- 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
- Online
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 28,240
- (Indicative annual fee)
Note: This degree is pending CRICOS registration. Offers will not be issued to international students wanting to study on campus until CRICOS endorsement is granted.
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
You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
Use our International qualification converter to check country-specific grades (that are equivalent to Australian Year 12) you will need to apply for 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.
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.
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.
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
The University accepts applications all year. Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
You can contact one of our approved agents to guide you through the application process. Our agents provide:
- advice on your study plans
- advice on applying to UniSQ
- document certification
- assistance with any pre-departure arrangements
- assistance with your visa requirements.
To support your application, you will need to submit certified copies of:
- identity documents (passport)
- evidence of your English language proficiency
- senior high school (A levels/Year 12) certificate and academic transcripts
- all post-secondary study certificates and academic transcripts (if any)
- evidence of work experience (if required).
Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.
It is important to apply early to allow enough time for your application to be assessed and processed to meet study commencement dates and participation in Orientation activities. You should also factor in visa processing requirements and timeframes, where applicable.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. Please allow up to 14 days for assessment. If further assessment is required for course credits or exemptions, this process may take longer.
Once you have received your letter of offer from UniSQ, you will need to return your signed acceptance of offer form. The UniSQ team will contact you at this time with more information regarding next steps.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
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.
