Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
Overview
Take pictures that make an impact with The Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging. Whether you want to work as a commercial, portrait, wedding or fashion photographer, this course can help you launch your career. Learn technical skills that focus on image capture, photo enhancements and studio lighting techniques. Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), this course is taught by practicing photographers.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training
My preference is success
Want to maximise your VTAC offers? Discover how to get more for your ATAR with Change of Preference tips and tools.
Skills you’ll learn
- Technical skills
- Conceptual knowledge
- Industry knowledge
- Design principles
- Providing solutions to briefs
Your career opportunities
- Photographer’s assistant
- Photo retail assistant
- Compositor
- Digital retoucher
- Freelance photographer
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.
Admissions
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history, with a minimum Year 11 completion (or equivalent). Some additional criteria may also apply.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
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).
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 bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Technical requirements
Students will also require a computer and access to the internet for facilitation of online classes including video and audio requirements.
Online digital units require students to download and use the Swinburne supported software such as the Adobe Creative Suite.
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).
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 bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
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 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.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study 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.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate IV in Design
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Certificate IV in Screen and Media
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Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
Course structure
The Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging is a 1-year program delivered over two semesters. Classes are scheduled 18-25 hours per week including partially online units. Additional study hours outside of classes are also required to prepare and complete tasks. Classes are delivered as face-to-face practical workshops, individual guided projects, tutorials and online activities.
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Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Develop and apply photo imaging industry knowledge
Core unit |
CUAPHI311 |
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Process photo images
Core unit |
CUAPHI313 |
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Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
Core unit |
CUAPHI403 |
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Capture images in response to a brief
Core unit |
CUAPHI411 |
|
Apply photo imaging lighting techniques
Core unit |
CUAPHI412 |
|
Store and maintain finished creative work
Core unit |
CUAPPR403 |
|
Apply work health and safety practices
Core unit |
CUAWHS312 |
| Elective units | |
|
Shoot different screen content
Elective unit |
CUACAM411 |
|
Explore the use of colour
Elective unit |
CUADES301 |
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Interpret and respond to a design brief
Elective unit, 30.0 credit points |
CUADES412 |
|
Install and dismantle exhibition elements
Elective unit |
CUAEVP413 |
|
Capture photographic images
Elective unit |
CUAPHI312 |
|
Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work
Elective unit |
CUAPPR415 |
|
Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
Elective unit |
CUARES403 |
2024 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$13,260
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$5,680
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
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 Financials
- 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.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2023 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 30 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.