Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

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National code: CUA50920 Diploma (TAFE) Send me a link to this course

Creating an image that’s striking, memorable and technically proficient to support client requirements is challenging. But you can meet the challenge confidently with a Swinburne Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging under your belt.

This diploma offers creative thinkers solid foundations for a career in photography. Taught by leading industry professionals, you’ll explore the conceptual elements of visual communication alongside vital technical skills. As well as advanced techniques in commercial studio lighting, drone photography and digital compositing, you’ll build your abilities across a range of practical skills, including:

Commercial photography
Advertising photography
Portraiture
Conceptual photography
Post-production
Advanced digital skills
Colour management
Business management

Swinburne is the first university in Australia to be an Adobe Creative Campus, and you’ll enjoy free access to Adobe Creative Cloud software on all of your devices.

In addition, the course is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and provides you with the credentials to seek membership.

Exploit imaging trends. Develop your own portfolio and website. Establish networks. And produce beautiful, impactful images. Swinburne offers what you need to begin the career you always pictured.

The course will not be offered in 2023. The information on this page is for current students. The next available intake is 2024. To discuss your study options contact us.

Duration

1 year full-time or equivalent part-time

Study mode

Full-time

VTAC course code

3400271264 (fee type determined by provider)

This course allows you to pathway to another qualification.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Student work

Di
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Jaiden
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Sharon
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Alexandria
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Sahaf
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Paige
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Melbourne city as seen from above,
Daniel
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Punk fashion,
Josh
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Alice in her living room,
Sylvia
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Mallory
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Dancing in the moonlight by Kade
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Contentment by Mia
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Tommy in collaboration with artist Trash Carter,
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging

Course information in detail

- Course detail, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging provides students with foundations in visual communication combined with the technical skills necessary to pursue a career in photography. The course covers advanced commercial studio lighting, drone photography, digital compositing, business and webs skills.

Students learn practical photography skills including commercial, advertising, portraiture, conceptual photography, post-production, advanced digital skills and colour management. These practical skills and knowledge are supported by business management principles that prepare graduates to run a photography business.

Our Diploma course is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and is delivered to our students by current industry practicing photographers.

Our teachers are leading industry professionals who are passionate about equipping future practitioners with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the creative industries.

Swinburne is the first university in Australia to be an Adobe Creative Campus. Swinburne students have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud software on their study and personal devices.

Course structure

The Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging is a 1-year program delivered over two semesters. Classes are scheduled up to 23 hours 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.

Technical Requirements:

It is expected that:

students own their own SLR or mirrorless camera and have some different lenses (at least a 50mm lens recommended to begin with)

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.

Units of study

To attain the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging, students are required to complete the 17 units listed below.

Core

Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace (CUAPHI523)

Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice (CUAPHI531)

Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies (CUAPHI532)

Explore and apply photo lighting techniques (CUAPHI533)

Electives

Undertake project work (BSBPMG430)

Work with the human form in creative practice (CUAACD535)

Produce innovative digital images (CUADIG415)

Refine digital art techniques (CUADIG518)

Provide freelance services (CUAIND412)

Capture images using drone technology (CUAPHI316)

Produce technical photo images (CUAPHI520)

Make illustrative photo images for publication and display (CUAPHI521)

Prepare digital images for pre-press processing (CUAPHI524)

Employ specialised imaging technologies (CUAPHI534)

Produce commercial photo images (CUAPHI535)

Present a body of own creative work (CUAPPR513)

Build and launch a small business website (SITXEBS003)

Careers and graduate outcomes

- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.

Career opportunities

Upon completion, students will be able to work in a range of industry contexts, including commercial, domestic portrait, media, wedding, illustrative, institutional and art photography. The qualification also prepares students for learning at higher levels, including degree qualifications in photo imaging practice.

Aims and objectives

Students will develop an understanding of visual communication and be able to:

exploit imaging trends
understand colour management in digital imaging
develop their own website
identify marketing opportunities
establish networks
work on a freelance basis
explore photo lighting
produce images for commercial, media, wedding, artistic, technical and illustrative images for publication and display.

Graduate skills

Students who complete this course will have the skills to:

interpret photo imaging assignment briefs from a range of clients
consult with clients to refine objectives of photo imaging assignments
select appropriate technologies and workflows to capture images
work from a studio or in a range of locations
employ aesthetic, conceptual, compositional and technical skills to produce images.

Pathways and scholarships

- Pathways.

Pathways

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides advanced standing to the second.

Successful completion of Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging allows you to progress to this course	Maximum amount of credit available
Bachelor of Design	8 units

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.

Learn more about pathways.

Course fees and requirements

- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.

Course fees

A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.

The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $11,191. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging Estimated course fees for 2023*
*You will need to pay this amount if you do not* receive a VET Student Loan**	$16,240	$11,110	This course is not eligible for Free TAFE
You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan	$5,049	Fully Covered	This course is not eligible for Free TAFE

Estimated course fees for 2023*

For students who are not granted a Skills First government-subsidised place

For students who are granted a Skills First government-subsidised place

Is this a Free TAFE course?

You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan

$16,240

$11,110

This course is not eligible for Free TAFE

You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan

$5,049

Fully Covered

This course is not eligible for Free TAFE

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.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth 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.

Concession rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

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.

Find out if you’re eligible for a fee concession here.

Full course fee
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.

Indicative nominal course hours: 1,100.

Entry requirements

Applicants must produce a folio of digital imaging work that demonstrates the application of technical skills and knowledge equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 or above (Certificate IV in Photography & Digital Imaging or equivalent)

being able to operate a digital SLR in manual mode, understanding how shutter speed and aperture can be used creatively, and how they affect image quality.
understanding lighting concepts and formal lighting styles such as short lighting, Rembrandt, butterfly lighting, etc.
understanding white balance.
the ability to creatively make images in response to a range of briefs.
a basic understanding of design concepts in photography, such as composition, tone and colour.

Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience or formal study.

It is expected that students have their own access to an SLR or mirrorless camera and have some interchangeable lenses (at least a 50mm lens recommended to begin with).