At a glance
Upgrade your career in photography with this advanced-level course that will give you the skills to become a commercial photographer or printmaker.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Photographer's Assistant
- Photographer
- Photo Re-toucher/Enhancer
- Photographic Designer
COURSE OUTCOME
CUA50915 Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Course overview
Take your career in photography to the next level with this advanced course. You'll be qualified to work as a digital photographer and printmaker 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 give you the specialised training to communicate through visual images, produce images for publication and display, build and launch a small business website, and financially plan and market a small business. 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 printmaker. It will also give you the foundation skills needed to undertake further studies in your field.
This course is eligible for JobTrainer funding, meaning it could be $136 for eligible school-leavers, young people and job seekers looking to develop new skills. Training is proudly delivered by TAFE Queensland and jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government. Learn more >
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.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 14 elective units from the list below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| CUAACD504 |
Research and apply light and colour | |
| CUAACD512 |
Work with photomedia in creative practice | |
| CUADIG405 |
Produce innovative digital images | |
| CUADIG508 |
Refine digital art techniques | |
| CUAIND402 |
Provide freelance services | |
| CUAPHI403 |
Enhance, manipulate and output photo images | |
| CUAPHI503 |
Explore the descriptive and emotive nature of photo lighting | |
| CUAPHI505 |
Produce commercial photo images | |
| CUAPHI506 |
Provide photographic portrait services | |
| CUAPHI507 |
Produce media photo images | |
| CUAPHI511 |
Make illustrative photo images for publication and display | |
| CUAPPR502 |
Develop own sustainable professional practice | |
| CUAPPR503 |
Present a body of own creative work | |
| CUAPPR605 |
Evolve ideas for professional creative work | |
Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
You will be expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements. The number of hours of personal study required is dependent on your existing knowledge, skills and language needs.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
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
Payment options
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.
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.
Vet Student Loan - $10,717 cap
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.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Western Union 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
Important Information
Entry requirements
To enter this qualification, students must have the conceptual, technical and organisational skills to use a range of professional digital and/or film cameras and accessories to produce a folio of photo imaging work that demonstrates the ability to respond effectively to different photo imaging challenges and requirements.
Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience, or through formal study.
Selection criteria
Domestic and International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to Domestic and International Students:
Entry into this course is via an application process that may include an interview and submission of a portfolio of photographic work with an outline of the following:
- reflection on the idea and concept behind the image represented
- photographic equipment used to create the image
- computer and programs utilised within the process
- concepts and techniques used to create the final image.
International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test 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.
- A Portfolio is to be submitted upon application. In approx 250 words explain why you want to be a photographer and what are your expectations of the course. Your folio should demonstrate your skill in communicating and composing images with a camera.It is acceptable for the images to be processed and printed commercially. Please indicate if the work has been processed and printed by you.Include 10-15 black and white or colour images.
There are 5 set and 10 optional topics. Set topics:
1. A character portrait of a family member or friend.
2. A landscape or architectural image.
3. An advertising image that would be used to sell a product.
4. An abstract design / composition.
5. A self-portrait / self -image.
Please identify each set topic. Plus 5 - 10 photographic images of your choice.
Submit your portfolio in an A4 folder with plastic sleeves if possible otherwise electronic copies are acceptable.
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. TAFE Queensland has entered an agreement with Union Institute of Language (UIL) to facilitate the provision of the welfare services (fees apply).
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, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. 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 a portable external hard drive, 35mm DSLR camera with two interchangeable lenses (that can be operated manually for shutter speed, aperture and focus), and potentially a colour checker passport for use with the camera. For the purpose of the qualification the Nikon D800/D600 or Canon 5D meet the minimum standards required.
It is also recommended that you have access to a computer capable of running Adobe Creative Suite software, which can be purchased after enrolment to access a student discount price.
Throughout the duration of the program, you may also be required to incur printing costs up to the value of $500.
Need to know
Replacement Qualification
This qualification has been replaced by CUA50920 - Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging, as of 15 April 2021. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 16 October 2022. If required, enrolments will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.
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.
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.
How to apply
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.
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.
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
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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
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 