Graduate Diploma of Film and Television
2026 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Diploma of Film and Television |
| Course Credit Points | 8 |
| Deakin course code | A606 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Campus | This course is available as an exit only option from A706 Master of Film and Television. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
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.
Career opportunities
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.
Participation requirements
Compulsory learning experiences
International students studying online may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory components of the course at a campus.
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.
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.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Master of Film and Television (A706)
Course Learning Outcomes
| 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 at Faculty Board March 2019
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Film and Television you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 2 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of course electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Units
| ACF700 | Writing with the Camera |
| ACF705 | Documentary Production Practice |
Electives
4 credit points selected from:
| ACF712 | Studio 1: The Writer's Room |
| ACF717 | Post Production |
| ACF713 | Studio 2: Production (2 credit points) |
| ACF718 | Screen Business |
| ACF714 | Studio 3: Essay and Screenplay (2 credit points) |
| ACF716 | Motion Graphics and Titles |
| ACF708 | Studio 4: Production (2 credit points) |
| ACC700 | Communication and Creative Arts Internship |
Plus 2 credit points of electives from:
The Master of Communication, Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) or Master of Creative Arts
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Assessment
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.
Other learning experiences
Completion of this course requires students to apply the knowledge and skills they have obtained in the production of a film or television work that can be recognised across industry as professional.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.