Take the next step in your photography study and practice.
Further develop your creative practice and hone your photography skills in this practical, industry-led diploma.
In the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging, you will have the opportunity to further develop your artistic practice and hone your creative skills.
Designed to build practical and highly transferrable skills across a range of industry contexts, including commercial, advertising, documentary, editorial, institutional and fine art photography, this qualification will teach you to:
As a graduate of this diploma, you will have a sound theoretical and practical knowledge base, and the skills to use a range of specialised and technical skills to plan, execute and evaluate photography and photo imaging services.
Undertake 40+ hours of industry-based work experience in a commercial/creative field of choice.
Learn to use industry-standard software and follow professional practices.
Collate samples of your photo imaging and video work, proof sheets and visual design layouts.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.
Your learning in this diploma will include both supervised and self-directed learning activities, including face-to-face classes and tutorials, lectures, teacher-led discussions, and online activities.
You will learn using industry standard software and follow professional practices to ensure that as a graduate you are industry-ready.
Your assessment may include individual or group presentations, reports, industry-relevant and collaborative projects, and self-assessment. You may also produce a folio, using samples of specific photo imaging and video work and work-in-progress on major projects such as 2D photo imaging works, proof sheets, visual design layouts.
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.
Your teachers in this diploma are practicing photographic professionals with extensive industry experience, which will enrich your learning.
RMIT's photography discipline has close links with industry and gives students opportunity to work in a variety of environments including marketing, community-based projects and exhibitions.
The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) nominated subject for this diploma is:
In this subject, you will take on a prescribed brief and opportunity to obtain 40+ hours of industry-based work experience in a commercial/creative field of choice.
If you are working, particularly in a job that is related to your studies, you will also be learning while at work and may have the opportunity to be assessed in your workplace for some or all of your subjects.
The Industry Advisory Committee, a group of industry professionals reflecting diverse aspects of photography and photo imaging, provide input and guidance to the development and delivery of this diploma. Subjects within this diploma are taught by people with extensive industry experience and background.
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.
To graduate from this diploma, you must undertake and successfully complete 17 subjects, which include four core subjects and 13 electives.
These subjects will cover a range of topics and competencies, including:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
As a graduate of this diploma, you will have the skills to pursue a career in a range of industries.
You may work as a freelance photographer in commercial, advertising, editorial, fashion, food, wedding, portrait, sports, travel, stock library, illustrative, and scientific and technical photography. You can also start a career as a photographic assistant or technician in any of these fields, or in professional image retouching, digital image operation, events and corporate photography, or media and documentary photography.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
Semester 2 applications are only open to current or previous RMIT guaranteed pathway students.
You must have successfully completed at least one of the following RMIT qualifications:
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
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.
Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the selection task by the following dates:
| VTAC applicants | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) | TBC |
| December round (Current year 12 applicants only) | TBC |
| January rounds (if places are available) | TBC |
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 |
|---|---|
| All applications | TBC |
Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2025.
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.
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.
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.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
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.
**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
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.
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.
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.
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:
For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.
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.
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.
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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