Diploma of Screen and Media

The Diploma of Screen and Media at TAFE NSW is a hands-on qualification for people who want to work in film, television, online video or screen production. You learn by making things: shooting, editing, recording sound, lighting, directing and producing. The course is built around practical projects, so you finish with a showreel and a body of work rather than just theory. TAFE NSW runs this through its Higher Education arm, and the qualification sits on the Australian Qualifications Framework at diploma level. That places it below a bachelor degree but above a certificate IV, and it is a common pathway into the screen industry or into further study.

How the course is structured

The diploma runs 49 weeks. Australian vocational and higher education courses are usually organised into semesters or trimesters, and you enrol in units of study that each carry credit points. You need to pass the required units to graduate. The exact unit list changes, so check the official TAFE NSW page for the current structure. Because this is a screen and media course, assessment is mostly project-based. You will work in small crews, take on different roles, and produce finished work. Some units will cover safety on set, working with actors, and the legal and ethical side of media production.

Skills you build

You learn camera operation, editing software, sound recording, lighting setups and production planning. You also learn how to pitch an idea, schedule a shoot, manage a small budget and deliver a finished piece on time. Teamwork matters because screen production is collaborative. By the end you should be able to step onto a set or into an edit suite and know what to do. The course also covers the business side: how to find work, quote for jobs and deal with clients. Those skills matter whether you go freelance or join a production company.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a practical start in screen, career changers who have been making videos on their own and want formal training, and people already working in media who need a recognised qualification. It also works as a pathway: after the diploma you can apply for credit towards a bachelor degree at some Australian universities, though you need to confirm the details with each institution. International students should check the English requirement, which is usually IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall for this level. While studying, a student visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available if you meet the requirements. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm fees, intake dates and unit details on the official page.

• Camera operator or assistant on film and TV productions
• Editor or assistant editor for online content, advertising or broadcast
• Production assistant or runner on set
• Sound recordist or boom operator
• Lighting technician or grip
• Content creator for social media, corporate video or streaming
• Freelance videographer for events, weddings or small business
• Entry-level roles in post-production houses, television networks, streaming services and advertising agencies across Australia