Diploma of
Photography and Digital Imaging
COURSE CODE: CUA50920
LOCATION: Preston DURATION: 12 months full time
REQUIREMENTS: CUA41120 Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
NEXT INTAKE: The CUA50920 Diploma of Photography Digital Imaging is not running in 2025. Accepting applications for 2026 intake
Description of the course
The Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging offers a dynamic and comprehensive ‘hands-on’ program to prepare students for a career in the photographic industry. Students will engage with a number of areas of study to enhance their technical, creative and conceptual capabilities as an emerging photographic practitioner. The course covers both analogue and digital photographic processes, access to industry standard studios, editing labs and darkrooms where you can develop current skills for the photographic imaging industry. Specialist staff guide you through the course exposing you to a range of industry professionals and fine art photographers. The course enables you to begin building professional networks from day one as you collaborate with colleagues and industry professionals throughout the course. With multiple opportunities to exhibit your work, you will produce a professional portfolio of photographic artworks enabling you to pursue a career in either the commercial or fine art photographic industry.
Length of the course
The duration of the course is one year which is delivered over four terms for 35 weeks. Contact hours are three days a week with an option for students to use the facilities and work independently outside of scheduled classes.
Assessment
Students will respond to regular work briefs and tasks that allow them demonstrate their technical, creative and conceptual skills. Learning is delivered through tutorials, demonstrations, workshops, group discussions and simulated work environments. Students will produce a photographic portfolio for review at mid-year and end of year.
Prerequisites
The CUA41120 Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging is a prerequisite of this course.
Course units
Core Units
CUAPHI523 Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
CUAPHI531 Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice
CUAPHI532 Research and apply photo imaging trends and technologies
CUAPHI533 Explore and apply photo lighting techniques
Elective Units
CUADIG518 Refine digital art techniques
CUADIG401 Author interactive media
CUAPHI534 Employ specialised imaging technologies
CUAPPR513 Present body of own creative work
CUAPPR414 Develop self as artist
CUAPHI535 Produce commercial photo images
CUAPHI536 Provide photographic portrait services
CUAPHI539 Plan and produce visual art photo images
CUAPHI521 Make illustrative images for publication and display
CUAPPR511 Realise a body of creative work
CUAPPR613 Engage in the business of creative projects
CUAPRI511 Refine printmaking techniques
CUAACD522 Work with photomedia in creative space
Pathways + career outcomes
This qualification prepares you for a career in the photographic industry. Commercial job prospects available are:
Portrait photographer
Wedding photographer
Fashion photographer
Fine art photographer
E-commerce
Assistant photographer
Digital operator
Photo lab technician
Photographic retail employee
Successful completion of the course will prepare graduates to undertake a higher education degree qualification.
Application and enrolment process
The CUA41120 Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging is a prerequisite of this course.
Applicants can apply online via the NCAT Photography application form.
Course fees
Information can be found on the Northern College of the Arts and Technology website under course fees.
*This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth government funding. Government subsidised places are funded under the Victorian Skills First Program.
Materials charge
Includes all of the materials you will need to complete the course including 35mm film and processing, darkroom and digital lab consumables including paper and materials relating to mounting and display of multiple exhibitions. The Diploma includes all of the above plus colour film, colour processing, colour paper, medium format film and large format film.
Amenities fee
Covers the costs of maintaining photographic equipment incurred by NCAT.
