Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging
Most of our courses are being taught remotely with an interactive and supportive learning environment, including assessments wherever possible.
Limited activity or training which cannot be delivered entirely remotely will be delivered on campus, with strict health and safety measures in place.
Overview
Fairfield
Fairfield
12 months full time / available part time
12 months full time / available part time
Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0. Interview.
February 2021
February 2021
July intake is for select units only. Please contact the department for further information.
Sharpen your focus on your photography career
Develop your photographic eye with a qualification recognised as one of the best in the industry. Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging will develop your technical skills, conceptual thinking, photographic eye and help you produce a sharp portfolio to get ahead and stay ahead. Photography in Australia is a $1 billion industry and is taking on more prominence in our visual landscape across social media. This course will develop your technical skills in a creative and supportive environment.
Enlarge your photographic skills
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging will teach you everything you need to know to take excellent photos, including image capture, studio and location lighting, DSLR video, darkroom, digital printing, image enhancement, styling and exhibition. Our facilities and resources are professional industry-standard so you can build a comprehensive folio. Melbourne Polytechnic has a strong industry reputation for excellence. We’re the three-time winner of the Institute of the Year Award in the AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards. Your teachers will have industry-experience, and you’ll prepare for the professional photographic industry through excursions, visiting speakers, industry-relevant projects and course exhibitions.
Develop a successful future
Upon successful completion of this course, you will have the skills to work as a studio assistant or assistant photographer. Potential employers include wedding or portrait studios, digital retouching agencies, print laboratories or photographic sale points. Students who successfully complete the Certificate IV will also have the opportunity to continue with further study and progress into our Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging.
Career Pathways
Where will this take me
Upon successful completion of this course, you will have the skills to work as a studio assistant or assistant photographer.- Photography Studio Assistant
- Wedding Photographer
- Portrait Photographer
- Assistant Photographer
- Photographic Retail Assistant
- Digital Retoucher
Pathways
Graduates may continue on to the CUA50915 Diploma of Photography and Photo ImagingNever Stop Learning
Register for content-packed seminars on remote learning, job-readiness, and how you can reskill in a time of crisis. Chart your career in conversation with our panel of teachers, students, alumni, and industry professionals.
Course Details
Delivery methods
- Studio
- Face-to-face
- Classroom
Class Schedule
Duration varies - speak with us to discuss a customised study plan and timetables
Assessment Methods
Assessment is by a combination of work-based projects and course-based assignments.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| BSBDES402 | INTERPRET AND RESPOND TO A DESIGN BRIEFING | Core | 20 |
| BSBDES403 | DEVELOP AND EXTEND DESIGN SKILLS AND PRACTICE | Core | 30 |
| BSBWHS201 | CONTRIBUTE TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF SELF AND OTHERS | Core | 20 |
| CUAACD401 | INTEGRATE COLOUR THEORY AND DESIGN PROCESSES | Core | 30 |
| CUACAM401 | SHOOT A WIDE RANGE OF SCREEN CONTENT | Core | 70 |
| CUADIG405 | PRODUCE INNOVATIVE DIGITAL IMAGES | Core | 50 |
| CUAIND401 | EXTEND EXPERTISE IN SPECIALIST CREATIVE FIELDS | Core | 45 |
| CUAPHI301 | DEVELOP AND APPLY PHOTO IMAGING INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE | Core | 15 |
| CUAPHI303 | PROCESS PHOTO IMAGES TO WORK-PRINT AND FILE STAGE | Core | 120 |
| CUAPHI401 | CAPTURE IMAGES IN RESPONSE TO A BRIEFING | Core | 150 |
| CUAPHI402 | APPLY PHOTO IMAGING LIGHTING TECHNIQUES | Core | 100 |
| CUAPHI403 | ENHANCE, MANIPULATE AND OUTPUT PHOTO IMAGES | Core | 80 |
| CUAPPR403 | STORE AND MAINTAIN FINISHED CREATIVE WORK | Core | 30 |
| CUARES403 | RESEARCH HISTORY AND THEORY TO INFORM OWN ARTS PRACTICE | Core | 70 |
| SIRRMER516 | STYLE MERCHANDISE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY | Core | 45 |
Recognition of Prior Learning
You can seek Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where your work experience or qualifications of an advanced and related nature have been undertaken. RPL is individually assessed based on evidence submitted by the student to the teaching department. Applications for RPL will be assessed by relevant Melbourne Polytechnic trainers, academics and where appropriate, industry experts.
Attend an Info Session
Fees & Costs
| Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $900 | $ 4500 | $9800 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $175 | $ 250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $1075 | $ 4750 | $10050 |
| Per year | $14400 |
| Per semester | $7200 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
To find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy we recommend you contact us help you find out.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2019. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Materials
Lists of required materials, books and timetables will be provided at course induction or class enrolment by the teaching department.Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Concession fees are charged at 20% of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
Additional expenses
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Amenities must be paid each academic year you are enrolled.
You will need your own Digital SLR Camera, lens and Portable Hard Drive (1TB) and will also be required to purchase specialist equipment/materials and printing paper as needed throughout the duration of the course
You will need your own Digital SLR Camera, lens and Portable Hard Drive (1TB) and will also be required to purchase specialist equipment/materials and printing paper as needed throughout the duration of the course
Book an interview
Requirements
- apply through VTAC or direct to Melbourne Polytechnic
- VCE applicants selected by ATAR or interview/folio presentation
- non-VCE applicants selected by interview/folio presentation
Academic: Successful completion of Australian Year 12 equivalent, a literacy and numeracy test required, folio and folio presentation.
English: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, Pearson PTE Academic 42 overall with no individual communicative skill below 36, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Other: Applicants are required to have a demonstrated interest in the photography field.
Next Steps
We're really excited for you to join the Melbourne Polytechnic community and we look forward to supporting you on your education journey.
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form. You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment. Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend of our Skills and Job Centres, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about TPPs here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 03 9269 8400 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
To enrol in this course you are asked to attend an interview and folio presentation with one of our Creative Arts staff to ensure that this is the right course for you.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call +61 3 9269 8400
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