Learn to work at senior technician and management level in the live event and audiovisual industries.
Our graduates work for large and small-scale festivals, live music venues, theatres, event venues and production studios as well as AV support for education and sales.
Training is industry-driven, with content delivered by practicing professionals and guest tutors from the entertainment arts industry.
The curriculum incorporates site visits to iconic Melbourne venues such as Hamer Hall and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) to explore how large-scale entertainment venues operate behind the scenes.
Learn your skills from our teachers, who are experienced, practicing professionals, and also guest tutors from the entertainment arts industry.
Work on events such as Collide, a series of live music productions performed and recorded in RMIT’s media precinct.
Work in purpose-built specialist studios using world-class, industry-standard software and equipment. This includes The Capitol theatre, Kaleide Theatre, Radio Theatre and TV Studio A.
Meet RMIT students Rowena Wise and Xavier Gomez as they take you on their journey of working on Collide, an award-winning, cross-disciplinary project involving staff and students, working together with industry partners.
Please note: this diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
As a student in this diploma, you will learn by doing and will be taught in purpose-built specialist studios using world-class, industry standard software and equipment.
You will learn not only technical skills in lighting, sound and vision, but important work-ready skills like project management techniques, scheduling, and crew management.
Your study in this diploma will take multiple forms, including face-to-face and online tutorials, workshops, practical classes, lectures, teacher-led discussions, and work integrated learning activities. You can also expect to undertake independent work such as reading, research, and investigation.
Your assessment in the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services will depend on the requirements of each subject but will be both theory-based and practical to allow you to demonstrate your learning and receive feedback from teachers.
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.
Our teaching staff have all had many years of professional experience and have helped our students obtain internships with productions and organisations such as:
Students will work on diverse and exciting events such as Collide, a series of live music productions performed and recorded in RMIT’s Media Precinct. Throughout the production, students coordinate and operate everything from lighting, sound, camera and vision production, to create music videos for the participating musicians.
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.
In Semester 1, you will learn to shoot different screen content and set-up and operate sound, vision and lighting systems. You will also manage teams and learn about the industry and work opportunities through a professional guest presenter series.
In Semester 2, you will explore complex event technology design for sound, lighting and vision systems, as well as projection mapping on different surfaces and establish workplace safety. You will also develop specialist technical skills like sound balancing and hybrid broadcast streaming.
You will apply this knowledge in your Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subject, which forms an integral part of your studies. The skills you develop throughout the year will be put to use and assessed in a workplace context.
The WIL nominated subject for this diploma focuses on the installation and management of a lighting system. Through this experience you will gain exposure to a range of advanced processes, lighting hardware, and interconnectivity standards. You will work on an industry-based project with entertainment professionals in teams, gaining invaluable experiences, contacts and feedback.
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.
Skilled event technicians and project managers are in high demand both nationally and internationally. Our graduates are highly regarded by industry and often gain paid employment upon graduation.
Graduates of the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services also have the opportunity to gain a paid internship with MCEC, as well as pathways into a number of Melbourne venues and audiovisual companies. Graduates of the program are highly regarded and sought-after in industry. Potential career outcomes for graduates of this diploma include:
International work opportunities exist all over the world for live event professionals. From festivals like Edinburgh Fringe to theatre productions in London or concerts in Berlin and Singapore, technical specialists play a crucial role in ensuring all live productions run smoothly.
In addition to the many international opportunities that exist for live production technicians, there are many national events that require the same expertise, such as Darwin Festival in the NT, Adelaide Fringe Festival in South Australia, Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland and Vivid Sydney to name just a few.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
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 program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
| Application type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| All applications | 10 July 2026 |
The selection task has 2 options:
Applicants need to only complete the section most relevant to their qualification(s) and experience.
If you have successfully completed, or are due to complete at the end of the current RMIT semester, one of the following RMIT University courses, you must submit your selection task so that your eligibility and application will be assessed based on the approved RMIT pathway program:
Applicants are required to answer the following questions:
If you are applying via VTAC, selection tasks should be submitted by the following dates to be considered for timely selection in each VTAC round:
| VTAC offer round | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| November round (non-Year 12 applicants only) | TBC |
| December round (current Year 12 applicants only) | TBC |
| January rounds (if places are available) | TBC |
| February rounds (all applicants if places are available) | TBC |
If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.
| Application type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| All applications | TBC |
Selection task details and submission dates will be available by early August 2026.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
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 course 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 for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
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, 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.
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.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
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.
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.
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 2026 is $373.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible courses to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their course.
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 course.
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:
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
If your course 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 course, 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 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.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.
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.
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.
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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
