Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1 year -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
Entry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 1 year
Location
Melbourne City
Overview
This program is delivered as part of a sequence, beginning with the Diploma of Screen and Media or the Diploma of Digital Media Technologies.
Upon satisfactory completion of the Diploma you will progress to the Advanced Diploma.
You may be eligible to begin your studies at the Advanced Diploma level if you already hold a Diploma in Screen and Media or have the relevant knowledge and skills. You must still apply for the Diploma, and will then be assessed for entry into the Advanced Diploma.
To apply for this program sequence, visit either the Diploma of Screen and Media or the Diploma of Digital Media Technologies program pages.
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.
Many graduates and staff of this program have exhibited in festivals and conferences locally and internationally including Flickerfest - international short film festival, Sundance Film Festival, Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the Australian Centre of the Moving Image (ACMI).
This course has 2 specialist streams:
- Interactive (you must complete the Diploma of Digital Media Technologies to enter this stream)
- Screen (you must complete the Diploma of Screen and Media to enter this stream).
Details
Interactive Digital Media (IDM)
Learning is conducted in the following types of environments:
- computer labs - practical classes held in labs that contain industry-standard hardware and software including the Adobe creative suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Flash, Dreamweaver), Autodesk Maya, Final Cut Studio.
- auditoriums - guest speakers and graduates are invited to share their experiences and provide students with valuable industry information.
- production studio - group projects are undertaken to reflect a professional studio production experience.
- drop in studios - students can access staff and resources in an informal studio environment.
- online classes - students work on various production and research projects, collaborating in a flexible online environment.
In addition to computer labs, students have access to cutting-edge production equipment including HD video and professional audio and imaging equipment.
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.
Screen
Learning is via 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. A study tour to Cambodia is also offered for students interested in taking on overseas production projects.
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.
All programs are delivered in English.
You can access online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
In addition to computer labs, students have access to industry standard production equipment including HD video and professional audio and imaging equipment.
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.
Interactive Digital Media (IDM)
This program has many valuable industry connections with leading companies including, among others:
- Y&R brands
- Wunderman
- Iloura
- 2 Bulls
- Visual Jazz.
Opportunities to work in industry during the program include a limited number of internships per semester and on project briefs devised by our industry partners.
Screen
We have very close relationships with Network 10 where many of our graduates are currently employed. We also have strong connections with special events companies, golf tournaments, football matches and the Australian Grand Prix.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Interactive Digital Media (IDM)
The concept development, media production and management skills learnt in the Advanced Diploma are internationally recognised and will prepare students for work in Australia and overseas. The program has a proud history of educating local and international students and continues to develop opportunities for student exchange, international study and employment.
Screen
The study tour to Cambodia was an exciting opportunity for students to gain international experience in a unique culture and environment. In 2012, the group produced 3 films over a 2-week period throughout Cambodia and found this to be an invaluable experience both personally and professionally.
The skills learnt in the course are of an international level which will enable you to seek employment in both Australia and overseas.
You will be encouraged to enter your productions into local and international film festivals in order to gain exposure while studying and upon graduation.
You'll be admitted into the entry level in the training package (i.e. the Diploma of Interactive Digital Media or the Diploma of Screen and Media) and upon successful completion of either of these qualifications, you'll apply to commence the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - either in the Interactive stream or the Screen stream.
Year 12 applicants typically apply for 1 of the Diplomas and complete the suite of 2 programs over 2 years full-time.
Interactive Digital Media (IDM)
The Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (IDM) is focused on the design, production and management of:
- animation
- games
- broadcast graphics
- web development
- app development.
Student projects incorporate advanced visualisation, animation, web and interactive design. You will be taught to work independently and be prepared for entry into the interactive and media design industries, or to continue further studies.
You'll focus on the following key areas:
- concept development
- independent production
- advanced animation and visualisation
- games, app, web and interactive development
- compositing and visual effects production
- sound design.
Screen
The Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Screen) will develop the essential skills and knowledge you'll require for key areas such as:
- concept development
- storytelling
- pre-production
- production
- post-production.
Throughout your studies, we'll emphasise the importance of industry knowledge, collaboration, team building and professionalism.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: C6151
National curriculum code: CUA60615
Career
Interactive Digital Media (IDM)
Developments in technology such as apps and the internet are increasing the interactive design field, and have created a new way for consumers to find information and interact with their selected networks.
Our graduates are multi-skilled and broadly capable, greatly increasing their employment opportunities. Many games projects are being funded by government which has developed as a strong support to the industry.
While many graduates work for media production companies, others start successful freelance practices through industry networks created during their studies.
Careers
- user experience (UX) designer
- user interface (UI) designer
- app developer
- app designer
- interface designer
- graphic designer
- motion graphic designer
- web designer
- front end developer
- 2D animation designer
- 3D animation designer
- 3D modeller
- 3D character rigger
- visual effects designer
- compositor
- animator
- producer
- production manager
- design director
- art director
- editor
- digital media producer
- digital media editor
Screen
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
- cinematographer
- camera assistant
- editor
- special effects specialist, designer, operator
- TV graphics designer
- content producer
- assistant director
- scriptwriter
- freelancer
Admissions
Interactive plan
- Successful completion of the Diploma of Screen and Media (Interactive Media) (no longer offered), or the Diploma of Digital Media Technologies, or equivalent.
Screen plan
- Successful completion of the Diploma of Screen and Media, or equivalent.
Entry requirements
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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 530 (TWE 3.5)
- 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)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 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 Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media can continue their studies in the following programs:
- Bachelor of Design (Games) - Interactive plan graduates
- Bachelor of Communication (Media) - both plans
- Bachelor of Design (Digital Media) - both plans.
When you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media, you are guaranteed entry to the following RMIT programs. The stream you complete and grades you achieve determine the programs you can get into and the amount of credit you will receive.
Screen:
You are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Communication (Media) with two semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points).
Interactive Digital Media:
You are guaranteed entry into the following programs with three semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 144 credit points):
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.
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’*.
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. Learn more about fees for vocational study.
VET Student Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme (VSL), 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 VSL 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 Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt. You will start repaying your accumulated HELP 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.
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
Vet Student Loan cap
If your program is eligible for the VSL 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.
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 2019 is $303.
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.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.



