Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
UndergraduateTUA-PAP-DIP2025
Find and grow your own personal visual style
Learn to use Adobe’s Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere tools. You’ll explore equipment like DSLR cameras, studio lighting, and video rigs. Guided by professional photographers, you’ll build your skills and experiment with different techniques.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 12
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
About this degree
For over 35 years Billy Blue College of Design has consistently ranked as one of Australia’s top design colleges. With a legacy as Australia's original design college, the Billy Blue name continues to open doors at leading design and media agencies. Now part of Torrens University, when you study design with Billy Blue, we’ll give you all the tools you need to create your own success – and we’ll also help you define what success looks like for you.
During this course you will:
- Work with equipment and lighting to enhance your photography.
- Learn to think visually and explore concept development within your photography.
- Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software.
- Understand the importance of workflow and develop post-production skills.
This course will give you a broad base of generalist photography and photo imaging knowledge and experience. Interweaving theory and practice, you will gain skills in using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Premiere, and equipment such as DSLR cameras, studio lighting and video rigs.
You’ll explore both still-image and video formats and learn real workplace procedures, so you have the confidence to manage many types of photography projects from start to finish.
With exercises grounded in industry practice and access to studio spaces, you can refine your skills and experiment with different techniques. Guided by lecturers who are professional photographers, you’ll identify and explore your own personal style.
Tailor your study to your lifestyle thanks to our innovative digital learning system, accessible from anywhere with 24/7 personalised support. With all your course materials online, and the option to study full or part time, on-campus, online or a blend of both it's all about flexibility.
Course duration: 18 months full time, 2 years part time, 12 months accelerated.
Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence: You'll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you're studying Design with us.
Recommended study pattern
The Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging course structure comprises of 12 core subjects (11 subjects at level 100 and 1 subject at level 200):
- Level 100: 11 core subjects
- Level 200: 1 core subject.
Award requirements
To be awarded the Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging, students must complete 120 credit points (12 core subjects outlined in the Course Structure). Each subject has a value of 10 credit points.Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$19,467
Indicative total fee $29,200
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
At Torrens University Australia you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle. Thanks to their innovative digital learning system you’ll gain the ultimate in flexibility, and still receive personalised guidance from academics and access to work placement, mentorship and internship opportunities. Online you can attend live classes or view recorded sessions, connect with lecturers and fellow students, and access content on-demand 24/7.
Learn more about Torrens.
Explore Torrens courses.
How to apply
Torrens University Australia manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Torrens University Australia who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Torrens University Australia offers flexible entry options and study pathways, whether you’re finishing school, pursuing career progression or looking for a change. Entry requirements for this course includes:
- Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.
Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent.
Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above.
Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.
Standard English language requirements apply.
Don’t meet the entry requirements? We have numerous pathway programs to get you started. Contact our Future Student Advisors to learn about alternative entry options.
- Torrens University offers pathway opportunities to further your learning. If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against a degree with Torrens University, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. Under Torrens University's Recognition of Prior Learning policy, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition costs if you have previous study and/or work experience. Our Future Student Advisors will happily walk you through the application process.
Career opportunities
The work you produce will help build your professional portfolio to impress clients or potential employers. Combine your expertise as a photographer with your passions and interests to build a career in photography for advertising, documentary, wedding, food, portraits, fashion, architecture, or beauty, at an agency, in a studio or working for yourself.
Potential career paths include:
- Sports Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Wedding Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Commercial Photographer
- Photo Editor/Retoucher.
Professional recognition
Design Institute of Australia (DIA) recognised course
This course is recognised by the DIA, giving you confidence that your education is of the highest industry standard.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Photographers | N/A^ | Down 2.1% |
| Photographer's Assistants | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Photographic Developers and Printers | N/A^ | N/A^ |