Take the next step in your photography study and practice.
In the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging, you will have the opportunity to further develop your artistic practice and hone your creative skills.
Designed to build practical and highly transferrable skills across a range of industry contexts, including commercial, advertising, documentary, editorial, institutional and fine art photography, this qualification will teach you to:
As a graduate of this diploma, you will have a sound theoretical and practical knowledge base, and the skills to use a range of specialised and technical skill sets, execute and evaluate photography services.
Undertake 40+ hours of industry-based work experience in a commercial/creative field of choice.
Learn to use industry-standard software and follow professional practices.
Collate samples of your photography and video work, proof sheets and visual design layouts.
Your learning in this diploma will include both supervised and self-directed learning activities, including face-to-face classes and tutorials, lectures, teacher-led discussions, and online activities.
You will learn using industry standard software and follow professional practices to ensure that as a graduate you are industry-ready.
Your assessment may include individual or group presentations, reports, industry-relevant and collaborative projects, and self-assessment. You may also produce a folio, using samples of specific photography and video work and work-in-progress on major projects such as 2D photo works, proof sheets, visual design layouts.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
Your teachers in this diploma are practicing photographic professionals with extensive industry experience, which will enrich your learning.
RMIT's photography discipline has close links with industry and gives students opportunity to work in a variety of environments including marketing, community-based projects and exhibitions.
The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) nominated subject for this diploma is CUAPPR512 Develop sustainability of own professional practice. In this subject, you will take on a prescribed brief and opportunity to obtain 40+ hours of industry-based work experience in a commercial/creative field of choice.
If you are working, particularly in a job that is related to your studies, you will also be learning while at work and may have the opportunity to be assessed in your workplace for some or all of your subjects.
The Industry Advisory Committee, a group of industry professionals reflecting diverse aspects of photography, provide input and guidance to the development and delivery of this diploma. Subjects within this diploma are taught by people with extensive industry experience and background.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
To graduate from this diploma, you must undertake and successfully complete 17 subjects, which include 4 core subjects and 13 electives.
These subjects will cover a range of topics and competencies, including:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
As a graduate of this diploma, you will have the skills to pursue a career in a range of industries.
You may work as a freelance photographer in commercial, advertising, editorial, fashion, food, wedding, portrait, sports, travel, stock library, illustrative, and scientific and technical photography. You can also start a career as a photographic assistant or technician in any of these fields, or in professional image retouching, digital image operation, events and corporate photography, or media and documentary photography.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.
All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.
All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this course, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The Semester 2 intake for this course is only open to current or previous RMIT pathway students who have successfully completed, or are due to complete, at least one of the following RMIT qualifications:
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed the RMIT Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging or an equivalent qualification.
You may also be considered if you have an industry experience equivalent to a Certificate IV in photography and photo imaging, visual arts, or design.
Note: Applicants applying via industry experience must present a supporting folio that demonstrates a variety of lighting and digital post-production techniques.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 548KB) along with your application.
Please note: Pre-selection kit is only required for applicants applying for direct entry on the basis of industry experience.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
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 Language Pathways (Academic English) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
This course has pathways available.
The Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
You are guaranteed entry into the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging.
Alternatively, you can gain entry to this diploma from a range of vocational study courses.
You are guaranteed entry into one of the following courses when you successfully complete the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging:
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate study courses.
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.
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.
The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.
Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
$18,500.00 | ||||||
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$373.00 | ||||||
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
$212.00
|
||||||
|
||||||||
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$19,085.00 | |||||||
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
$12,250.00 | ||||||
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$373.00 | ||||||
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
$212.00
|
||||||
|
||||||||
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$12,835.00 | |||||||
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($7,257.25 total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
$0.00 | ||||||
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$0.00 | ||||||
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
$212.00
|
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| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$212.00 | |||||||
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($7,257.25 total).
Generated on 30 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (C5446): $0
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
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$0
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$ per nominal hour ($ total).
Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:
VET Student Loan cap for (): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSLThe total indicative fee for 2026 commencement is AU$25,250.
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.
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.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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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