Design

Diploma of Film and Video

CRICOS 103349C

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What is a Diploma of Film and Video?

A Diploma of Film and Video Design introduces a range of skills and knowledge found in film production. It develops an understanding of screen-based video production and post-production along with basic skills developed in cinematography, lighting, editing, colour grading and sound design. This diploma provides accreditation for either further study or a career in the field. Please note that some specialised subjects may be delivered online only.

This course provides you with a base of knowledge and skills in screen-based video production and post-production. You will develop basic skills in cinematography, lighting, editing, colour grading and sound design. Additionally, you will develop an understanding and practical skills in motion design, photography and all the leading software used in the industry. The diploma of film and video course consists of shared subjects with cross-discipline diplomas and bachelors providing both on-boarding support, exposure to bachelor programs for pathway opportunities as well as a genuine exit qualification if you wish to enter directly into the field upon graduation.

Learn skills in video production and specialise in post-production.
Develop the fundamentals in lighting, editing, colour grading and motion design.
Gain practical skills and knowledge in motion design.
Design cutting edge video production using trends within social and new media platforms.
Work with industry-standard creative processes, advanced challenges & briefs.

Adobe affiliation benefits

You'll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you're studying Design with us.

DIA-recognised course

This course is recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.

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Study mode

Online, On campus, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

18 months full time, 2 years part time, 12 months accelerated

Start date

05 Jun 2023

18 Sep 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View fees

This is an AQF Level 5 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd T/A Billy Blue College of Design.

*For more details on international student study options.

Our partners at Punkee challenged Billy Blue alumni Sebastien Phillips to shoot and edit a 30-second teaser trailer, raising awareness for a cause close to his heart.

Career opportunities

This course has been developed to provide a broad base of theoretical and technical knowledge necessary to leverage an exciting career in the film and video industry. Completing a Diploma of Film and Video Design provides opportunities to work in a range of roles across the industry, along with options for further specialisation at bachelor level.

Potential career paths

Compositor
Average salary: $52,000 - $112,000
Digital Video Producer and Videographer
Average salary: $93,000 - $111,000
Colour Grader
Average salary: $50,000 - $60,000
Video Editor
Average salary: $62,000 - $181,000

Learn more about careers in Design

Showcase

Dan Braga

Dan came to Australia from Norway as an international student to pursue his passion for creative storytelling. Now he's a successful film director, having had work selected for the Australia Antenna Documentary Film Festival.

Showcase

Jordan Antonowicz

Jordan's adventure into film and video stems from his desire to express his interest in geography, history and literature. His focus is to bring events and stories of the past to life through film.

Showcase

Laura Moyano Morales

Laura is a skilled videographer with a focus on directing and editing. During her studies, she collaborated with Vodafone on a commercial for which she acted as the primary director and cinematographer.

Showcase

Tristan Klein

Tristan is a digital media design graduate who tapped into his skill in animation to become an awarded filmmaker, placing second at Tropfest 2018 for an animated series he co-created called Rock Bottom.

Subjects and units

This course comprises of two core subjects and ten specialisation subjects.

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising three hours of facilitated study and seven hours self-directed study.

Core
Specialisations

Requirements

Complete two core subjects. Additionally, you're required to complete ten specialisation subjects from the specialisation tab.

Core subjects

Design Studio 1 | DSO102

This subject explores the relationship between materials and storytelling. It introduces students to the attributes of materiality and encourages them to re-imagine the possibilities of creating through making. Students will explore the art of paper folding, developing skills and taking creative risks. These results will be captured digitally and altered using the appropriate software. Individual tasks allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties, and the sustainable manufacturing processes related to them. Students will progress towards determining suitable materials in which to construct their final model with its form and function contextualised and supported by a documented process journal. Their final submission will be a model that reminds us that stories which fill our lives are not only spoken and written but sometimes are best told through craft.
Design Studio 2 | DSO103

Design Studio 2 offers an introduction to the building blocks of creating and developing brands and is designed to give students a broad understanding of the stages and methodologies adopted in the brand development process. The subject draws on the theory and practice that sits behind brand creation. It covers the broad spectrum of brand development, values, trends and branding techniques, as well as fundamentals such as brand positioning and brand architecture. The subject also explores the relationship between branding and audiences, cross-cultural influences and shifts in consumer behaviour. Students must first understand and apply the fundamentals of branding and then go on to use that knowledge as the basis for developing and progressing a brand. This theoretical and practical subject will equip students with the knowledge and insight with which to build their own branding expertise.

Requirements

Complete ten specialisation subjects.

Specialisation subjects

Camera and Capture | ICC100

This subject aims to introduce students to the foundations of photo imaging and to develop comprehensive technical skills of operating a digital camera and build experience in taking pictures under a range of conditions. A percentage of time is devoted to students receiving feedback on their recently taken images and learning to give constructive criticism to their peers, enabling them to start seeing and thinking like a photographer. Students are also introduced to primary principles of moving image/video creation.
Visual Language of Photography | IVL100

This subject serves as an introduction to communicating with imagery.

Students explore theories of visual communication as tools to develop their own visual language. They will gain skills in observation, idea generation, and effective visual communication in the context of photography and moving image.

Students will also study the history and evolution of photography including the origins of moving image acknowledging the major influences and commentators of the industry.
Digital Design Foundations | DGDDD100

This subject introduces a core set of industry-standard specialist design software tools. The emphasis of this subject is on building a comprehensive familiarity with these tools and features so that their application becomes second nature and can be treated as part of the overall creative tool kit.

Students will work through a range of small exercises to cement their learning and to build their working knowledge by experimenting with the different tools and techniques. Students will then combine these tools and techniques to explore print and screen-based projects and in doing so, become aware of how to create flexible visual outcomes not wedded to single-use mediums
Psychology of Moving Image | PMI100

This subject explores a variety of theoretical and philosophical approaches to how the moving image changes the perception and psychology of the consumer. This subject is audience oriented and focuses on the reception and interpretations of communication, which then influence which visual and aural strategies are employed. Students explore fundamental psychological concepts about dynamic and moving imagery translation of meaning. Students employ these new understandings to tell stories and produce works that trigger specific emotional reactions and feelings with audiences
Motion Design | DIG104A

This subject introduces the foundational theory and practice of motion graphic design and live action camera production. Students will explore basic skills in concept development, asset creation, 2D animation and compositing suitable for motion graphic production. Additionally, the process of developing a live action video piece is introduced, from pre-production through to post-production, including fundamental sound design principles. Students will gain basic skills in camera-based production including basics of lighting, sound recording and editing.
Light and Lighting | ILL100

In this subject students are introduced to the properties of light and its evaluation, measurement and control in photo capture. Students learn basic techniques of lighting, including how to identify and manipulate the colour, quantity, and quality and direction of light. Insights into the emotive nature of lighting will be gained, giving students the skills to creatively modify and apply light in a range of studio and location settings for both Photography and video.
Beyond the Creative Industries | BCI100

This subject introduces a wide array of emerging trends and interdisciplinary career opportunities that sit outside traditional creative industries. This subject explores the intersection of technology and design across a range of industries looking beyond the field of entertainment. Students broaden their understanding of potential career opportunities by challenging existing stereotypes where specialist technical skills are utilised. Students are encouraged to investigate case studies, identify emergent trends and examine strategies to develop, navigate and cultivate collaborations with professionals from other specialisations.
Work Integrated Learning | WIL100

This subject is designed to provide students with professional experience in an area related to their field of study or the career they are working towards. Within the framework of an industry brief in conjunction with an industry client, students will learn how to unpack a defined challenge into achievable outcomes and use this framework to guide the creative process and final deliverable.

Students will develop presentation techniques and objectively respond to constructive criticism and feedback. This experience will enhance work-ready skills and allow students to see first-hand how their learning translates into practice.
Digital Portfolio and Showreel | DPS100

This subject provides students the ability to develop a digital portfolio focusing on the key areas required to develop employability outcomes within the digital design field. This subject identifies the requirements and approaches to freelance work, in conjunction with investigating trends and emerging technologies to inform entrepreneurial attitudes and solo operator work opportunities. This subject will culminate in students devising their own personal story, identifying their niche style, and packaging their work into a portfolio and/or showreel that they can continue building upon in years to come. This portfolio will be the central piece that is used to engage with work opportunities either to digital studios or as their own freelance designer.
Live Action Production (Pre-requisite DIG104A) | LAP200

This subject continues to explore the theory and practice of live action video production. The subject introduces production planning concepts and techniques that enhance production experiences. The subject expands student’s awareness of video production techniques with more detail on the creative and technical aspects of working with cameras, lighting and sound. The investigation of film theory and history is continued with an emphasis on enrichment of idea generation and concept development processes. The subject explores the use of video editing, sound design and post-production techniques to communicate mood, narrative and information.

Technology

Learn with industry standard technologies

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements until 30 June 2023 only. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Industry partners and work placements

The big difference at Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia is that you’ll start working in the design industry from day one – gaining valuable experience, learning from industry professionals and making industry connections.

Gain professional experience

Gain work experience as you complete an industry brief, putting your learnings into practice with guidance and mentoring from practicing professionals.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about Design and Creative Technology, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of Design and Creative Technology scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the Design and Creative Technology industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements below.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent and

Academic IELTS 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) or equivalent

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

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Diploma of Film and Video