Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television
Overview
Develop the skills to tell stories that matter with a Diploma of Screen and Media – Film and Television. This hands-on course is designed to provide you with the practical, theoretical and creative skills to produce a wide range of screen content focused on the Film and Television industries. Develop concepts and hone your production skills while learning the importance of collaboration.
Upon successful course completion students will be issued with the award qualification title - CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media - or upon request an award with a specialisation title of Diploma of Screen and Media (Production Management, Post-Production).
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
- Concept development
- Storytelling
- Production
- Collaboration
Your career opportunities
- Assistant producer
- Director
- Production coordinator
- Camera operator
- Editor
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.
Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television student work
Our creative Diploma of Screen and Media (Film and Television) students have worked on some amazing projects. Check out their latest pieces in the 2020 video showreel.
Admissions
Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent., or attainment of
- CUA41220 Certificate IV in Screen and Media
- CUA41215 Certificate IV in Screen and Media
Applicants without a solid grounding in Film & Television, may choose to complete the Certificate IV in Screen & Media to gain the foundational skills.
Individuals will be required to submit a portfolio of work.
Portfolios should comprise 6-8 examples of your own work, including but not limited to film and video. You should provide pre-production development work (for at least one example of a recent project). This can include written proposals and visual pieces (e.g. paintings, photographs and animation).
Ideally, you would also have skills and knowledge in:
- Basic computer use
- Basic photography, and use of camera and lenses
- Basic design principles
- Writing and storyboarding
- Sound and video editing
- Working on projects in a collaborative environment
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.
-
Certificate IV in Screen and Media
-
Diploma of Screen and Media - Animation
-
Diploma of Screen and Media - Sports Media
Course structure
Students must complete the four core and eleven elective units listed.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Provide freelance services
Core unit |
CUAIND412 |
|
Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
Core unit |
CUAIND512 |
|
Realise a creative project
Core unit |
CUAPPR411 |
|
Establish and maintain safe creative practice
Core unit |
CUAPPR515 |
| Elective units | |
|
Undertake project work
Elective unit |
BSBPMG430 |
|
Shoot different screen content
Elective unit |
CUACAM411 |
|
Implement design solutions
Elective unit |
CUADES511 |
|
Implement lighting designs
Elective unit |
CUALGT412 |
|
Manage media assets
Elective unit |
CUAPOS412 |
|
Edit complex media productions
Elective unit |
CUAPOS511 |
|
Coordinate media production services and resources
Elective unit |
CUAPPM416 |
|
Analyse cultural history and theory
Elective unit |
CUARES503 |
|
Record sound on location
Elective unit |
CUASOU410 |
|
Implement sound designs
Elective unit |
CUASOU505 |
|
Develop storylines and treatments
Elective unit |
CUAWRT512 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$18,020
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$13,190
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.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
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.