Key facts
Duration
Campuses
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Study the Graduate Diploma of Film and Television to progress your production skills through practical experience with the latest recording and editing technologies. Learn more of what matters to you - choose seven of your eight units of study to create a customised degree tailored to your aspirations.
Want the freedom to shape your degree with elective units that develop the industry-relevant skills creative teams are looking for?
The Graduate Diploma of Film and Television is grounded in the everyday realities of the film and television industry. By breaking down some of the misconceptions about working in film and television, our graduates are better prepared for future roles, and more in control of their careers. On top of practical skills for film and television production, the course focuses on transferrable skills – like collaboration, problem-solving and personal organisation – that are crucial for success in media industries.
The course consists of:
- one core unit
- five film and television elective units
- two elective units from the Master of Communication, Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Creative Arts
The large number of electives on offer allows you to create a degree that’s unique to you, your passions and career goals. You can study topics that align with your strengths, or dive into previously unexplored study areas to broaden your creative repertoire. There are eight film and television elective units to choose from, covering a diverse range of study areas from advanced screen production and visual effects, to storytelling and documentary practice.
No matter the units you choose, you can look forward to lots of practical experience that prepares you for the challenges of the industry. Many of your assessments will involve hands-on work, some of which might include:
- multi-camera studio production
- documentary production
- creating screenplays and treatments
- pitches, proposals and video presentations
- exercises in lighting, direction, animation and post-production
These real-world assessments allow you to apply your skills on authentic projects while developing your unique style of storytelling. You’ll also have access to the latest production equipment in our state-of-the-art film and television facilities. Practise with the same tools professionals use, including digital cinema cameras, an industry-standard broadcast TV studio and cutting-edge motion capture facility.
While there are many rewarding career options for graduates, there are also opportunities for further study upon successful completion of the course. If you want to continue developing your production skills and access sought-after internships, you might like to articulate into Deakin’s Master of Film and Television.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Film and Television, a student must successfully complete 8 credit points of study comprising:
- 1 core unit
- 5 credit points of course electives
- 2 credit points of electives from the Master of Communication, Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Creative Arts
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Core unit
5 course electives from:
Plus 2 credit points of electives from:
The Master of Communication, Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Creative Arts
Key information
2022 course information
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1* - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)*
* Next intake available in 2023
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Assessment methods
Assessment will take place at the unit level and has been designed to ensure successful attainment of all Course Learning Outcomes and corresponding Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes over the duration of the course. In particular, assessment of the core units focuses the application of skills and knowledge to produce work that reflects industry practices and standards.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work-integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. Refer to the relevant unit guide.
Participation requirements
Compulsory learning experiences
International students studying through the Cloud Campus may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory onsite components of the course.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning and collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Minimum course entry requirements
Entry will be based on performance in:
- Bachelor Degree or higher; OR
- two years relevant work experience; OR
- evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $46,620.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2021 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Diploma of Film and Television (8 credit points), based on the 2021 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
- of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP
*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
How to apply
You can apply direct to Deakin via our Application Portal. To learn about our application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Entry pathways
The Graduate Diploma of Film and Television will provide a pathway into the Master of Film and Television.
Guaranteed pathways
Students who complete the following courses will be guaranteed a place in the Graduate Diploma of Film and Television and receive credit as specified:
- Graduate Certificate of Film and Television, 4 credits
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
Contact information
Careers
Career outcomes
Graduates will have the transferable skills and practical experience needed for a successful career in the film and television industry, as well as broadcasting, marketing, advertising and communications roles.
Film and television graduates at Deakin have gone on to thrive in roles as:
- directors
- cinematographers
- editors
- producers
- production managers
- production designers
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Acquire advanced and integrated understandings of contemporary production practices and contexts of film and television making. |
| Communication | Use specialist film and television technologies and skills to interpret and communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences in academic and non-academic contexts. |
| Digital literacy | Develop high level skills in the use of digital technologies to produce, document, present and publish in film and television. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and interpret complex ideas through film and television practice. |
| Problem solving | Identify evaluate and resolve theoretical and methodological challenges in designing and executing film and television productions. |
| Self-management | Acquire the knowledge, skills and initiative to participate in the production of film or television. |
| Teamwork | Acquire advanced interpersonal skills and experience in collaborating with colleagues, technicians and others to successfully complete film or television projects |
| Global citizenship | Identify, interrogate and communicate the relevance of the ideas and issues in film and television practice for communities and cultures in a global context |
| Approved by Faculty Board March 2019 | |
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