- ATAR 63.00
- View full details
- 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
- Springfield
- Toowoomba
- Online
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 9,312
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Gain industry-ready skills through hands-on training in digital photography, lighting, composition, and image editing using Adobe Creative Suite tools like Lightroom and Photoshop. These industry skills are designed to prepare you for real-world work in a variety of genres including fashion, food, sports, PR, and more.
- Learn from industry professionals and build a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of photography, including ethical editing practices, visual storytelling, and the power of images as tools of communication in today’s digital landscape.
- Fast-track your career or further study with a diploma that can be completed in just one year, offering a direct pathway into employment or credit towards a related bachelor degree for continued education.
- Future-proof your creative career by developing resilience, establishing clear professional goals, and mastering the practical and conceptual tools needed to adapt in an ever-evolving, tech-driven photography industry.
Dedicated to helping
UniSQ is dedicated to helping everyone develop their abilities and academic skills so they can reach their full potential on their chosen path.
Maeghan - Arts and Communication
Career outcomes
As a graduate, you will have developed a professional portfolio that can be presented to prospective employers and clients. A career in photography will allow you to use your creativity and explore your interests through documentary, journalism, weddings and events, fashion, architecture, health and fitness, or beauty.
You can apply for jobs as a:
- freelance photographer
- photojournalist
- wedding and event photographer
- sport photographer
- fashion photographer
- food and product photographer
- real estate photographer
- digital retoucher.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Diploma of Professional Photography, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.
Degree structure
An undergraduate university degree typically consists of a combination of core, major and elective courses designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and opportunities for an in-depth deeper dive into your chosen field.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Other study options
If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Bachelor of Communication and Creative Industries (if you meet all the entry requirements).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes.
Select the highest level of education you have or will be completing to find the entry requirements that applies to you.
You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
To study this degree, we assume you have sound knowledge in:
- English (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent
We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.
This information applies if you’ve previously completed or started higher education study at university.
If you’ve done any study at UniSQ or another university, you may be eligible to apply based on your previous studies. We’ll use the best selection rank from your previous studies when assessing your application.
If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you can use your Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) awards of:
- certificate III
- certificate IV
- diploma or
- advanced diploma
to apply to study with UniSQ.
We will review your academic history to determine if you’re eligible for admission. We’ll convert your TAFE or VET qualification, past school results and any relevant work experience into a selection rank. This selection rank will determine which degrees you meet the entry requirements for.
If it’s been over two years since you completed secondary education and you haven’t pursued any vocational education training (VET) or higher education since, you’re still eligible to study at UniSQ.
You don't need to have an ATAR or come straight from high school to study at uni. Your work experience and other adjustment factors may help you meet UniSQ's entry requirements.
Let us help you navigate through our entry options – start a conversation, whenever suits you.
All applicants
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Explore the ATAR/selection rank of students offered a place in this degree in the first 2025 intake, based entirely or partly on their ATAR. To learn more about the backgrounds of students in this degree, access the QTAC website via the How to apply section.
Springfield
- Highest ATAR/selection rank - 71.55
- Median ATAR/selection rank - 71.55
- Lowest ATAR/selection rank - 71.55
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
You can apply to study at UniSQ via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website.
- Copy the QTAC code for the study location you've chosen for this degree.
- Click on the location you’ve chosen in the below table to take you to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website.
- Select 'Apply Now' to create a QTAC account.
| Location | QTAC codes |
|---|---|
| Online | 909545 |
| Toowoomba | 909541 |
| Springfield | 929541 |
Some applicants may be eligible to apply directly to UniSQ if they meet certain criteria. Explore the application process that’s right for you.
You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 10 February | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 26 May | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 8 September | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
More information on application key dates is available.
There are several special admission schemes that use adjustment factors to boost your ATAR or selection rank with additional points, to improve your chances of getting into your preferred degree.
You may be eligible for these admission schemes based on:
- your background and personal circumstances
- where you live
- the subjects you studied at school.
You do not have to apply for these adjustments as they will be automatically applied by QTAC when your application is assessed.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The documentation you need to provide with your application depends on your qualifications.
If applying through QTAC, you will also need a Unique Student Identifier which is your individual education number for life.
Follow our easy instructions to discover further information on applying to study that’s right for you.
Depending on how you applied to study at UniSQ, the process to accept your offer will vary.
Offer to study at UniSQ from QTAC
- QTAC will send you an email if you have received an offer. To respond to your offer, log in to the QTAC application portal.
- Information regarding QTAC key dates for when offers will be made is available.
- Didn’t receive an offer? Don’t worry – you may just need to update your preferences.
Offer to study from UniSQ
- After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
- Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Available 5 days a week
Chat now
Freecall
1800 269 500
Email us at study@unisq.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
The entry requirements for a Diploma in Photography will vary depending on the learning provider you choose to study with.
At UniSQ, to gain entry into our Diploma of Professional Photography you need to meet a specific ATAR, pre-requisites and assumed knowledge requirements. ‘Assumed knowledge’ is the term we use to explain the minimum level of knowledge we presume you have in some subjects before you start your degree.
For more information on entry requirements, please view the entry requirements section of this page.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for our professional photography diploma, we have a pathway option for you:
Do you still have questions? Get in touch with one of our iconnect support staff to talk through your options.
Yes! When you undertake our Arts and Communication professional photography diploma at UniSQ you will learn the fundamentals of photography while developing your professional and practical skills in photography.
With our hands-on photographic studio and field work you will gain the practical skills needed to shoot effectively in a range of lighting situations and field work scenarios.
How you can study a Diploma in Photography will vary depending on the learning provider you choose to study with.
At UniSQ you can study our photography diploma online as an external student. If you want to immerse yourself in on-campus life, you can study at our Toowoomba or Springfield campus. When you study externally, you to learn your subject theory online and come on campus when required. We’ve been delivering distance education for over 40 years, so you can be sure that you are learning your degree from the online education experts.
Discover more about the different ways you can study at UniSQ.
