Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services

Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services - CUA50420

VOCATIONAL

Learn to work at senior technician and management level in the live event and audiovisual industries.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 1.5 years
Fees:

Fee finder

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

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

The Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services will enable you to adapt to a wide variety of live production environments and employment opportunities both locally and internationally.

Our graduates work for large and small-scale festivals, live music venues, theatres and production studios, as well as in AV support for education and sales.

Training is industry-driven, with content delivered by practising professionals and guest tutors from the entertainment arts industry.

The curriculum incorporates site visits to iconic Melbourne venues such as Hamer Hall and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) to explore how large-scale entertainment venues operate behind the scenes.

Why study live production and technical services at RMIT?

Industry driven

Learn your skills from expert, practising professionals and guest tutors from the entertainment arts industry.

Hands-on learning

Work on events such as Collide, a series of live music productions performed and recorded in RMIT’s media precinct.

Cutting-edge facilities

Work in purpose-built specialist studios using world-class, industry-standard software and equipment.

Rowena Wise

RMIT students deliver multi-disciplinary live production event

Meet RMIT students Rowena Wise and Xavier Gomez as they take you on their journey of working on Collide, an award-winning, cross-disciplinary project involving staff and students, working together with industry partners.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Please note: this diploma is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

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Learning and teaching

As a student in this diploma, you will  learn by doing and will be taught in purpose-built specialist studios using world-class, industry standard software and equipment.

You will learn not only technical skills in lighting, sound and vision, but important work-ready skills like project management techniques, scheduling and crew management.

Your study in this diploma will take multiple forms, including face-to-face and online tutorials, workshops, practical classes, lectures, teacher-led discussions, and work integrated learning activities. You can also expect to undertake independent work such as reading, research and investigation.

Assessment methods

Your assessment in the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services will depend on the requirements of each subject, but will be both theory-based and practical to allow you to demonstrate your learning and receive feedback from teachers.

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.

Our teaching staff have all had many years of professional experience and have helped our students obtain internships with productions and organisations such as:

  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
  • Melbourne International Comedy Festival
  • Melbourne Fringe Festival
  • Diversified 
  • Melbourne Recital Centre
  • White Night
  • ABC TV
  • Network 10
  • Harry the Hirer.

Students will work on diverse and exciting events such as Collide, a series of live music productions performed and recorded in RMIT’s media precinct. Throughout the production, students coordinate and operate everything from lighting, sound and camera to the post-production of videos for the participating musicians.

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

In semester one you will learn to shoot different screen content, set-up  and operate sound, vision and lighting systems, as well as manage teams, and establish workplace safety.

In semester two you will explore complex event technology design for sound, lighting and vision systems, as well as projection mapping on different surfaces like building facades. You will also develop specialist technical skills like sound balancing and hybrid broadcast streaming.

You will apply this knowledge in your Work integrated learning (WIL) subject, which forms an integral part of your studies. The skills you develop throughout the year will be put to use and assessed in a workplace context.

The WIL nominated subject for this diploma focuses on the installation and management of a lighting system. Through this experience you will gain exposure to a range of advanced processes, lighting hardware and interconnectivity standards. You will work on an industry-based project with entertainment professionals in teams, gaining invaluable experiences, contacts and feedback.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services
Program code: C5408
National curriculum code: CUA50420
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services
City Campus
1 year- Full-time
C5408
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year- Full-time
Plan code
C5408
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Skilled technicians and event project managers are in high demand both nationally and internationally. Our graduates are highly regarded by industry and often gain paid employment with the same organisations they intern with.

Graduates of the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services also have the opportunity to gain a six-month paid internship with MCEC, as well as pathways into a number of Melbourne venues and audiovisual companies. Graduates of the program are highly regarded and sought-after in industry.Potential career outcomes for graduates of this diploma include:

  • Broadcast and hybrid streaming technician
  • Broadcast television technical support 
  • Studio operator
  • AV and event technician
  • AV and event project manager
  • AV and event designer and producer
  • Lighting programmer
  • Sound engineer
  • Theatre technician
  • Projection mapping roles
  • Lighting designer
  • Live event equipment hire, staging and operational roles
  • AV systems design and installation roles
  • Video and film production technical support roles.

International work opportunities exist all over the world for live event professionals. From festivals like Edinburgh Fringe to theatre productions in London or concerts in Berlin, technical specialists play a crucial role in ensuring all live productions run smoothly.

In addition to the many international opportunities that exist for live production technicians, there are many national events that require the same expertise, such as Darwin Festival in the N.T., Adelaide Fringe Festival in South Australia, Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland and Vivid Sydney to name just a few.

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.

All applicants must submit the selection task

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

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

Semester 1, 2025

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants
VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) 1 November 2024
December round (Current year 12 applicants only) 13 December 2024
January rounds (All applicants) 1 January 2025
February rounds (All applicants if places are available) 28 January 2025
Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 7 February 2025

Selection task requirements

Applicant statement

Applicants are required to answer the following questions:

  • Question 1: What interests you about studying the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services and what do you expect will be covered? (Maximum 150 words) 
  • Question 2: An entry requirement of this qualification is that you can demonstrate current experience and knowledge in either lighting, screen and media, sound, staging or vision systems. For example, you may have been in the technical crew on school performances or studied media in year 11 or 12. What experience do you have in one or more of the areas listed above? (Maximum 250 words) 
  • Question 3: Describe how you solved a technical problem when using sound, lighting or vision equipment. (Maximum 150 words) 
  • Question 4: What trends have you seen occur or trends that you think could occur in live production? For example, technical changes over the last few years with either lighting, sound or vision equipment. (Maximum 150 words)

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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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

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.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the course/s below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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: AU$13,500* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$20,000* 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

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

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.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

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.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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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