Overview

Develop the skills to tell stories that matter with a Diploma of Screen and Media – Film and Television. This hands-on course is designed to provide you with the practical, theoretical and creative skills to produce a wide range of screen content focused on the Film and Television industries. Develop concepts and hone your production skills while learning the importance of collaboration.

Upon successful course completion students will be issued with the award qualification title - CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media - or upon request an award with a specialisation title of Diploma of Screen and Media (Production Management, Post-Production).

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Timely applications closing soon

Get the info you need to get where you want to go. Make Swinburne your #1 preference before applications close 1 October.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Concept development
  • Storytelling
  • Production
  • Collaboration

Your career opportunities

  • Assistant producer
  • Director
  • Production coordinator
  • Camera operator
  • Editor

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400278064
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

Student work showreel

Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television student work

Our creative Diploma of Screen and Media (Film and Television) students have worked on some amazing projects. 

Check out their latest pieces in this video showreel. 

Diploma of Screen & Media - Film and Television showreel

[0:00—0:02] Onscreen text appears saying ‘Diploma of Screen and Media Film and Television’ over a white background (intense music begins).

[0:02—0:11] Cuts to a seated young man with corded headphones on looking off into the distance with an expressionless face.

[0:11—0:14] Cuts to a gender non-conforming individual in futuristic clothing staring down at the camera.

[0:14—0:15] Cuts to two women dressed in ‘geeky’ clothing staring at each other before turning to look at the camera.

[0:16—0:18] Cuts to a robot with a computer screen for a face, the computer screens display switches to show an ambulance, a gavel, sunflowers and then a field.

[0:19—0:25] Cuts to a sweaty stressed man's face then fades to the same man's face but with a peaceful expression.

[0:25—0:30] Camera angle switches to show a woman with a headscarf talking to the man whose face is then shown looking around as if unable to hear the woman.

[0:31—0:36] Cuts to a young man on a dancefloor looking uncomfortable as he is jostled around by other dancers.

[0:37—0:39] Cuts to a man excitedly showing a young woman a light projector.

[0:39—0:40] Camera angle switches to show the light projected onto the ceiling above the young woman who is wearing a happy expression.

[0:41—0:43] Cuts to a photo studio where a man in a robe holding a knife is leaping towards then pulling open a curtain whilst being filmed by another man.

[0:43—0:44] Cuts to a dance studio with a group of young women dancing in synch with each other.

[0:41—0:47] Camera angle switches to show the dancers stretching and taping up their feet then switches back to the group of women dancing in synch.

[0:48—0:49] Cuts to a young man in a black hoodie being tackled from behind by a police officer.

[0:49—0:51] Cuts to a young man in his backyard kicking a Body Opponent Boxing Punching Bag while an older man watches.

[0:52—0:53] Cuts to a red-robed acolyte praying over a candle.

[0:53—0:51] Cuts to a figure wearing a day of the dead mask at a house party.

[0:49—0:56] Camera angle switches to an individual scooping up punch into a red plastic cup from a glass punch bowl at a party.

[0:57—1:00] Camera angle switches to a young man at a party drinking from a red plastic cup with a day of the dead mask on his hip.

[1:01—1:05] Camera angle switches to the young man in the middle of the dancefloor looking uncomfortable and overwhelmed as he is jostled around by other dancers.

[1:06—1:07] Camera angle switches to the young man sitting on the couch at the party looking around.

[1:07—1:08] Camera angle switches to a close up of the young man's eye as he looks around the party.

[1:08—1:09] Cuts to a scientist injecting a bushel of bananas with a green substance, the bananas are tied together hanging from the ceiling and hooked up to jumper cables.

[1:07—1:11] Camera angle switches to show waves of light coming off of the bananas while the bananas form into a banana creature.

[1:07—1:13] Camera angle switches to a scientist looking on in shock.

[1:14—1:16] Camera angle switches to the banana creature stumbling forwards.

[1:16—1:16] Camera angle switches to a young woman in a storage room looking confused.

[1:17—1:17] Camera angle switches to banana creature standing menacingly in the storage room doorway.

[1:18—1:19] Camera angle switches back to the young woman screaming.

[1:19—1:20] Camera angle switches to show the banana creature's decapitated head in a plastic bag being stomped on by a black boot and exploding.

[1:20—1:23] Cuts to an old man walking through a doorway.

[1:23—1:25] Cuts to the old man walking down a pier holding a fishing rod and an esky.

[1:26—1:28] Camera angle switches to show the old man sitting with a woman fishing on the edge of the pier, the two are talking.

[1:29—1:32] Cuts to a female archaeologist lying in the sand digging.

[1:32—1:34] Camera angle switches to the archaeologist's hands dusting away sand from a necklace and bones she uncovered.

[1:34—1:35] Cuts to a young woman looking off in the distance with her long hair blowing around her face.

[1:35—1:40] Camera angle switches to the young woman on a windy beach walking away from the camera.

[1:41—1:46] Cuts to a female archaeologist lying in the sand uncovering a humanoid skeleton.

[1:47—1:48] Cuts to a young adult man wearing a football jersey standing on a football field with other players staring at something off camera.

[1:48—1:48] Camera angle switches to a different young adult male football player yelling aggressively towards the camera.

[1:49—1:49] Camera angle switches to a football rolling along in the grass.

[1:49—1:54] Camera angle switches to the first football player watching four other players wrestling for the ball before one player gets a hold of the ball and all four players run off to the left.

[1:55—1:57] Cuts to the camera speeding through an underground train tunnel.

[1:55—2:00] Cuts to a man posing confidently in a light blue and white superhero suit.

[2:00—2:04] Camera angle switches to a close up of the superhero's eyes glowing red.

[2:05—2:09] Cuts to a woman walking towards then opening and staring out of a glowing magenta curtain.

[2:10—2:15] Cuts to a middle-aged man adjusting a bicycle hung up on the wall of a garage.

[2:16—2:19] Cuts to a father and son sitting in silence at a dinner table, the father eats while the son stares at his food.

[2:19—2:21] Cuts to two drag queens sitting having morning tea at a table, the blonde drag queen spills her wine on the red-haired drag queen seemingly accidentally.

[2:21—2:23] Camera angle switches to two other drag queens gasping in shock.

[2:23—2:25] Camera angle switches back to the initial drag queens with the blonde drag queen throwing the rest of the wine in the red-haired drag queen's face.

[2:25—2:27] Camera angle switches back to the other two drag queens gasping in shock again.

[2:28—2:29] Cuts to a woman wearing a cape an mask over casual clothing running through Swinburne campus.

[2:30—2:30] Camera angle switches to show the woman making a superhero landing.

[2:30—2:33] Camera angle switches to show the woman sitting on a bench next to a man in a superhero costume who removes his mask, she giggles.

[2:34—2:36] Cuts to a man wearing underwear and holding an urn inside a dark house.

[2:36—2:37] Camera angle switches to show a record player being turned on.

[2:37—2:40] Camera angle switches to show the old man smoking and dancing alone in his underwear.

[2:40—2:41] Cuts to a old man laughing while reading a book in a park.

[2:41—2:43] Cuts to a two young adults fencing in a park.

[2:43—2:45] Camera angle switches to the fencers kicking out and colliding with the old man watching from a park bench in the background.

[2:45—2:47] Camera angle switches to back to the old man looking down before being hit in the face by a tennis ball and collapsing off a tall chair.

[2:48—2:54] Camera angle switches to the old man unconscious on the floor with a destressed young woman running towards him and turning him onto his back as a second woman arrives.

[2:55—3:01] Cuts to a couple slow dancing together in their kitchen then hugging.

[3:02—3:05] Cuts to a confused man being strapped to a wheelchair at a table by two muscular men.

[3:05—3:09] Camera angle switches to show a guru in white laughing disturbingly with his arms spread at the head of the table.

[3:10—3:14] Cuts to a young woman walking into a dark laboratory and then putting her lab coat and glasses on.

[3:14—3:15] Camera angle switches to show the woman standing at a laboratory table with equipment, the background is smoking and glowing red.

[3:15—3:17] Camera angle switches to a sweaty man in the dark staring off camera.

[3:17—3:20] Camera angle switches to the man being approached by a scientist, the man smiles and jerks his neck creepily.

[3:20—3:22] Camera angle switches to the man holding the scientist up and kissing her.

[3:23—3:24] Cuts to two young girls staring down outside of frame.

[3:25—3:26] Camera angle switches to a man lying dazed on a carpeted floor.

[3:26—3:30] Cuts to a female ballerina silhouetted by red dancing.

[3:30—3:34] Cuts to a man in an Australian jersey eating Doritos agressibly while a woman in a suit looks on impassively.

[3:35—3:39] Cuts to a demon possessed teacher angrily sweeping items off of his desk before jumping on top and screaming in rage then leaping off in the direction of a student.

[3:39—3:42] Cuts to a young disorientated man exhaling smoke before fainting onto the floor.

[3:42—3:46] Cuts to two young women sitting down against a brick wall looking up at the sweeping lights a hand then hits and drags down the inside of a window above their head, the girls look at each other in shock.

[3:46—3:47] Camera angle switches to show one girl boosting the other up to spy over a fence.

[3:47—3:53] Cuts to sanitary wipes sliding across a desk into the hands of a green-horned man who inspects it in a strange manner as a red horned woman looks on confused.

[3:54—3:57] Cuts to two young women at a house party drinking a green glowing liquid from plastic cups.

[3:57—4:01] Cuts to two young woman looking confused and talking to a third girl under a streetlight in a dark park.

[4:02—4:04] Cuts to two men eating at a kitchen table as a woman smiles watching them.

[4:04—4:07] Cuts to a distressed couple lying in bed staring at a disturbing painting of a dark figure.

[4:07—4:09] Cuts to a man dressed in black walking of into the dark.

[4:09—4:14] Cuts to two young men walking on the edge of a clifftop next to the ocean.

[4:15—4:20] Cuts to two women looking at each other and smirking at a happy couple sitting across the bar.

[4:20—4:27] Cuts to a young man looking around in a blue room, he turns towards a warm light that opened behind him.

[4:28—4:37] Cuts to two young women kissing by the bayside with the sunsetting behind them, the camera pans up to show the sunsetting over the bay.

[4:38—4:44] Intense music fades, Swinburne logo appears on a white background with small black dots.

[END OF TRANSCRIPT]

Admissions

Applicants require a minimum of Year 12 completion or equivalent., or attainment of

  • CUA41220 Certificate IV in Screen and Media
  • CUA41215 Certificate IV in Screen and Media
     

Applicants without a solid grounding in Film & Television, may choose to complete the Certificate IV in Screen & Media to gain the foundational skills.

Individuals will be required to submit a portfolio of work.

Portfolios should comprise 6-8 examples of your own work, including but not limited to film and video. You should provide pre-production development work (for at least one example of a recent project). This can include written proposals and visual pieces (e.g. paintings, photographs and animation).

Ideally, you would also have skills and knowledge in:

  • Basic computer use
  • Basic photography, and use of camera and lenses 
  • Basic design principles
  • Writing and storyboarding
  • Sound and video editing
  • Working on projects in a collaborative environment


This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.

Other requirements

Technical Requirements

To engage fully in your studies, you are required to purchase or access the following equipment and technologies.

  • Computer
  • Headphone with microphone
  • Camera through a computer connected to the internet to use “Collaborate Ultra” within the CANVAS Learning Management System
  • Internet access
  • External Hard Drive (1TB minimum)
     

When purchasing or accessing a computer we highly recommend the below specifications are considered either Apple Macintosh or Windows PC.

Computer recommendations:

Component  

  Minimum Performance  

  Top Performance  

  GPU  

  1080p: 4GB VRAM or 4K: 8GB VRAM  

  6K-8K: 20GB VRAM  

  CPU  

  4 Cores  

  18 Cores  

  RAM  

  HD: 16GB 4K: 32GB  

  6K-8K: 64GB  

  Internal Storage  

  1TB SSD  

  4TD: SSD  

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

Students must complete the four core and eleven elective units listed.

4
Core units
+
11
Elective units
=
Diploma
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 1000

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Provide freelance services
Core unit
CUAIND412
Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
Core unit
CUAIND512
Realise a creative project
Core unit
CUAPPR411
Establish and maintain safe creative practice
Core unit
CUAPPR515
Elective units
Undertake project work
Elective unit
BSBPMG430
Shoot different screen content
Elective unit
CUACAM411
Implement design solutions
Elective unit
CUADES511
Implement lighting designs
Elective unit
CUALGT412
Manage media assets
Elective unit
CUAPOS412
Edit complex media productions
Elective unit
CUAPOS511
Coordinate media production services and resources
Elective unit
CUAPPM416
Analyse cultural history and theory
Elective unit
CUARES503
Record sound on location
Elective unit
CUASOU410
Implement sound designs
Elective unit
CUASOU505
Develop storylines and treatments
Elective unit
CUAWRT512

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$18,020

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$13,190

2025 fees

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
CUA51020
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400278064
Apply through VTAC
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400278064
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
March Intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
25-February-2026
Start dates
02-March-2026
Start dates
Location
Start dates
March Intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
02-March-2026
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