills in working with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics.
Some activities are core to research integrity and the production of valid practice or scholarly work. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustment in activities such as:
Determining production roles as a peer process of working together to acknowledge and pitch ideas to reach a consensus.
This model replicates the requirements of industry practice to work within time-bound production contexts.
Adaptable components
Activities in this course where the use of the following interpersonal abilities are required can likely be supported with reasonable adjustments.
| Component | Definition |
|---|---|
| Social cues | Notice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations. |
| Numeracy | Use numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations. |
| Conflict resolution | Address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes. |
| Emotional regulation | Take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication. |
| Adaptability | Respond to changes by adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. |
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
-
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television
1 year full-time, 16 units max credit
Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
What your course could look like
This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2026 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Scriptwriting and Directing: Short Narrative Film
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10004 |
|
Production Techniques
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10008 |
|
Postproduction and Editing
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10007 |
|
Screen Literacy and Contemporary Cinema
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10003 |
| Semester 2 | |
|
Music Video Production
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10010 |
|
Production Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10002 |
|
Genre and the Moving Image
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10006 |
|
Sound Design and Acquisition
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV10005 |
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Scriptwriting and Directing: Short Film Production
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV20011 |
|
Cinematography and Lighting: Film Production
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV20002 |
|
The Australian Screen
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV20005 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Scriptwriting and Directing: Non-Fiction Production
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV20010 |
|
Cinematography and Lighting: Broadcast Video
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV20004 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Professional placement - Major (12 months) | |
|
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Film and Television
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
FTV20018 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Film and Television
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
FTV20019 |
| or | |
| Professional placement - Minor (6 months) | |
|
Work Experience in Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Film and Television
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
FTV20018 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Major Project: Screen Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV30014 |
|
Hollywood Cinema
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV30005 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Major Project: Directing and Collaborative Screen Development
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV30013 |
|
Film and Television Research Project: Development
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV30004 |
|
Short Form Screen Production (Music Video and TVC)
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV30007 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Major Project: Production
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
FTV40010 |
|
Movies and Research Methods
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV40005 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Major Project: Post-Production and Distribution
Major unit, 25.0 credit points |
FTV40011 |
|
Screen Research and Writing
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
FTV40003 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$17,399.00
Total fee* ($AUD)
$69,596.00
2026 tuition fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$45,510.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2026.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$373.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
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"I studied film because a powerful storyline in a film or TV show can make someone fall for something so completely that they would dedicate their life to it. I wanted to be a part of this. My favourite parts of the course have been meeting new people who share a passion for film and filmmaking and working with the professional equipment."
James , Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours)
