Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
Overview
Take pictures that make an impact with The Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging. Whether you want to work as a commercial, portrait, wedding or fashion photographer, this course can help you launch your career. Learn technical skills that focus on image capture, photo enhancements and studio lighting techniques. Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), this course is taught by practicing photographers.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Change of Preference Expo
Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.
Skills you’ll learn
- Technical skills
- Conceptual knowledge
- Industry knowledge
- Design principles
- Providing solutions to briefs
Your career opportunities
- Photographer’s assistant
- Photo retail assistant
- Compositor
- Digital retoucher
- Freelance photographer
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Admissions
Entry into this program is based on an applicant’s study and/or relevant work history, with a minimum Year 11 completion (or equivalent). Some additional criteria may also apply.
Applicants without formal qualifications but with relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Technical requirements
Students will also require a computer and access to the internet for facilitation of online classes including video and audio requirements.
Online digital units require students to download and use the Swinburne supported software such as the Adobe Creative Suite.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate IV in Design
-
Certificate IV in Screen and Media
-
Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
Course structure
The Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging is a 1-year program delivered over two semesters. Classes are scheduled 18-25 hours per week including partially online units. Additional study hours outside of classes are also required to prepare and complete tasks. Classes are delivered as face-to-face practical workshops, individual guided projects, tutorials and online activities.
980
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Develop and apply photo imaging industry knowledge
Core unit |
CUAPHI311 |
|
Process photo images
Core unit |
CUAPHI313 |
|
Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
Core unit |
CUAPHI403 |
|
Capture images in response to a brief
Core unit |
CUAPHI411 |
|
Apply photo imaging lighting techniques
Core unit |
CUAPHI412 |
|
Store and maintain finished creative work
Core unit |
CUAPPR403 |
|
Apply work health and safety practices
Core unit |
CUAWHS312 |
| Elective units | |
|
Shoot different screen content
Elective unit |
CUACAM411 |
|
Explore the use of colour
Elective unit |
CUADES301 |
|
Interpret and respond to a design brief
Elective unit |
CUADES412 |
|
Install and dismantle exhibition elements
Elective unit |
CUAEVP413 |
|
Capture photographic images
Elective unit |
CUAPHI312 |
|
Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work
Elective unit |
CUAPPR415 |
|
Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
Elective unit |
CUARES403 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$13,800
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$5,910
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.