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CUA50920 | CRICOS: 107531F

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

Add some extra flair to your career in photography by learning the latest in digital photography trends with this advanced course.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Sunshine Coast
WAYS TO STUDY On campus International
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 28 Jan 2025 Duration: 1 year View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$12,770
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$13,975
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$18,040
International

This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

$18,400
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Add some extra flair to your career in photography by learning the latest in digital photography trends with this advanced course. Get the skills you need to work as a digital photographer across a diverse range of disciplines including portrait, wedding, commercial, documentary, editorial, landscape, real estate, event, sports or fashion photography.

The Australian Government's Job Outlook service reports the number of people working as photographers grew very strongly over the past five years. Job prospects for qualified photographers are expected to remain strong with around 9,000 job openings anticipated over the next five years.

This course will equip you with professional, specialised skills to carry out photography and imaging services. Learn about emerging trends and technologies and capture knowledge in lighting, image manipulation and digital art. You will also learn how to build and develop a body of your own creative work. Our teaching staff are the best in the business and will give you the one-on-one guidance needed to prepare you for the future of the industry.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a commercial photographer or portrait photographer and content creator. It will also give you the foundation skills needed to undertake further studies in your field.

What can I do?

  • Commercial Photographer
  • Social Media Content Creator
  • Digital Retoucher/Enhancer
  • Digital Artist
  • Freelance Photographer
  • Printmaker

Course outcome:

CUA50920 Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

Pathways to university

TAFE Queensland's partnership with Australia's top universities means you'll be credited for your time with us if you upgrade your qualification. Successful completion of your Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging will give you guaranteed entry into a Bachelor of Visual Arts with the University of Canberra, delivered on our South Bank campus.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 13 elective units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAPHI523
    Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAPHI523
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the integrity and effectiveness of colour across digital imaging devices.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAPHI531
    Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAPHI531
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research, implement and evaluate the role of visual communication theory in photo imaging work.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAPHI532
    Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAPHI532
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to investigate photo imaging trends and emerging technologies and assess their creative and commercial applications.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies

  • UNIT CODE
  • CUAPHI533
    Explore and apply photo lighting techniques
    UNIT CODE :
    CUAPHI533
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce creative photo images using photo lighting techniques.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Explore and apply photo lighting techniques

  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • Concession: $12,770

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $13,975

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $18,040

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $12,770

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $13,975

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $18,040

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Nambour
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 2 days per week
Monday, Tuesday
  • Concession: $12,770

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $13,975

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $18,040

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Nambour

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week
Monday, Tuesday
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $12,770

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $13,975

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $18,040

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $18,400

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $18,400

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
South Bank
On Campus
14 Jul 2025
1 year
Full time 3 days per week
  • International: $18,400

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

South Bank

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 3 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $18,400

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Nambour
On Campus
28 Jan 2025
1 year
Full time 2 days per week
  • International: $18,400

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

demo

Nambour

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

28 Jan 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

1 year
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 2 days per week
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • International: $18,400

    This is the total course fee for international students. Learn more

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA50920)

Ask a question

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

COURSE CODE: CUA50920
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
VET Student Loan - $18,097 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.  The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees.  A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more

Entry requirements

To enter this qualification, students must produce a folio imaging work that demonstrates the application of technical skills and knowledge equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 or above. 

Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience, or through formal study.

Selection criteria

Domestic and International students
To apply for this course you must present a collection of work, which demonstrates an interest in art and design.

If you are under 17 years of age, special enrolment conditions apply.

Portfolio compulsory items:
Your folio should include 7-11 pieces of photographic work using the brief's. Include a rationale per image demonstrating your technical skills and knowledge.  These could include but are not limited to: 

  • Portrait
  • A traditional headshot portrait with controlled studio lighting.
  • A candid outdoor portrait capturing natural expressions.
  • A creative self-portrait that reveals your personality.
  • Landscape
  • A wide-angle landscape showcasing a natural vista (mountains, beach, forest, etc.).
  • An urban landscape capturing the essence of a cityscape.
  • Still Life
  • A well-composed arrangement of everyday objects with controlled lighting.
  • A macro shot highlighting intricate details of a small subject.
  • Architecture
  • An interior shot capturing the ambiance of a space.
  • An exterior shot emphasising the lines and form of a building.
  • Experimental/Artist
  • An abstract or experimental photo that demonstrates your creative approach.
  • A long-exposure shot that creates unique light trails or motion effects.

Note: Submit either JPEG’s or PDF’s.
You must submit this electronically at time of application or via the Student Portal and MUST contain a zip file of all folio items.

 

International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent - For a list of all English Language tests accepted by TAFE Queensland International.
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement  levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs  to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will also be required to have access to and bring to class:

  • portable external hard drive (500MG minimum)
  • 35mm DSLR camera or mirrorless camera with two interchangeable lenses (that can be operated manually for shutter speed, aperture and focus) - for the purpose of the qualification the Nikon D850 or D750 or a Canon 650D or 5D meet the minimum standards required
  • a colour checker passport for use with the camera
  • Black White 35mm Film ISO 400 minimum 24 frames (could be: Kodak Tmax400, Kodak Tri X 400TX, Ilford HP5 plus, Ilford Delta 400)
  • 35mm film camera (if you can source one)

Please note: throughout the duration of the program, you may also be required to incur printing costs up to the value of $500.

It is also recommended that you have access to a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Suite software. This software can be purchased after enrolment to access a student discount price.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more