Photography and Digital Imaging

Description of the course

The Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging offers a dynamic and comprehensive ‘hands-on’ program to prepare students for a career in the photographic industry. Students will engage with a number of areas of study to enhance their technical, creative and conceptual capabilities as an emerging photographic practitioner. The course covers both analogue and digital photographic processes, access to industry standard studios, editing labs and darkrooms where you can develop current skills for the photographic imaging industry. Specialist staff guide you through the course exposing you to a range of industry professionals and fine art photographers. The course enables you to begin building professional networks from day one as you collaborate with colleagues and industry professionals throughout the course. With multiple opportunities to exhibit your work, you will produce a professional portfolio of photographic artworks enabling you to pursue a career in either the commercial or fine art photographic industry.

Length of the course

The duration of the course is one year which is delivered over four terms for 35 weeks. Contact hours are four days a week with an option for students to use the facilities and work independently outside of scheduled classes.

Assessment 

Students will respond to regular work briefs and tasks that allow them demonstrate their technical, creative and conceptual skills. Learning is delivered through tutorials, demonstrations, workshops, group discussions and simulated work environments. Students will have the opportunity to produce a photographic portfolio for review at mid-year and end of year.

Eligibility and Prerequisites 

Successful completion of VCE or VCE VM Senior Certificate is a prerequisite of the course. The course does not require a minimum ATAR score. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in photography by attending an interview and presenting examples of their photographic work and any other support materials for entry to the course.

Course Units

Core Units
CUAWHS312 Apply Work and safety practices
CUAPHI311 Develop and apply photo imaging industry knowledge
CUAPHI313 Process photo images
CUAPHI411 Capture images in response to a brief
CUAPHI412 Apply photo imaging lighting techniques
CUAPHI403 Enhance, manipulate and output photo images
CUAPPR403 Store and maintain finished creative work

Elective Units
CUAPHI305 Use wet darkroom techniques to produce monochrome photographs
CUARES502 Critique cultural works
CUARES403 Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
CUAIND314 Plan a career in the creative arts industry
CUAPHI312 Capture photographic images
CUAPPR415 Develop and discuss ideas for own creative work
CUADIG415 Produce innovative digital images
CUAPPR314 Participate in collaborative creative projects

Pathways + Career Outcomes

This qualification is designed as a pathway into the CUA50920 Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging or a higher education course including degree qualifications. Successful completion will prepare graduates to work as one of the following:

• Assistant photographer

• Digital operator

• Photo lab technician

• Photo store specialist

Application and enrolment process

Direct application can apply online via the NCAT Photography application form.

Applicants must attend an interview and present examples of their photographic work and any other support materials for consideration for entry to the course.

Course fees

Information can be found on the Northern College of the Arts and Technology website under course fees.

*This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth government funding. Government subsidised places are funded under the Victorian Skills First Program.

Full fee students are those not eligible for government subsidies.

Materials charge

Includes all of the materials you will need to complete the course including 35mm film and processing, darkroom and digital lab consumables including paper, and materials relating to mounting and display of multiple exhibitions.

Amenities fee

Covers the costs of maintaining photographic equipment incurred by NCAT.