Graduate Certificate in Film and Television

The Graduate Certificate in Film and Television at Adelaide University is a short, focused qualification for people who want to build practical skills in screen production without committing to a full master's degree. It runs for 26 weeks, roughly one semester of full-time study. You'll work in small groups on real productions, learning how films and television programs actually get made, from script development through to post-production. The exact units are set by the university, so check the official course page for the current structure and what each unit covers.

As a graduate certificate, this sits at AQF level 8, above a bachelor degree but below a master's. It usually carries 24 credit points, made up of a few core units. Assessment tends to be project-based: you'll pitch ideas, shoot footage, edit sequences, and present finished work. Some versions of this qualification include a placement or industry project, where you work with a production company, broadcaster, or screen organisation. Adelaide has a small but active screen sector, and the university's connections to local festivals and production houses can open doors if you make the most of them.

If you finish the certificate and want to keep going, many universities let you credit the units towards a master's in film and television or screen production. That's worth asking about early, because it affects how you plan your study. International students should also know that this course qualifies for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, provided you meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements. While studying, your visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight.

This course suits people who already have a bachelor's degree in something else, media, communications, arts, or an unrelated field, and want to move into screen work. It also suits early-career creatives who need a formal qualification to back up their portfolio. If you're looking for a long research degree or a PhD pathway, this isn't it. But if you want a fast, hands-on introduction to film and television production in an Australian city with a genuine screen culture, this is a sensible place to start. Confirm the current unit list, English requirements, and tuition on the official CRICOS register and the university's page before you apply.

• Production assistant or coordinator on film and TV sets
• Assistant editor or post-production runner
• Camera assistant or lighting technician
• Content producer for streaming platforms, advertising agencies, or corporate video teams
• Roles in Australian broadcasters, independent production companies, and screen agencies
• Freelance work in documentary, short film, or online series production