Certificate IV in Screen and Media
Overview
Create content for film, TV, animation and YouTube by studying the Certificate IV in Screen and Media. Learn the art of writing and pitching, storyboarding, as well as audio, video, and animation production. Hone your collaborative skills and develop industry knowledge to become recognised within the sector.
The Certificate IV in Screen and Media is also delivered in a fully online study mode, part-time over a flexible 18-month period.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo
Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.
Skills you’ll learn
- Editing and post-production process
- Cinematography and video production
- Visual effects and 2D animation
- Screen writing and pitching
- Drawing and storyboarding
- Sound recording and sound design
Your career opportunities
- Cinematographer and camera operator
- Sound recordist and sound designer
- 2D animation and special effects developer
- Assistant director
- Vision editor assistant
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.
Why Swinburne?
The course is taught by award winning screen writers, cinematographers, directors, sound designers, editors, as well as animators.
Certificate IV Screen and Media
View projects by Swinburne students studying a Certificate IV in Screen and Media. Create content for film, TV, animation and YouTube by studying the Certificate IV in Screen and Media. Learn the art of writing and pitching, storyboarding, as well as audio, video, and animation production. Hone your collaborative skills and develop industry knowledge to become recognised within the sector.
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 significant relevant work experience are welcome to apply.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Other requirements
Technical Requirements
To engage fully in your studies, you are required to purchase or access the following equipment and technologies.
- Computer
- Headphone with microphone
- Camera through a computer connected to the internet to use “Collaborate Ultra” within the CANVAS Learning Management System
- Internet access
- External Hard Drive (1TB minimum)
When purchasing or accessing a computer we highly recommend the below specifications are considered either Apple Macintosh or Windows PC.
Computer recommendations:
Component |
Minimum Performance |
Top Performance |
|---|---|---|
GPU |
1080p: 4GB VRAM or 4K: 8GB VRAM |
6K-8K: 20GB VRAM |
CPU |
4 Cores |
18 Cores |
RAM |
HD: 16GB 4K: 32GB |
6K-8K: 64GB |
Internal Storage |
1TB SSD |
4TD: SSD |
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.
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.
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Diploma of Screen and Media - Animation
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Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television
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Certificate IV in Screen Media
Course structure
This course will be suited to students who wish to develop their fundamental skills and knowledge in Film and TV, Animation, Sports Media, and YouTube content creation. The Certificate IV in Screen and Media consists of 13 units (4 core and 9 elective units) delivered full time over 12 months (two semesters). Each semester is delivered over a period of 3 full days a week with both On-Campus and Online classes designed to provide flexible learning for learners.
The Certificate IV in Screen and Media is specifically designed for a learner cohort with no or limited media industry experience. It aims to provide students with broad fundamental skill and knowledge of the screen and media industry, preparing students for entry level industry positions or higher-level qualifications.
Students must complete the 4 core and 9 elective units listed.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Develop personal work priorities
Core unit |
BSBPEF402 |
|
Work effectively in the creative arts industry
Core unit |
CUAIND311 |
|
Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries
Core unit |
CUAMWB401 |
|
Apply work health and safety practices
Core unit |
CUAWHS312 |
| Elective units | |
|
Produce drawings to communicate ideas
Elective unit |
CUAACD311 |
|
Create 2D digital animations
Elective unit |
CUAANM301 |
|
Create digital visual effects
Elective unit |
CUAANM412 |
|
Shoot material for screen productions
Elective unit |
CUACAM311 |
|
Generate design solutions
Elective unit |
CUADES411 |
|
Produce innovative video art
Elective unit |
CUADIG416 |
|
Perform basic vision and sound editing
Elective unit |
CUAPOS211 |
|
Record sounds
Elective unit |
CUASOU405 |
|
Write extended stories
Elective unit |
CUAWRT402 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$11,700
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$5,570
Concession rate* ($AUD)
$1,030
2025 fees
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.
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"After completing this course, I feel very confident in heading out into the screen and media industry. From pre-production to post-production, this course covered the whole process and all its diversities. Equipped with all the skills and knowledge, I feel ready to be successful in the industry."
Chelsea Richards , Certificate IV in Screen and Media
