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  4. Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
QUALIFICATION

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging


 National Code: CUA50920
 TAFE SA Code: TP01218


2025 start

Description

Follow your creative flair and become a professional photographer with this industry-focused Diploma. Gain the creative confidence and technical skills you need to turn your passion for photography into a sustainable and rewarding­ career.
You’ll learn about running your own photography business, being a freelancer, creative thinking and problem solving, visual communication, studio lighting and design, and developing your own authentic photographic style. You’ll also develop your technical skills in a range of photographic genres including commercial and domestic photography, product, portraiture, food, architecture and advertising. Graduate with a portfolio of work and get started on your career in the exciting and dynamic world of professional photography.

Please note: Students are expected to have their own camera. All students are required to purchase a minimum 500gb external hard drive for their course.

Award Course
Duration
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12 months 

Full Time

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Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Adelaide College of the Arts

804325

Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Full & Part Time Full & Part Time Full & Part Time
Day & Evening Day & Evening
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Icon Legend

On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • Certificate IV in Photography or Design related area or
  • Completion of short course Beginners Photography or
  • Submission of a portfolio of photo imaging work that demonstrates the ability to respond effectively to different photo imaging challenges and requirements that demonstrates conceptual, technical and organisational skills in using a range of professional digital and/or film cameras and accessories
If there are more applications for this course than places available, applicants will be ranked by date of application to this course.

Please Read Before Applying

Entry Recommendations
The short course - Beginners Photography can be found under short courses or https://www.tafesa.edu.au/xml/course/sc/sc_T282627463.aspx

Attendance Requirements (subject to change)
Up to 3 days a week with a combination of on-campus and online.

Industry Conditions and Skills
You will need:

  • intermediate computer skills
  • good communication, collaboration and teamwork skills
  • to be interested in working with people
  • to have a reasonable level of fitness for manual handling.

Additional Uniforms, Equipment and Costs

  • Digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless) with manual control features
  • Camera options are discussed in the first week of classes and we recommend that you do not buy a camera before this.

Fees

Average cost per semester
Total Fees for the 12 month course
Full Fee
$7,388
$14,776

Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary. Fee updates will be available prior to offers being made.

  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    VET Student Loan

    This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    Practitioners may work in a range of industry contexts, including commercial, domestic portrait, media, wedding, illustrative, institutional and art photography.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA50920)
    This qualification reflects the role of individuals who have professional level specialised, technical and theoretical skills to plan, carry out and evaluate photo imaging services. Practice at this level is underpinned by application of design theory and the ability to critically analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 4 core units and 13 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice 55
    Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace 55
    Explore and apply photo lighting techniques 45
    Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies 45

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Capture photographic images 60
    Collaborate in creative processes 40
    Create multiplatform advertisements for mass media 40
    Employ specialised imaging technologies 80
    Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art 80
    Make illustrative photo images for publication and display 55
    Produce commercial photo images 60
    Produce innovative digital images 70
    Produce media photo images 50
    Provide freelance services 40
    Provide photographic portrait services 50
    Realise a body of creative work 80
    Refine digital art techniques 90

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
TP01218
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