Diploma of Screen and Media

TAFE South Australia

CRICOS Institution Code 00092B

Duration

52 weeks

Delivery

On Campus

Study Load

Full Time · 3 days a week

Intakes

—

Course Overview

About This Course

Start your career in the exciting world of film and television with the Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020), delivered at Adelaide College of the Arts. Distinct from — but a pathway into — the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media, this qualification builds a sound theoretical knowledge base alongside vital hands-on experience across a range of screen production and editing projects, including news, television and an introduction to dramatic film production. You'll collaborate with other filmmakers in small production crews on industry-standard shoots, learning from staff with real-world experience and strong industry networks. The qualification comprises 4 core units — covering safe creative practice, freelance services, realising a creative project, and applying industry knowledge to professional practice — and 11 elective units spanning directing television programs, shooting and editing screen content, sound recording and editing, and writing extended stories for the screen. To complete the qualification you must finish all 4 core units and 11 elective units; students completing only some units receive a Statement of Attainment. The course is offered to international students at Adelaide College of the Arts over roughly one year with a January intake. This diploma sits alongside TAFE SA's related Certificate III in Screen and Media and its own Advanced Diploma, giving students a clear study pathway through the screen and media industries.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

230 North Tce, AUSTRALIA, SA 5005

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Duration

104 weeks

Study Mode

Not published on the live course page

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic:

Completion of a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LLN)
If there are more applications for this course than places available, applicants will be ranked by date of application to this course
Intermediate computer skills
Good communication, collaboration and teamwork skills
To be interested in working with people

International:

International applicants: satisfactory completion of Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification (Most Foundation Studies Programs are deemed equivalent to Year 12). Academic IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.0 in each band) or an equivalent approved English test (Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT); an ELICOS pathway is available if this isn't met. Applicants must be at least 17 years old on commencement. Some Arts & Design courses may also require a portfolio or audition as part of the application.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

A range of positions in the Visual Effects industry including 3D Computer Animator, Compositor as well as film and advertising industries. Game artist, Computer Animator as well as the simulations industry and film and advertising as 3D modellers and texture artists.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units14 units

CUAIND512

Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge

Core unit

CUAPPR515

Establish and maintain safe creative practice

Core unit

CUAIND412

Provide freelance services

Core unit

CUAPPR411

Realise a creative project

Core unit

CUADRT411

Direct television programs and segments

Elective unit

CUAPOS511

Edit complex media productions

Elective unit

CUAPOS411

Edit digital content for fast turnaround

Elective unit

CUASOU417

Edit sound

Elective unit

CUAPOS211

Perform basic vision and sound editing

Elective unit

CUASOU410

Record sound on location

Elective unit

CUACAM411

Shoot different screen content

Elective unit

CUACAM311

Shoot material for screen productions

Elective unit

BSBPMG430

Undertake project work

Elective unit

CUAWRT402

Write extended stories

Elective unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this course incorporate any other qualifications?

Yes, this course incorporates the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects), which consists of 4 core units and 11 elective units.

What are the total fees for this course?

The total fees for the 24-month course are $11,280 for subsidised students, $8,609 for concession students, and $32,309 for full fee-paying students. Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into.

Is there a pathway to university after completing this course?

Yes, graduates can receive credit transfer towards a Bachelor of Visual Effects, with 72 credits granted out of 144 total units, and guaranteed admission is available.

Are there any additional costs beyond tuition fees?

Yes, there is a $20 contribution for participation in the final industry presentation, in addition to the standard tuition fees.

What employment outcomes can I expect after completing this course?

Graduates may pursue a range of positions in the Visual Effects industry including 3D Computer Animator, Compositor, as well as roles in film and advertising industries. Other opportunities include Game Artist, Computer Animator, and roles as 3D modellers and texture artists in the simulations industry and film and advertising. Note that completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

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.

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$45,000 – $58,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$58,000 – $80,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$80,000 – $110,000/yr

Career Paths

Film Director
Television Producer
Screenwriter
Cinematographer / Director of Photography
Film and Video Editor

Key Skills

Cinematography and camera operation (including 4K and digital cinema systems)
Screenwriting and narrative development
Directing and creative vision execution
Film and video editing using industry software (Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Avid)
Sound recording, mixing, and sound design

Full course overview

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Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Hear From the Students

Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.

Priya Sharma

India

Master of Nursing · Griffith University

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Diploma of Screen and Media

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students