Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging

Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging - CUA41120

VOCATIONAL

Gain practical photography skills and begin building your professional photography portfolio.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$25,500 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This certificate is focused on students gaining highly practical photographic skills with a strong emphasis on collaboration, professionalism and hands-on industry knowledge.

You will initially study all areas of photography in the Certificate IV and upon successful completion, advance to areas of specialisation in the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging.

The one-year Certificate IV is designed to reflect the role of individuals working as photographers’ assistants. You will learn to apply a broad range of skills in lighting, image capture, enhancements, manipulation and print output.

Upon successful completion, you are encouraged to apply and advance into areas of specialisation in the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging. This is also a one-year qualification, where you’ll produce highly professional folios of work both on location and in studio and gain technical skills to plan, carry out and evaluate photo imaging services.

Why study photography at RMIT?

Expert academics

All our teaching staff are practising photographic professionals with extensive industry experience.

International links

Take the opportunity to attend talks, workshops and exhibitions through our International Artists In Residence (iAIR) program.

Development pathways

On completing this course, you can continue to specialise with the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

In the Certificate of Photography and Digital Imaging you will learn through hands-on practice in labs, studios and outdoor locations.

Theory subjects are taught in a lecture format and all classes are taught by industry practitioners who have current knowledge of new technologies and photo imaging techniques.

Study areas include advertising, portrait, documentary, video, design, business practices, compositing, digital retouching, photojournalism, illustrative, fashion, wedding and fine art photography.

You will learn from teachers who are working professionals, focused on developing each students’ own individual aesthetic approach and practice.

Our staff, as industry practitioners, are able to support networking opportunities with industry and alumni to help guide you in gaining employment upon graduation. As part of the curriculum, you will not only learn creativity and theory but also the business skills you need to help you freelance or start your own career. Flexible study options are available for those who currently work or are aiming to work in the industry while studying.

The Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging also offers strong links to the arts industry, gallery tours and exhibitions, guest speakers and visiting arts practitioners.

Assessment methods

Your assessment throughout this certificate will be conducted through folios, printed output, written documentation, essay work, online testing and exhibitions. Although some projects are team oriented, most work is individual.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with vocational practice.

All teaching staff are practising photographic professionals with extensive industry experience, which will enrich your learning.

Photography has close links with industry and gives students opportunity to work in a variety of environments including RMIT marketing, community-based projects and exhibitions.

In addition, the program makes regular use of industry connections such as guest speakers and gallery visits, to ensure you are exposed to current developments in photographic practice.

The skills taught throughout the curriculum are of international standard and can be used in Australia and overseas.

Many of the teaching staff have worked overseas, which helps students learn about the photography world on a global scale. A number of our graduates go on to work locally, nationally and internationally.

You will have the opportunity to attend talks, workshops and exhibitions by international artists through our International Artists In Residence (iAIR) program. The School of Art Galleries supports the iAIR program and you are encouraged to become actively involved in order to gain a greater understanding of the industry.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will be admitted to the Certificate IV level of the training package and upon successful completion you can apply to study the next qualification (Diploma).

Year 1 - Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging

The Certificate IV is designed to reflect the role of individuals working as photographers' assistants. You will learn to apply a broad range of skills in lighting, image capture, enhancements, manipulation and output.

Areas covered include:

  • image capture (in studio, location and in response to a brief)
  • lighting techniques
  • image enhancement and digital manipulation
  • digital output and printing
  • colour theory
  • design
  • research practice
  • video production
  • occupational health and safety (OHS)
  • business practice
  • personal development.

Year 2 - Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging

The Diploma is for photographic practitioners with a sound theoretical knowledge base. You will use a range of specialised and technical competencies to plan, carry out and evaluate photo imaging services.

Areas covered include:

  • advanced lighting
  • colour management
  • innovation and presentation
  • interactive media and web environments
  • photo images for media, publication and technical purposes
  • styling
  • visual communication
  • business skills & work practices
  • digital retouching
  • compositing
  • print output.

Please note: each qualification level is a new enrolment in a new qualification. Your eligibility for a government-subsidised place will be assessed before you enrol in each new qualification, and the results of these assessments will determine the fees you will pay.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
Program code: C4415
National curriculum code: CUA41120
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
City Campus
1 year full-time
C4415
110048B
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4415
CRICOS
110048B
View plan
Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
City Campus
1 year full-time
C4415
110048B
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C4415
CRICOS
110048B
View plan

Career

Many of our graduates gain employment soon after they complete their studies and often win local, national and international awards.

You may find work as a photographer, technologist or paraprofessional in areas including advertising, commercial, industrial, photojournalism, wedding and portrait photography.

Many of our graduates go on to establish and run successful, independent practices due to their strong business and problem-solving skills, and their can-do attitude. Graduate pathways include articulation to the Bachelor of Arts (Photography), Bachelor of Fine Art (Photography) undergraduate qualifications.

This certificate has a strong emphasis on becoming an expert user of industry standard software and practices. This helps ensure you are industry ready upon completion of your studies.

Possible job outcomes include:

  • commercial/advertising photographer
  • domestic portrait photographer
  • fashion photographer
  • industrial/architectural photographer
  • media photographer
  • educator/photographer
  • sports photographer
  • wedding photographer
  • photographic assistant
  • digital retoucher
  • photojournalist
  • digital compositor.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

You are guaranteed entry to the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging.

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You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry to the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,350* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place (without concession): AU$6,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$14,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information