Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging - CUA50925

VOCATIONAL

Take the next step in your photography study and practice.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

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Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Further develop your creative practice and hone your photography skills in this practical, industry-led diploma.

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:

  • interpret photography assignment briefs
  • consult with clients to refine objectives of photography assignments
  • select the appropriate tools to capture images, including types of camera, image recording media, lighting, post-capture processing and outputs
  • work from a studio or in a range of locations
  • employ aesthetic, conceptual, compositional and technical skills to realise photography outcomes, and
  • utilise a range of traditional, contemporary and emergent technologies in the capture, preparation and distribution of images.

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.

Why study photography and digital imaging at RMIT?

Work-integrated learning

Undertake 40+ hours of industry-based work experience in a commercial/creative field of choice.

Graduate job-ready

Learn to use industry-standard software and follow professional practices.

Build your folio

Collate samples of your photography and video work, proof sheets and visual design layouts.

Details

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Learning and teaching

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.

Assessment methods

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.

Learning at RMIT

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.

RMIT Capabilities

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:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

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:

  • visual communication theory
  • trends and emerging technologies
  • lighting techniques
  • pre-press processing
  • commercial, media, technical and illustrative photography
  • styling
  • refine 2D design process.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
Program code: C5446
National curriculum code: CUA50925

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

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.

Entry requirements and admissions

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.

Applying for Semester 1, 2027

All applicants must submit the selection task

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.

Selection task details and submission dates will be available by early August 2026.

Selection task date

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 TBC
Apply now and submit your selection task

Selection task requirements

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:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

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).

Pathways and further study

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.

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You are guaranteed entry to this program when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging.

You are guaranteed entry into one of the following programs when you successfully complete the Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging:

  • Bachelor of Photography – you will receive 1 or 2 semesters of credit (depending on the semester you commence, equivalent to 96 credit points)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts – Photography Major or Expanded Media Arts Major – you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points)
    • completion of the Diploma does not guarantee entry and credit exemptions to the other majors in the Bachelor of Fine Arts.

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

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

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.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Fees

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Tuition 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.

  • 2026 government subsidised place: AU$12,250* per annum
  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$18,500* 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$373 maximum fee for 2026*.
  • 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.

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 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.

VET Student Loans

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.

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 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:

  • 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 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. 

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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.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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.

Applying for refunds

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

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.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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