Diploma Arts, Design & Architecture Full Time

Diploma in Creative Industries

at Queensland University of Technology · Brisbane, Queensland

CRICOS course code

081617G

CRICOS provider code

00213J

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$27,000 total

Per year

A$27,000/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Diploma in Creative Industries at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is an entry-level course structured to introduce students to the creative sectors, including arts, media, communication, and design. Over one year of full-time study, students complete core and elective units, working through foundational concepts and practical skills relevant to Australia’s creative economy. Each unit is assigned a specific number of credit points, allowing a flexible approach to learning, and all credits can be understood by referencing QUT's structures on their official site.

Here, learning is designed to be hands-on and project-based. Students participate in practical assignments and tutorials focused on idea generation, digital media, visual communication, and the basic workings of creative industries in Australia. The course structure typically includes 8 units of study, allowing exploration across multiple areas while gaining skills in collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. While a formal professional placement is not a compulsory component, real-world context is built into assessments and group activities.

This diploma is a good fit for anyone aiming to enter the creative industries, including school-leavers, those changing careers, or people who need a stepping stone into undergraduate study. Australian creative industry links are strong in Brisbane, with opportunities to network through campus events and local industry connections. The qualification also provides a clear pathway to QUT bachelor degrees. International students benefit from work rights in Australia—up to 48 hours per fortnight during study—and may be able to continue on further study visas, such as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), once progressing to higher qualifications. Always check the official QUT and government pages for details.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Junior creative roles in arts, media, and design organisations
Support positions in advertising, marketing, and communications
Content creation for digital media, publishing, and production companies
Entry-level jobs in cultural institutions (museums, galleries, festivals)
Preparation for bachelor-level qualifications in creative fields

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Diploma in Creative Industries at Queensland University of Technology?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$27,000 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Junior creative roles in arts, media, and design organisationsSupport positions in advertising, marketing, and communicationsContent creation for digital media, publishing, and production companiesEntry-level jobs in cultural institutions (museums, galleries, festivals)Preparatio...

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