Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing)

Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing) - CUA60620

VOCATIONAL

Want to forge a career in the screen and media industries?

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$24,000 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing) is delivered as part of a sequence, beginning with the Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation).

Upon satisfactory completion of the diploma you will be eligible to progress to the advanced diploma.

This advanced diploma gives you the broad base necessary to move ahead in the art, design, screen and media industries. RMIT is renowned as Australia's leader in screen, interactive and new media education. We'll provide you with a creative and supportive environment of artistic and intellectual investigation with great opportunities to forge industry connections.

When I told people in the industry that I had studied at RMIT, they knew that meant I had practical experience.
Portrait of Aaron Farrugia, Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media Aaron Farrugia, Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning in this advanced diploma is through a combination of:

  • classes
  • screenings
  • computer lab
  • location and studio-based exercises and productions.

You'll have access to professional equipment and facilities and be encouraged to develop and produce innovative screen content to industry standard.

Although you'll be working in a group and collaborative environment, you will be individually assessed for each of your productions. You will be taught by industry experts that have both the professional experience and ability to share their knowledge and skills.

Many field trips take place to film on location. 

You will be assessed on folio content as well as demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge. Some assessments will be group-focused, but most projects will be individually conducted and assessed.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

Screen and Media staff are active in the industry and hold strong connections with multi-disciplinary production organisations and communities.

With the VICSCREEN strategy outlining record investment in the industry, a vision of establishing Victoria as a world-class screen centre, growing jobs, and fostering homegrown talent, there has never been a better time to get involved.

You'll be encouraged to undertake part-time, casual or volunteer work in the screen and media industries to develop your knowledge, apply your skills and acquire workplace experience.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this qualification and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You'll be admitted into the Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation) and upon successful completion, you'll apply to commence the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing), completing the 2 programs over 2 years full-time.

The Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing) will develop the essential skills and knowledge you'll require for key areas such as:

  • directing
  • concept development
  • storytelling
  • screenwriting
  • pre-production
  • production
  • post-production.
  • production management.        

Throughout your studies, we'll emphasise the importance of industry knowledge, collaboration, team building and professionalism.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing)
Program code: C6172
National curriculum code: CUA60620
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing)
City Campus
1 Year, full-time
C6172
107884C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 Year, full-time
Plan code
C6172
CRICOS
107884C
View plan
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing)
City Campus
1 Year, full-time
C6172
107884C
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 Year, full-time
Plan code
C6172
CRICOS
107884C
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Our graduates enter the industry as freelance professionals in a variety of production roles. Many have also found career-building positions in Australian network television.

Australian and international graduates are also actively working in media industries in Europe, USA and Asia.

Television content is in demand due to the growth in television channels, which has seen the rise of new job roles and opportunities within the industry as well as the increased funding of projects and facilities.

Industry professionals regularly turn to RMIT students and graduates to fill roles in all aspects of TV and film production.

Careers you may pursue after completing this qualification include:

  • director
  • cinematographer
  • camera operator 
  • camera assistant
  • editor
  • special effects specialist, designer, operator
  • content producer
  • assistant director
  • scriptwriter
  • freelancer
  • production manager
  • location manager
  • focus puller
  • gaffer assistant 
  • grip assistant 
  • location sound recordist
  • data wrangler
  • 2nd unit camera
  • editing assistant 
  • colourist
  • VFX Assistant (both practical and digital)
  • continuity.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation) or equivalent.
OR
Minimum of 2 years industry experience equivalent to the Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation).

Applicants applying via industry experience must present a supporting folio and CV that demonstrates well-developed conceptual and practical skills and knowledge in preproduction, production, and post-production. This is to include experience with directing, production management, audio recording, camera operation, script writing, editing and visual effects. 

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed the RMIT Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation) or an equivalent qualification.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Successful completion of the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing) guarantees entry into the Bachelor of Business with 96 credit points exemption.

Upon successful completion of the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing) you may be eligible for entry and credit into one of the following programs:

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You are guaranteed entry to the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing) when you successfully complete the Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation).

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry to the following programs when you complete the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Directing):

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$10,750* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$17,250* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$24,000.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information