Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Overview
Fairfield, Prahran
Fairfield, Prahran
12 months full time / available part time
12 months
February
February
July intake is for select units only. Please contact the department for further information.
See the world through a different lens
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging CUA50915 is a qualification recognised as one of the best in the industry. This course will develop your photographic eye, teach you new photographic techniques and push the boundaries of your creative practice. Our course will refine your skills and teach you how to market yourself within this $1 billion industry.
Develop skills and knowledge to enter industry
The Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging CUA50915 refines skills in the photographic disciplines and covers image capture, advanced studio and location lighting, digital image enhancement, web design and advanced-level printing. You’ll learn from friendly industry professionals, who will guide and support throughout your studies. We provide a variety of opportunities for you to become involved in the photographic industry and within multidisciplinary collaboration with other students in Melbourne Polytechnic’s extensive creative arts network. Our reputation for excellence is acknowledged by industry. Melbourne Polytechnic photography students are frequently shortlisted and awarded honours, including the Australian Institute of Professional Photography Student Photographer of the Year and then National Photographic Portrait Prize.
Become a photographer in demand
Our Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging CUA50915 will provide you with sound technical and theoretical knowledge combined with practical skills in creative image-making. The qualification is applicable across a range of industries, and you may find work in a variety of fields such as advertising, wedding and portrait photography, editorial photography, professional image retouching, digital image operation, events and corporate photography, media and documentary photography or artistic and illustrative photography.
Career Pathways
Where will this take me
The knowledge and experience gained in the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging CUA50915 will provide opportunities to be self-employed, freelance or employed as a photographic assistant/technician or paraprofessional in commercial, advertising, fashion, food, wedding, portrait, digital imaging, editorial and press, sports, travel, stock library, illustrative, professional laboratory and scientific and technical photography- Assistant Photographer
- Portrait Photographer
- Wedding Photographer
- Digital Image Operation
Pathways
On successful completion of this course you may continue on to further studies to complete a higher degree in your specialist fieldCourse Details
Delivery methods
- Studio
- Face-to-face
- Blended delivery
- Classroom
Class Schedule
You can study as a full time student for 12 months, or part time options are available. Please contact us for further information.
Full time: 3.5 days per week
Part time: Please contact us for further information
The Diploma timetable requires students to attend both the Fairfield and Prahran campuses.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is by course work and folio presentation
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 |
| CUAACD512 | WORK WITH PHOTO MEDIA IN CREATIVE PRACTICE | Elective | 55 |
| CUADIG508 | REFINE DIGITAL ART TECHNIQUES | Elective | 80 |
| CUAIND402 | PROVIDE FREELANCE SERVICES | Elective | 30 |
| CUAIND502 | MAINTAIN AND APPLY CREATIVE ARTS INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE | Elective | 50 |
| CUAPHI501 | APPLY VISUAL COMMUNICATION THEORY TO PHOTO IMAGING PRACTICE | Core | 45 |
| CUAPHI502 | RESEARCH AND APPLY PHOTO IMAGING TRENDS | Core | 45 |
| CUAPHI503 | EXPLORE THE DESCRIPTIVE AND EMOTIVE NATURE OF PHOTO LIGHTING | Elective | 45 |
| CUAPHI505 | PRODUCE COMMERCIAL PHOTO IMAGES | Elective | 50 |
| CUAPHI506 | PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT SERVICES | Elective | 50 |
| CUAPHI507 | PRODUCE MEDIA PHOTO IMAGES | Elective | 50 |
| CUAPHI511 | MAKE ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO IMAGES FOR PUBLICATION AND DISPLAY | Elective | 45 |
| CUAPHI513 | EMPLOY COLOUR MANAGEMENT IN A DIGITAL IMAGING WORKPLACE | Core | 45 |
| CUAPHI514 | PREPARE DIGITAL IMAGES FOR PRE-PRESS PROCESSING | Elective | 45 |
| CUAPPR304 | PARTICIPATE IN COLLABORATIVE CREATIVE PROJECTS | Elective | 50 |
| CUAPPR501 | REALISE A BODY OF CREATIVE WORK | Elective | 80 |
| CUAPPR502 | DEVELOP OWN SUSTAINABLE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE | Elective | 35 |
| CUAPPR606 | EXTEND EXPERTISE IN A SPECIALISED ART FORM TO PROFESSIONAL LEVEL | Elective | 80 |
Fees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $10000 | $13100 |
| Materials fee | $0 | $0 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $10250 | $13350 |
| Per year | $18000 |
| Per semester | $9000 |
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.
Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
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 2021. 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.
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 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 be required to purchase specialist equipment/materials and printing paper as needed throughout the duration of the course
Book an interview
Requirements
- CUA41115 Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging, or demonstrated equivalent skills and knowledge
- apply through VTAC or direct to Melbourne Polytechnic
- all applicants selected by interview/folio presentation
Academic: Australian Year 12 equivalency
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 photography.*
*Applicants seeking entry into the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging are required to present a folio, which should demonstrate the use of a range of materials and techniques. Interview.
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 from the Apply Now page.
You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
You will be asked to attend an interview to ensure that this is the right course for you.
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 our Skills and Job Centre, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them 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.
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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