Skip to main content

CUA60420 Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development
Photography - ADO1

National ID
CUA60420
WA Course Code
ADO1
CRICOS code
108214M
Person studying work at desk

Why choose this course?

Focus on further enhancing your career in photography. This course will build upon your knowledge in a variety of photographic genres, including domestic, commercial, scientific and artistic creativity.

During your studies you will develop skills in research, illustration, exhibition photography, close up and studio photography. You will also gain expertise in current trends in the rapidly evolving aspects of digital imaging and traditional practice.

Studying photography is exciting and can open doors to a wide number of career opportunities. On completion of your qualification, you can work as a professional photographer in a variety of fields such as commercial, domestic, documentary, portrait and artistic photography. You can also find employment in a studio or set up your own business.

Our lecturers are closely involved with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) and other professional bodies, and you’ll be encouraged to participate in events at both a state and national level. A large number of our students, past and present have taken up membership with these professional bodies who only accept industry competent practitioners as members.

You can choose to study this course at the diploma level or the two year pathway to complete the advanced diploma.

Career opportunities

  • Freelance Photographer
  • Portrait Photographer

  • A Folio is required for this course. For up to date information on folio requirements please refer to our website: tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/folio-requirements.

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of CUA50920 Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging is required for entry into this course.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)
How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,130
  • Materials fee: $200

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however, there will be a number of opportunities for industry involvement including industry visits to the campus, students visiting industry as class excursions and students making their own arrangements for work placement activities.

CUA60420 Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development
Photography - ADO1
2 semesters
CUA60420 Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development
Photography - ADO1
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 16 units. These 16 are comprised of 5 core units and 11 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • BSBWHS501 Ensure a safe workplace
  • CUACMP511 Manage copyright arrangements
  • CUADES601 Design innovative products
  • CUADES611 Manage design realisation
  • CUAIND512 Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • BSBOPS601 Develop and implement business plans
  • CUAACD612 Extend professional expertise across new art forms and media
  • CUAPHI520 Produce technical photo images
  • CUAPHI538 Provide wedding photo imaging services
  • CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
  • CUAPPR611 Originate a body of independent creative work
  • CUAPPR612 Collaborate in professional creative projects
  • CUAPPR613 Engage in the business of creative practice
  • CUAPPR614 Publicly present a body of own creative work
  • CUAPPR615 Evolve ideas for professional creative work
  • CUAPPR616 Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course combines a range of methods to gather evidence that closely reflects the practices and products used in industry and across a range of photographic specialties. These include practical assignments, observation, third party reports and folios.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course. 

 

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, learning guides, PowerPoints and handouts.

 

Facilities and equipment may include access to a professional photographic studio, comprehensive photographic equipment for loan to students, a fully equipped digital laboratory with relevant photo industry software, exhibition space, classrooms, darkrooms, printing rooms, finishing rooms, commercial processing laboratory, library, full time photography technician and photography stores person.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | North Metropolitan TAFE (52786)
How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,130
  • Materials fee: $200

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course, however, there will be a number of opportunities for industry involvement including industry visits to the campus, students visiting industry as class excursions and students making their own arrangements for work placement activities.

CUA60420 Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development
Photography - ADO1
2 semesters
CUA60420 Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development
Photography - ADO1
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 16 units. These 16 are comprised of 5 core units and 11 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • BSBWHS501 Ensure a safe workplace
  • CUACMP511 Manage copyright arrangements
  • CUADES601 Design innovative products
  • CUADES611 Manage design realisation
  • CUAIND512 Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • BSBOPS601 Develop and implement business plans
  • CUAACD612 Extend professional expertise across new art forms and media
  • CUAPHI520 Produce technical photo images
  • CUAPHI538 Provide wedding photo imaging services
  • CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
  • CUAPPR611 Originate a body of independent creative work
  • CUAPPR612 Collaborate in professional creative projects
  • CUAPPR613 Engage in the business of creative practice
  • CUAPPR614 Publicly present a body of own creative work
  • CUAPPR615 Evolve ideas for professional creative work
  • CUAPPR616 Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course combines a range of methods to gather evidence that closely reflects the practices and products used in industry and across a range of photographic specialties. These include practical assignments, observation, third party reports and folios.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is available in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use the matrix to ensure assessments, are undertaken across the duration of the course, rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course. 

 

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, learning guides, PowerPoints and handouts.

 

Facilities and equipment may include access to a professional photographic studio, comprehensive photographic equipment for loan to students, a fully equipped digital laboratory with relevant photo industry software, exhibition space, classrooms, darkrooms, printing rooms, finishing rooms, commercial processing laboratory, library, full time photography technician and photography stores person.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

Apply now(opens in a new tab)

The image displays a close up of Jessica Parra, from the shoulders, up. She wears a black top. She has brown hair pulled over to the side. She looks intently into the camera. The backdrop is completely grey.
Jessica
Country
Colombia
Campus
East Perth

I chose TAFE for its exceptional reputation, high academic standards, and practical approach to learning. TAFE's pragmatic methodology, which emphasises hands on learning and real-world experience, greatly appealed to me.

Custom course guide

Build your own course guide

Select the study areas, courses and topics you like. Get your custom guide by email!

Create your guide(opens in a new tab)

Download study area guide(opens in a new tab)

Apply now(opens in a new tab)

Contact us(opens in a new tab)

TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

Last updated on November 25, 2022