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52 weeks
On campus — hands-on practice in labs, studios and outdoor locations. Theory content may be made available online (readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials).
On campus
February | July (domestic); February (international)
Course Overview
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="overview"> 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. <div
Where You Can Study
Melbourne
124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Eligibility
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="admissions"> Entry requirements and admissions You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course. Expand all sections Collapse all sections Academic requirements Prerequisites Selection tasks Academic requirements There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements . Prerequisites There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification. Selection tasks A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification. Expand all sections Collapse all sections Academic requirements Prerequisites Selection tasks English language requirements Academic requirements 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 Select a study location* Select study location Bangladesh Cambodia Canada China Colombia Denmark Germany Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Kenya Kuwait Malaysia Mauritius Mexico Nepal New Zealand Nigeria Norway Pakistan Saudi Arabia Scotland Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Taiwan Thailand United Arab Emirates United Kingdom USA Vietnam Other country Philippines Select a qualification gained* Select qualification gained Go Minimum Score Required Don’t meet the requirements? Learn about your pathway options Prerequisites There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification. Selection tasks A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification. English language requirements 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) for Australia: 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. Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing. 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 Language Pathways (Academic English) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP). <div
Career & Study Pathways
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="career"> Career 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. Many of our graduates gain employment soon after they complete their studies and often win local, national and international awards. Others go on to establish and run successful, independent practices due to their strong business and problem-solving skills, and their can-do attitude. You may find work as a photographer, technologist or paraprofessional in areas including advertising, commercial, industrial, photojournalism, wedding and portrait photography. Possible job roles 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. If you wish to pursue further study, pathways include articulation to the Bachelor of Photography and Bachelor of Fine Arts . <div
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
ASQA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCommon Questions
You will learn to apply a broad range of skills across areas including: 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, and personal development. Study areas also include advertising, portrait, documentary, video, compositing, digital retouching, photojournalism, illustrative, fashion, wedding and fine art photography.
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.
For domestic students, the 2026 fees depend on your eligibility for a government-subsidised place: a government subsidised place with concession is AU$1,400, without concession is AU$7,000, and a full-fee place is AU$14,750. For international students, the 2026 total tuition fee is AU$26,000. In addition, all students are charged a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) of up to AU$373 maximum for 2026, plus potential costs for field trips, textbooks and equipment. All fees shown are indicative and subject to change.
Yes. Upon successful completion of the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging, you are encouraged to apply and advance into the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging, which is also a one-year qualification focused on areas of specialisation. Graduate pathways also include articulation to the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) and Bachelor of Fine Art (Photography) undergraduate qualifications. Please note that each qualification level is a new enrolment in a new qualification.
All teaching staff are practising photographic professionals with extensive industry experience. Classes are taught by industry practitioners who have current knowledge of new technologies and photo imaging techniques. Staff, as industry practitioners, are also able to support networking opportunities with industry and alumni to help guide students in gaining employment upon graduation.
Application
Three simple steps to get enrolled
Step 01
Enquire
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Step 02
Submit Documents
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Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.
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