Diploma of Screen and Media

Diploma of Screen and Media - CUA51020

VOCATIONAL

Prepare to work in TV, broadcast, production and live streaming with industry focused skills across studio, location, and hybrid production methods. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$25,500 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Prepare to work in TV, broadcast, production and live streaming with industry focused skills across studio, location, and hybrid production methods. 

Student looking trhough camera viewfinder while filming panel

Connect with industry

Gain practical experience and build real-world connections with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities across major industry broadcasters and organisations in the areas of news, drama, sport, light entertainment and events.

The Diploma of Screen and Media is where industry professionals look to fill the demand for skilled graduates. This one-year, intensely practical course will prepare you to enter the industry with the experience you need to succeed.

You will work on live broadcast and streaming productions, across all technical areas including producing, production management, directing, camera, lighting, audio, graphics and post production. 

You'll learn in RMIT’s renowned Media Precinct on industry-grade equipment, including:

  • 4 x broadcast studios for television and live streaming in 4K
  • the RMIT Cloud Studio, a purpose-built vMix live streaming facility
  • location and ENG production equipment
  • industry standard control rooms incorporating EVS, CCU and Xpression graphics
  • Sony and Ross vision mixers
  • LED lighring and digital audio mixer systems
  • DaVinci Resolve and Adobe suite of post-production facilities.

Our teaching staff includes world-class industry experts who work in broadcast production and live streaming, allowing students to gain industry-level skills and prepare for employment upon graduation. Close links with community television, such as C31, and RMITV give you the opportunity to practise your skills and knowledge, and extend your experience while completing your qualification.

Why study screen and media at RMIT?

Up-to-date content

Stay ahead of the game with constantly updated material that keeps your knowledge relevant.

Work relevant

Hear from specialist guest speakers who provide insight into current practices.

Hands-on learning

Gain practical experience in live media and broadcast environments.

Female student wearing headphones and using camera equipment

Bring productions to life

Work with screenwriting, advertising and journalism students on exciting, industry-relevant projects, including drama, live news broadcasts, advertising panel programs, game shows and special broadcasts that are streamed on YouTube and Community Television C31.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

The Diploma of Screen and Media is taught via a combination of studio-based sessions, on-location shoots and post-production learning.

Throughout one year of intense learning, you will gain an understanding of and the ability to demonstrate the fundamental skills required to work in the TV, broadcast and live streaming industries.

Students will be involved with multiple production teams across the duration of the program, with each team member having the opportunity to take on all key roles in the production.

Productions you work on will be streamed live to the web and some collaborative productions will be broadcast on free-to-air television via Melbourne Community TV Channel 31.

All academic staff are professionally qualified teachers with substantial industry experience. You will be challenged to refine and practise your skills through industry projects.

Assessment methods

Your assessment will take several different forms, including folio submission, skills demonstration, group and independent projects, presentations, reports and assignments.

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 University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practices.

This diploma has been developed in consultation with the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) representing a cross section of TV, broadcast, live streaming, and screen production employers to ensure it delivers industry relevant training outcomes.

Pre-employment opportunities have been provided by ABC News Operations, ABC Television Operations, Channel 9 News Operations, NEP, MKTG, Pacific Broadcast, JAM TV, Ticker News, Fortress Melbourne, and Gravity Media through RMIT’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program.

You’ll also have access to industry guest lecturers and have the opportunity to network throughout your studies, increasing your employment opportunities upon graduation.

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.

This diploma includes a suite of production-based classes clustered into key areas of skill: Safe Studio, Produce, Audio Visual, VFX, On-Air, Post Production, Screen industry.

Through your studies you'll explore:

  • producing and directing TV programs and segments
  • studio and location media production
  • live streaming for physical and virtual productions
  • multi-camera operation and vision mixing
  • on-location and studio camera operation
  • screen Industry and safety
  • broadcast audio mixing 
  • location sound recording
  • visual effects
  • colour grading 
  • audio and video editing.

These skills will prepare you to enter the TV, broadcast and live streaming industries competent across a variety of productions and roles along with a comprehensive understanding of the screen and media industry and its’ associated creative and work opportunities.

 

Course structure

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

Diploma of Screen and Media
Program code: C5421
National curriculum code: CUA51020
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Screen and Media
City Campus
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
C5421
107883D
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
C5421
CRICOS
107883D
View plan
Diploma of Screen and Media
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5421
107883D
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5421
CRICOS
107883D
View plan

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

Career

The Australian Screen Industry continues to grow. 

In 2021-22, the Australian screen industry employed approximately 55,000 people and total industry employment has grown by 37% since 2015-16*. This reflects the scale of the screen workforce, its strength and vital contribution to the Australian economy.

Graduates of the Diploma of Screen and Media are eagerly sought after by media production companies for work in a range of roles. Possible job titles include:

Graduate positions and titles vary across sectors. Possible job titles include:

  • Multi-camera Studio Operator
  • vMix Operator or Technical Director
  • Production Coordinator
  • Production Assistant
  • Associate Producer
  • Outside Broadcast (OB) Technician
  • Single Camera Operator of Assistant
  • Audio Operator or Assistant
  • EVS Operator (replays)
  • CCU Operator (camera control)
  • Graphics Operator
  • Vision mixer
  • Director’s Assistant
  • Lighting Assistant
  • Editor (post-production).

Those interested in further study can progress into the Associate Degree in Screen and Media Production with 96 Credit points (equivalent to 1 year) after successful completion of the Diploma of Screen and Media.

*The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Film, Television and Digital Games Survey 21/22

Admissions

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.

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.

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

Semester 2, 2024

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, 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 dates

Selection task dates for direct applicants

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.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 12 July 2024

The selection task requires:

Applicants must submit a selection task addressing the following questions.

  • What interests you about TV, broadcast, screen production, live streaming and what are your aspirations, or do you hope to gain from study in this program? (max. 100 words)
  • Provide details of any experience you have with screen and media production and technology. Describe familiarity with specific hardware and software. You may also describe or include URLs of work you have been involved in. (max. 100 words)
  • Outline any personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program. This may include examples from productions, sports, work, committees, hobbies, volunteer groups, or other relevant activities. (max. 100 words)

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

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

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program 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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

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

Applicants must submit a selection task addressing the following questions:

  1. What interests you about TV, broadcast, screen production, live streaming and what are your aspirations, or do you hope to gain from study in this program? (max. 100 words)
  2. Provide details of any experience you have with screen and media production and technology. Describe familiarity with specific hardware and software. You may also describe or include URLs of work you have been involved in. (max. 100 words)
  3. Outline any personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program. This may include examples from productions, sports, work, committees, hobbies, volunteer groups, or other relevant activities. (max. 100 words).

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) Advanced Plus 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 Diploma of Screen and Media guarantees entry into the AD017 Associate Degree in Screen and Media Production with 96 Credit points (equivalent to 1 year).

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You can gain entry to this program from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

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 into the Associate Degree in Screen and Media Production with 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the Diploma of Screen and Media.

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

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.

  • 2024 government subsidised place: AU$11,500* per annum
  • 2024 full-fee place: AU$16,750* 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$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • 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 2024 is $351.

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 annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$25,500.

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 2024 is $351.

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