
Image - Greg Balcombe (Lecturer)

CUA50920
Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
To complete a Diploma you need to have studied the Certificate IV or have equivalent experience
So you have completed our Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging - now it’s time to grow those skills and ask you what you REALLY want to do. The Diploma includes artistic development, advanced studio practice, digital darkroom for perfect printing, commercial retouching, business development and frankly so many cool things we don’t even know how to cram it all into this space. We have both online and in-person study options for the majority of classes, making it even easier to find a study path that works for you.
What you will learn
Honestly, It’s up to you. By this point, you know what you are doing. Master your craft your way with an incredible amount of topics to choose from.
Art exhibitions
Business
Portraits
Commercial and artistic photography and retouching
Advanced studio lighting
Conceptual development
Experimental lighting
Experimental retouching
Advanced darkroom techniques
Website design
Experimental processes
General photography bad-assery
To complete a Diploma you need to take
Four core subjects
A minimum of 3 Group A electives
1-2 Group B electives
1-2 Group C electives.
Diploma
Core Courses:
Term 1 - Thursday 30 January - 27 March 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Online only
Camera Portfolio 2 asked you the question: What do I actually want to do? Now we take all those ideas and refine them further, giving you the power to create the most succinct and engaging body of work you can possibly make.
This course is scheduled once a year
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI531 - Apply visual communication theory to photo imaging practice (55 nominal hours)
CUAPHI539 - Plan and produce visual art photo images (45 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging or equivalent - Camera Portfolio 2, Photographic Concepts 1.
2026 dates TBC
Online only
Make incredible high end professional images in this pro-level photoshop course.
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI533 - Explore and apply photo lighting techniques (45 nominal hours)
CUADIG518 - Refine digital art techniques (90 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Digital Imaging 1, Digital Imaging 2, Introduction to Studio, Camera Portfolio 1.
Term 1 - Wednesday 29 January - 26 March 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Online only
What do you want to say with your photographs? Why make a particular artwork using photography instead of another medium? Explore the qualities of photography that make it a unique form of artistic expression, and learn to work by starting with a concept, then making images to illustrate it.
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI532 - Research and apply photo imaging trends and emerging technologies (45 nominal hours)
CUAFIM511 - Source funding for projects (70 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to Photography & Camera Portfolio 1.
Suggested/Optional Prerequisites: You don’t have to have completed these courses to undertake Concepts 1. Though some of the skills contained in them can come in handy. Camera Portfolio 2, Introduction to Studio, Photographic Design, Digital Imaging 1.
Term 4 - Wednesday 15 October - 10 December 2025
7:00-10:00PM
Online only
Take your Photoshop skills from beginner to professional. From portrait retouching, complicated deep etching and digital image manipulation and printing your images to perfection
This course is scheduled twice a year.
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI523 - Employ colour management in a digital imaging workplace (55 nominal hours)
CUAPOS412 - Manage media assets (40 nominal hours)
CUADIG415 - Produce innovative digital images (57 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Digital Imaging 1 or equivalent Photoshop and Lightroom skills.
Diploma
Group A Elective Courses
(Choose a minimum of three)
Term 3 - Wednesday 23 July - 17 September 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Online Delivery only.
*This class is strictly limited to 6 people.
FOR DIPLOMA SUBJECTS ONLY
Looking to complete outstanding competencies/classes in your Cert IV or Diploma, but they are not offered in the current Term’s schedule? In this course you can work independently on a chosen topic under your lecturer’s guidance to contribute to completion of your Diploma.
Recent students have studied Camera Portfolio 4, Photographic Concepts 3, Studio 2 and Camera 3 in these classes.
If you would like to enrol, it is recommended that you contact Gavin at the CCP on 08 8354 0839 to discuss your aspirations/options.
Competencies covered:
This will be dependent on each student’s subject choice.
Term 3 - Thursday 24 July - 18 September 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Term 4 - Thursday 16 October - 11 December 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Online only
Imagine you are running your own photography business. Learn the ins and outs of creating a consistent style of images in Photoshop and Lightroom to give your work a distinctive look and set you aside from the competition. You will get to know software like ProSelect, Smart Albums and Pixieset; these skill will make your clients want to engage with your work and love what you do.
This course is scheduled 4 times per year.
Competencies covered:
CAUPHI313 - Process photo images (120 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites
Introduction to Photography and Digital Imaging 1 (you need both), or equivalent skill level.
Term 3 - Thursday 24 July - 18 September 2025
7:00-10:00PM
In-person delivery preferable, online/mixed delivery by negotiation. Please call 8354 0839 if you would like to study online/mixed delivery to discuss.
Rethink and re-imagine how you make, show and create with a completely outside of the box hands-on class. From book making to scanner art, this surprising course is all about getting creative with your work without necessarily producing new pieces.
This course runs once a year.
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI534 - Employ specialised imaging technologies (80 nominal hours)
CUARES412 - Conduct research (30 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to Photography or equivalent skill level.
In-person delivery only
Darkroom based post production – it’s kind of like old timey Photoshop, but way more hands on.
This course runs once a year
Competencies covered:
CUAPPR415 - Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work (70 nominal hours)
CUAPHI305 - Use wet darkroom techniques to produce monochrome photographs (50 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to Darkroom, Introduction to Photography or equivalent skill
In-person or Online delivery available
Let’s get weird people - no really. If you're taking this course you probably already know what you’re in for – and it's going to be a wild ride!
Competencies covered:
CUAPPR414 - Develop self as artist (60 nominal hours)
BSBCRT413 - Collaborate in creative process (40 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Photographic Concepts 2.
In-person delivery only
Are you going to be getting paid to do photography for a living? You need this course. Learn photographic lighting, modelling techniques and assignments for paid, freelance photographic work.
This course only runs once every two years.
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI535 - Produce commercial photo images (60 nominal hours)
CUALGT514 - Develop lighting designs (30 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging, Advanced Lighting 1, Studio 2 is ideal but not essential.
In-person and Online delivery Available.
This is a playful course all about challenging photographic preconceptions and conventions. Each course will have a slightly different outcome to allow for students' individual vision, motivation and career goals.
Competencies covered:
CUAPPR616 - Extend expertise in a specialised art from to a professional level (120 nominal hours)
BSBCRT512 - Originate and develop concepts (30 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to Photography, Camera Portfolio 1, Camera Portfolio 2, Photographic Concepts 1.
2026 dates TBC
Perfect for the would-be commercial photographer or fine artist looking for that extra edge in their studio lighting practice. Practical, hands-on experience in a real commercial studio setting.
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI521 - Make illustrative photo images for publication and display (55 nominal hours)
SIRRMER008 - Plan and style merchandise photo shoots (70 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to the Studio
In-person delivery only
This course will push and challenge your studio portrait as well as conceptual skills. Whether you’re a fine art, fashion or domestic photographer this course will push your portrait photography skills into new territory.
Take this course once you have completed Photographing People.
This course runs once a year
Competencies covered:
CUAPHI536 - Provide photographic portrait services (50 nominal hours)
BSBCMM411 - Make presentations (30 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to Studio
Diploma
Group B Elective Courses
(Choose 1-2)
Term 3 - Wednesday 23 July - 17 September 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Online Delivery only.
*This class is strictly limited to 6 people.
FOR DIPLOMA SUBJECTS ONLY
Looking to complete outstanding competencies/classes in your Cert IV or Diploma, but they are not offered in the current Term’s schedule? In this course you can work independently on a chosen topic under your lecturer’s guidance to contribute to completion of your Diploma.
Recent students have studied Camera Portfolio 4, Photographic Concepts 3, Studio 2 and Camera 3 in these classes.
If you would like to enrol, it is recommended that you contact Gavin at the CCP on 08 8354 0839 to discuss your aspirations/options.
Competencies covered:
This will be dependent on each student’s subject choice.
Term 3 - Thursday 24 July - 18 September 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Term 4 - Thursday 16 October - 11 December 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Online only
Imagine you are running your own photography business. Learn the ins and outs of creating a consistent style of images in Photoshop and Lightroom to give your work a distinctive look and set you aside from the competition. You will get to know software like ProSelect, Smart Albums and Pixieset; these skill will make your clients want to engage with your work and love what you do.
This course is scheduled 4 times per year.
Competencies covered:
CAUPHI313 - Process photo images (120 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites
Introduction to Photography and Digital Imaging 1 (you need both), or equivalent skill level.
Online delivery only
Business 101 is an introduction to the day to day running your photographic business and planning your new venture!
This course runs once a year
Competencies covered:
CUAPPR512 - Develop sustainability of own professional practice (50 nominal hours)
BSBFIN501 - Manage budgets and financial plans (70 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: There are no specific prerequisites for this class, but it is recommended that students enrol in this subject towards the end of their Certificate IV, or as part of your Diploma.
Further dates TBC
Online delivery
Camera Portfolio 3 asked you the question: What do I actually want to do? Now we take all those ideas and refine them further, giving you the power to create the most succinctly engaging body of work you can possibly make.
This course is scheduled once every two years
Competencies covered:
CUAIND512 - Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge (60 nominal hours)
CUAACD612 - Extend professional expertise across new art forms and media (60 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging or equivalent, Camera Portfolio 3, Photographic Concepts 1.
Term 2 - Tuesday 29 April - 24 June 2025
1:00 - 4:00PM
Online only.
Essential for photographers and modern art history novices alike, the course illustrates art practice since pre-photography starting with Romanticism 1780-1850 through to current art practice with Post-Modernism and Deconstructionism in Architecture.
This course runs once a year
Competencies covered:
CUAACD522 - Work with photomedia in creative practice (65 nominal hours)
CUAPPR311 - Produce creative work (45 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to Studio, Photographic Concepts 1 recommended, but not essential.
In-person only - if you would like to attend online, please call 08 8354 0839 to discuss the equipment you will need.
Formal portraits? Informal portraits? Daylight? Studio? It’s all there. If you’re going to be photographing people in any way – you’re going to want this course!
This course runs twice per year
Competencies covered:
CUAIND411 - Extend expertise in specialist creative fields (45 nominal hours)
CUAACD534 - Research and apply light and colour (55 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to Studio or relevant studio experience.
Diploma Group C Elective Courses
(Choose 1-2)
Term 3 - Wednesday 23 July - 17 September 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Online Delivery only.
*This class is strictly limited to 6 people.
FOR DIPLOMA SUBJECTS ONLY
Looking to complete outstanding competencies/classes in your Cert IV or Diploma, but they are not offered in the current Term’s schedule? In this course you can work independently on a chosen topic under your lecturer’s guidance to contribute to completion of your Diploma.
Recent students have studied Camera Portfolio 4, Photographic Concepts 3, Studio 2 and Camera 3 in these classes.
If you would like to enrol, it is recommended that you contact Gavin at the CCP on 08 8354 0839 to discuss your aspirations/options.
Competencies covered:
This will be dependent on each student’s subject choice.
2026 dates TBC
Online Only
Build your own fully functional website. This course teaches you how to create your own photographic website from scratch. Learn about hosting, domains creating an email address as well as how to make a professional looking site ready for you to use to impress any client.
Competencies Covered:
ICTWEB513 - Build dynamic websites (60 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites, but students should have a basic level of computer literacy, an understanding of images in photoshop, basic smartphone skills in web browsing and be open to learning new platforms.
Further dates TBC
Online delivery
Camera Portfolio 3 asked you the question: What do I actually want to do? Now we take all those ideas and refine them further, giving you the power to create the most succinctly engaging body of work you can possibly make.
This course is scheduled once every two years
Competencies covered:
CUAIND512 - Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge (60 nominal hours)
CUAACD612 - Extend professional expertise across new art forms and media (60 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging or equivalent, Camera Portfolio 3, Photographic Concepts 1.
2026 dates TBC
In-person delivery only
The ultimate technical studio foundation course. Grow from a lighting beginner to a lighting pro.
Competencies covered:
CUALGT511 - Realise lighting designs (110 nominal hours)
Class Prerequisites: Introduction to Photography & Introduction to Studio.
What you will need
You will need your own entry-level digital SLR or mirrorless camera with memory cards and lenses. It doesn’t need to be fancy! So long as it has manual controls and a removable lens. You will also need to buy some additional equipment for online studio and lighting classes. Call us on (08) 8354 0839 if you have any questions. For further requirements check the information on our website about each course as you enrol.
Fees and pricing
We work a little bit differently to typical schools. Basically you pay for your qualification class by class. This means you don’t need to fork out upfront for the cost of your entire Diploma in one hit.
In 2025 diploma classes are $995 each. You will need to take nine of our accredited nine-week classes to complete your Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging. This is four core subjects and five electives.
Worried about the cost? Yeah we get it. We have payment plans available on each course so you can easily pay it off over time. Call us on (08) 8354 0839 if you want to talk to us about it - we are here to help
We understand that finding the funds for study isn’t always easy. Thanks to generous donations from The Malcolm and Margaret Carbins and ADFAS Adelaide we are able to offer two partial and one full scholarship each year.
Check your eligibility and apply today by clicking the link below.
Term 3 - Wednesday 23 July - 17 September 2025
7:00 - 10:00PM
Online Delivery only.
*This class is strictly limited to 6 people.
FOR DIPLOMA SUBJECTS ONLY
Looking to complete outstanding competencies/classes in your Cert IV or Diploma, but they are not offered in the current Term’s schedule? In this course you can work independently on a chosen topic under your lecturer’s guidance to contribute to completion of your Diploma.
Recent students have studied Camera Portfolio 4, Photographic Concepts 3, Studio 2 and Camera 3 in these classes.
If you would like to enrol, it is recommended that you contact Gavin at the CCP on 08 8354 0839 to discuss your aspirations/options.
Competencies covered:
This will be dependent on each student’s subject choice.