Program Overview

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Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

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.

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.

Core Units

• UNIT CODE: CUAPHI523
  • UNIT NAME: Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the integrity and effectiveness of colour across digital imaging devices.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPHI531
  • UNIT NAME: Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice
  • 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 CODE: CUAPHI532
  • UNIT NAME: Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies
  • 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 CODE: CUAPHI533
  • UNIT NAME: Explore and apply photo lighting techniques
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce creative photo images using photo lighting techniques.

Elective Units

• UNIT CODE: BSBMKG551
  • UNIT NAME: Create multiplatform advertisements for mass media
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create multiplatform advertisements for the communication of a product, service or idea to consumers.
• UNIT CODE: CUAACD522
  • UNIT NAME: Work with photomedia in creative practice
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with any type of photomedia professional creative practice.
• UNIT CODE: CUAACD534
  • UNIT NAME: Research and apply light and colour
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and develop own ideas about light and colour for integration into a body of creative work.
• UNIT CODE: CUADIG415
  • UNIT NAME: Produce innovative digital images
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to experiment with digital imaging techniques and ideas to develop an individual style or voice.
• UNIT CODE: CUAIND412
  • UNIT NAME: Provide freelance services
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPHI312
  • UNIT NAME: Capture photographic images
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to capture photographic images using different techniques and camera technologies.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPHI521
  • UNIT NAME: Make illustrative photo images for publication and display
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce illustrative images that communicate concepts, ideas and information in ways to evoke emotive responses in the viewer.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPHI535
  • UNIT NAME: Produce commercial photo images
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, shoot and produce commercial photo images.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPHI536
  • UNIT NAME: Provide photographic portrait services
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce portrait images for personal, family or corporate collections.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPHI537
  • UNIT NAME: Produce media photo images
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, produce and review photo images for media services.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPPR512
  • UNIT NAME: Develop sustainability of own professional practice
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish goals for own professional practice and determine how your practice can be developed in a sustainable way.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPPR513
  • UNIT NAME: Present a body of own creative work
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use creative, technical and project management skills to produce a professional and innovative presentation of own creative work.
• UNIT CODE: CUAPRI511
  • UNIT NAME: Refine printmaking techniques
  • Unit description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research, select and experiment with a broad range of printmaking techniques to refine and apply to individual print work.

Ways to Study

• On campus
• International

Study Locations

• Greater Brisbane

Next Intake

• Start date: 14 Jul 2025
• Duration: 1 year

What You'll Pay

• Concession: $12,770
• Subsidised: $13,975
• Full Fee: $18,040
• International: $21,000

Eligibility Calculator

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.

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.

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)
• 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)

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.

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.