Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging
Want to craft memorable images that can change a point of view? Or maybe you just want to see if a career in photography is for you? Either way, start with our Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) endorsed Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging.
Learn from practising industry professionals who’ll keep you current with industry trends. Learn through cross-disciplinary projects.
Gain a broad range of technical skills in digital photography, including composition, lighting, image capture, enhancements, manipulation and output. You’ll cover all the nitty-gritty like apertures, shutter speeds and ISO settings, lenses, and digital imaging and handling. Develop theoretical and historical knowledge of photography to inform fresh responses to client briefs. Plus, get the critical thinking and business skills that will help set you up for success.
How you want to frame your photography career is up to you – you could work for a studio, freelance or set up your own business. You could take portraits of four-legged furry friends or make mouths water as a food photographer. Pinball around the globe as a travel or documentary photographer, or capture all the emotions as a wedding photographer. Whether it’s advertising, editorial or portrait photography that gets you most excited, know this – every day will be different, and you’ll always find a story waiting to be told.
Duration
1 year full-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (March) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time
VTAC course code
- 3400271264
Hawthorn (fee type determined by provider)
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Study this course for low-fee or free in 2021
You could have some or all your tuition fees covered in 2021 thanks to government initiative JobTrainer.
JobTrainer is available if you are 17-24 years or a job seeker of any age, impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you don't tick those boxes, you could still have a chance! There are other factors, too.
The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging is designed to provide graduates with a broad range of technical skills in photo imaging, including lighting, image capture, enhancements, manipulation and output. Students learn technical, theoretical and historical knowledge of photography and the ability to develop concepts and solutions in response to a brief.
The Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging is an entry point for the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging. Applicants with the Certificate IV or other relevant qualification and/or work experience may be enrolled directly in the Diploma.
Course structure
Students are required to complete the 15 units of study listed below. Classes will be face-to-face practical workshops, individual guided projects, tutorials and online activities.
Units of study
Core units
Interpret and respond to a design brief (BSBDES402)
Contribute to health and safety of self and others (BSBWHS201)
Integrate colour theory and design processes (CUAACD401)
Develop and apply photo imaging industry knowledge (CUAPHI301)
Process photo images to work-print and file stage (CUAPHI303)
Capture images in response to a brief (CUAPHI401)
Apply photo imaging lighting techniques (CUAPHI402)
Enhance, manipulate and output photo images (CUAPHI403)
Store and maintain finished creative work (CUAPPR403)
Research history and theory to inform own arts practice (CUARES403)
Elective units
Collaborate in creative process (BSBCRT402)
Explore the use of colour (BSBDES301)
Shoot a wide range of screen content (CUACAM401)
Plan a career in the creative arts industry (CUAIND304)
Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work (CUAPPR405)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Graduates may work in a range of industry contexts, including retail, and as a photographer's assistant in commercial, domestic portrait, media, wedding, illustrative, institutional and art photography.
Aims and objectives
Students will develop their technical skills and be able to:
- develop concepts and solutions in response to a brief
- understand and use camera functions creatively
- understand and use lighting equipment
- enhance, manipulate and output digital images
- understand and use colour and design principles
- develop their understanding of the historical context that photographers work in
Graduate skills
Graduates will be expected to have the skills to:
- use a range of camera and lighting equipment
- provide solutions to briefs
- understand and apply basic design principles relevant to photography
- understand the commercial context of the photography industry
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Student success
HOW RACHEL LANDED HER PHOTO ON THE COVER OF A NEW YORK MAGAZINE
Rachel Canale made a name for herself in the photography world when a photo she took for a uni assignment made the cover of New York’s PROMO Magazine (pictured).
“Once I saw the outcome I knew I had to submit the images to a magazine, they were the best I had done before and they were unique,” says Rachel.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Certificate IV in Photography and Photo ImagingEstimated course fees for 2021* |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate |
| Total Cost (GST Free) | $12,100 | $5,120 | $1,024 |
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 2021 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
This course is delivered with state government funding.
Skills First Government-subsidised place
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
Concession rates for vocational students
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Full course fee
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 860.
Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history. Some additional criteria may also apply.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059