Skip to Content
Need Help Live Chat
Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging CUA50920
Show sidebar
  1. Home
  2. Courses
  3. Creative
  4. Photography
  5. Photography and Digital Imaging

Overview

If you're looking for a professional career as a Photographer or Digital content creator, the Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging is the ideal place to start. It allows students to experience a wide range of photographic genres, including, but not limited to; fashion, advertising, food, travel, architecture, vehicles, documentary, drone, media and portrait photography. Students go on to specialise in their chosen field, producing industry ready folio’s and exhibition standard work. Students are trained in the colour management of digital imaging workflows, technical and creative imaging specialities, motion video and drone photography. There are also opportunities to engage in industry experiences, field trips, site visits and mentoring.

Students move into the Diploma following their successful completion of the Cert IV in Photography or can apply for direct entry via a Portfolio interview, if they have a broad industry background.

Qualification:

 Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging CUA50920

Next Intake:

 Semester 1 2025

Course No:

 DP-BD63

Campus:

 CIT Reid*


*From Semester 2 2025, the location of this course will transition from CIT Reid to the new CIT Woden campus. CIT will provide support for students who will be making the move to Woden. Learn more.

Duration:

 2 semesters of full-time study, approximately 20 hours per week with the addition of approx. 10 hours online, self-directed learning and skill development per week.

Course Structure - Day (PDF 127Kb)

Cost Info:

Further information about fees is available at Course fees and assistance

Indicative Cost:

 $5,615

Likely Job Outcome:

 This qualification reflects the role of people who apply a broad range of skills in photo imaging, including lighting, image capture, enhancements, manipulation and output. They work in job roles, such as:
- digital content creator
- self-employed photographer
- government photographer
- cultural institution photographer
- digitisor
- 2nd, or assistant photographer
- photographers assistant
- photo store specialist
- studio assistant

Application Type:

 Portfolio - Standard
Share:

Timetable Information

To help with the enrolment process print your timetable, or keep the window open, so that you can refer back to it for your course code, course name, and the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) or Block Code.

Additional Information

You are required to have your own Mirrorless or DSLR camera to complete this course. Successful applicants who do not yet own suitable equipment should seek advice from staff in their first week of classes. It is recommended that students do not make purchases without proper advice.
You may also be required to pay additional ongoing costs of up to $1000 for the year to cover materials, excursions and exhibition fees.

Entry Requirements

To enter this qualification, students must produce a folio of imaging work that demonstrates the application of technical skills and knowledge equivalent to Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 or above.
Skills and knowledge may have been acquired through experience, or through formal study.
Achievement of CUA41120 Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging prior to enrolment in this course is desirable.

Skills Recognition

To study any course at CIT (excluding non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 4 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 17 subjects (4 Core and 13 Electives)

Core: Complete 4

  • CUAPHI523   Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace
    • CIT Code: PHOT287
      Cost: Standard $320.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the integrity and effectiveness of colour across digital imaging devices.The unit applies to those who apply self-directed technical skills and knowledge to manage the accuracy and consistency of colour in digital and hybrid (digitised or scanned film or print) work processes.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI531   Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice 
    • CIT Code: PHOT278
      Cost: Standard $320.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research, implement and evaluate the role of visual communication theory in photo imaging work. The unit applies to those who research and evaluate visual communication theory and use it to inform their practice.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI532   Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies 
    • CIT Code: PHOT279
      Cost: Standard $270.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to investigate photo imaging trends and emerging technologies and assess their creative and commercial applications.The unit applies to self-directed creative practitioners who use knowledge of emerging trends to evaluate, plan and implement changes to their workflows, products and technology.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI533   Explore and apply photo lighting techniques
    • CIT Code: PHOT280
      Cost: Standard $270.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce creative photo images using photo lighting techniques.The unit applies to those who select and control lighting and light quality when producing photo images taken in the studio and on location. At this level, work is usually carried out independently, with supervision or guidance available where required.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 13

  • CUAPHI535   Produce commercial photo images
    • CIT Code: PHOT282
      Cost: Standard $345.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, shoot and produce commercial photo images. The unit applies to those who respond to open or closed briefs to create photo images in areas including advertising, architecture, industrial, corporate, fashion and food. No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI524   Prepare digital images for pre-press processing
    • CIT Code: PHOT288
      Cost: Standard $320.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare client image files for pre-press processing. It involves planning for pre-press, preparing files for pre-press processing and reviewing finished work. The unit applies to those who possess the self-directed skills and knowledge to process image files prior to printing.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI536   Provide photographic portrait services
    • CIT Code: PHOT283
      Cost: Standard $295.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce portrait images for personal, family or corporate collections. The unit applies to those who document and produce professional portrait images in key moments, moods and events based around individuals, families and gatherings. People in this role may be responsible for supervising others. No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI537   Produce media photo images
    • CIT Code: PHOT284
      Cost: Standard $295.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, produce and review photo images for media services. The unit applies to those who interpret editorial team assignments, work with journalists and liaise with public safety services and the general public. They usually work unsupervised and may also work with journalists and a range of creative personnel.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI520   Produce technical photo images
    • CIT Code: PHOT285
      Cost: Standard $370.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce technical photo imagesThe unit applies to those who produce photo images for forensic, medical, scientific (including mining and environmental) and museum or library purposes. Photographers in these roles may work independently or as part of a team within an institutional structure.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUADIG416   Produce innovative video art
    • CIT Code: ARTS374
      Cost: Standard $250.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to experiment with video art techniques and ideas to develop, organise and realise video art that exhibits an individual style or voice, and note areas for improvement upon the completion of work.The unit applies to those who produce video art for electronic media, and physical and online display in art publications and galleries.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUADIG518   Refine digital art techniques
    • CIT Code: ARTS387
      Cost: Standard $250.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to refine digital media techniques and to develop own digital art style in a body of creative work. It involves researching different digital media ideas and techniques, selecting a technique to refine and consolidating the skills associated with this technique through the development of a body of work. This occurs through a process of research, refinement and evaluation, and encompasses animation, video and sound production.The unit applies to those whose professional practice includes the creation of digital media works. Work could be completely digital or an integration of digital and traditional media.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI534   Employ specialised imaging technologies
    • CIT Code: PHOT281
      Cost: Standard $450.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research, evaluate and employ specialised imaging technologies and their application in photo imaging practice.The unit applies to those who create innovative images using specialised imaging technologies. They may be engaged in scientific, forensic, geographical, exploratory and other industry areas. At this level work is usually carried out independently, with supervision or guidance available as required.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPPR511   Realise a body of creative work
    • CIT Code: ARTS391
      Cost: Standard $375.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to integrate conceptual, technical and organisational skills to create a coherent body of work in any creative form.The unit applies to individuals who are developing their professional practice, and who convey a well developed command of materials, process and technique, and strong conceptual and theoretical development in their completed work.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAIND411   Extend expertise in specialist creative fields
    • CIT Code: ARTS414
      Cost: Standard $190.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to add depth to expertise in a specialist field or technique in the creative industries. It involves researching industry trends and new ideas, developing skills and techniques for a specialist field and evaluating professional development which can be expressed in a practical outcome. The unit applies to those who undertake work with limited guidance and may be responsible for mentoring others on the job in a range of fields. Fields include dance, music, cultural heritage, screen and media, visual arts, craft and design. Depending on the specialist area, guidance from mentors and experienced practitioners may be expected.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAACD522   Work with photomedia in creative practice
    • CIT Code: GRPH241
      Cost: Standard $280.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with any type of photomedia professional creative practice. It involves exploring and experimenting with different ideas related to photomedia, creating own photomedia work and presenting and evaluating finished work.The unit applies to those who work in many media and disciplines and use photomedia for the creative presentation or documentation of work, or to create parts or the whole of a finished work. It may include still images, film, video, music or interactive content. This unit does not address the specialised skills needed by photo imaging professionals. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI521   Make illustrative photo images for publication and display
    • CIT Code: PHOT286
      Cost: Standard $320.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to produce illustrative images that communicate concepts, ideas and information in ways to evoke emotive responses in the viewer.The unit applies to those whose work is intended for use in a wide range of publishing and display environments, including scientific, technical, book and magazine publications, promotions and the internet. This work can be undertaken independently or collaborating with other personnel.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • CUAPHI316   Capture images using drone technology
    • CIT Code: PHOT289
      Cost: Standard $655.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to capture images using drone technology in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.It applies to individuals who produce photographs for print or electronic media and for different contexts including weddings, special events, portraits, forensics, art photography and specialist publications. At this level, work would be undertaken independently, but within established parameters and under supervision and guidance.No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Certificate IV Photography and Digital Imaging CUA41120

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au