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Undergraduate

Diploma of Professional Photography

Domestic students International students
Diploma of Professional Photography (DAPP)
Entry requirements
View full details
Study mode
  • On-campus
  • External
Campus
  • Springfield
  • Toowoomba
Duration
  • 1 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, May, Sep
Intakes

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.

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Overview

  • Gain professional and practical skills in photography that has real-world application through a Diploma of Professional Photography.
  • Learn from professionals as you explore photography techniques and industry-standard software, including Bridge, Lightroom, Photoshop and other programs within the Adobe Creative Suite. You will learn photography genres and styles for advertising and commercial enterprises, photojournalism, PR and events coverage, sports and action, travel, food, fashion, street photography and more.
  • Transform your skills from studio work to a range of fieldwork scenarios.
  • Establish professional goals, build your resilience and develop the skills needed to future-proof your career. Whether your next step is further study or employment, this diploma helps to make that transition easier.
  • A diploma can be completed in just one year and is ideal if you want a university qualification but can’t study for the duration of a bachelor degree. If you decide to continue to study, your diploma is also a stepping-stone to a bachelor degree and successfully completed courses can often contribute to your credits.

Further study

Upon successful completion of this diploma, you can go on to study the Bachelor of Communication and Creative Industries.

Career outcomes

  • This diploma will help you develop 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.
  • Photographers can be self-employed or work for agencies and studios.

Entry requirements

Pre-requisites

To study this degree we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English (Units 3 & 4, C) 

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.

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this degree. If your country is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility. 

English language requirements

You are required to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subscore. UniSQ also accepts other English language proficiency tests.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can apply to study with our English language partner, the Union Institute of Language (UIL), or if you're a domestic student you can apply to study UniSQ Ready courses TPP0122 and TPP0123.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

If you have previously studied in your home country, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete eight units. Most courses (similar to ‘subjects’) are valued at one unit. To study full-time you would usually complete four units per semester.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
Photography courses  7
TOTAL 8

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for an example of courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for international students' first year of study (8 units) in this degree:

Study Mode Cost
External/Online

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 28240
On-campus

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 28240

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2025. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

CRICOS:

Apply direct to UniSQ

Intakes

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.

Study period  Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February  Friday 9 May
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 19 May Monday 26 May  Friday 22 August
Trimester 3, 2025 Monday 1 September Monday 8 September Friday 5 December 
Two men collaborating at a computer workstation in an office environment.

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

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