Diploma of Screen and Media CUA51020, CRICOS Code: 110259B

Courses

Qualification

  • CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media, CRICOS Code: 110259B

 

Description

The Diploma of Screen and Media provide students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience designed to inspire the next generation of visual storytellers.

Through a blend of creative development, production practice, and post-production training, students will build professional skills across all key disciplines of screen production — including directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, producing, scriptwriting, and visual effects.

Throughout the program, learners will develop a professional showreel and portfolio, demonstrating their creative and technical capabilities across various screen formats such as narrative films, documentaries, digital journalism, and multimedia content.

This nationally recognized qualification prepares graduates for employment across a wide range of roles in the film, television, digital media, and creative industries, with specialization opportunities in:

  • Film and television production
  • Radio and podcasting
  • Digital content creation
  • Sound design and post-production
  • Animation and game design

Progress your Screen & Media career with the:

  • Diploma of Screen and Media
  • Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

 

This Strategy Document has been developed with reference to the CUA – Creative Arts and Culture Training Package (CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media) and should be read in conjunction with the following supporting materials:

  • Subject Outlines and Weekly Lesson Plans
  • Assessment Materials and Marking Guides (including Assessment Mapping)
  • Validation Schedule and Continuous Improvement Plan

Australian Charis College offers the CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media to students who wish to build a professional career in the film, television, and digital media industries.

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in creative development, technical production, and post-production processes, enabling students to develop both artistic and industry-ready skills.

Upon completion, students will achieve:

  • A nationally recognized qualification at Diploma level
  • A strong pathway to higher education or advanced career opportunities in screen and media

Career Opportunities:

  • Video Editor
  • Camera Operator
  • Social Media Content Creator
  • Digital Designer
  • Sound Assistant / Audio Editor
  • Live Broadcast Assistant (Vision Switcher)
  • Junior Producer or Production Crew Member

This Strategy Document outlines our approach to the delivery of this qualification using a mixed mode consisting of classroom-based training, online learning, and practical production/studio workshops.

Progress your screen and media career through nationally recognised pathways from this qualification into higher-level study such as the CUA60620 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media and related bachelor degree programs.

Analysis of the Training Package (or VET Accredited Course) requirements included review of:

  • Packaging Rules,
  • Assessment guidelines

As a result of the units have been provide a quality learning experience for our target audience. Details of this target audience are included in the section below. Our training and assessment design were informed by the latest practices in the industry and through direct contact with industry representatives. Their input was sought to ensure that our design and choice of resources are suitable for both the target audience and the industry needs. This includes consultation on skills and experience required of trainers and assessors. Evidence of Industry consultation is documented in the Industry Consultation Log at the end of this document.

 

Entry Requirements

To enroll in the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media, applicants are expected to have completed Year 12 (or equivalent), or demonstrate maturity and relevant life or work experience that indicates their capacity to undertake study at this level.

It is also recommended that applicants have prior experience or foundational skills relevant to screen and media, which may include evidence of capability in areas such as:

  • The self-directed application of knowledge and creative skills with substantial depth in some areas
  • The ability to exercise independent judgement, critical thinking, and decision-making in creative contexts
  • The application of technical and conceptual skills in media, design, or related creative industries

Applicants may be required to undertake an interview or portfolio review to assess suitability for this qualification.

 

Course Prerequisites

no prerequisite requirements.

 

Duration of Qualification and Volume of Learning

This program is delivered as a full-time course over a period of 2 years.

According to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the Volume of Learning for the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media is typically between 1,200 and 2,400 hours.

The total duration includes a combination of:

  • Classroom-based instruction and tutorials
  • Online learning and guided study activities
  • Practical production workshops and studio sessions
  • Project development and assessment time
  • Industry or workplace-based practice (where applicable)

Further details of how this program meets the required AQF Volume of Learning are outlined in the following sections, including the weekly timetable, training schedule, and assessment structure.

 

Pathways

Pathways into the Qualification

Entry into the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media is typically through completion of a Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41225) or through demonstrated equivalent skills and industry experience.

Pathways from the Qualification

Graduates of the Diploma of Screen and Media may progress to higher-level qualifications such as:

  • CUA60620 – Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
  • Graduate Certificate in Screen and Media
  • Graduate Diploma of Screen and Media
  • Relevant Bachelor’s degree programs in film, television, or digital media production

This qualification also provides a strong foundation for entry into a range of industry roles within film, television, online content creation, and digital media production.

 

Employment Outcomes

Job roles and titles for graduates of the CUA51020 – Diploma of Screen and Media vary across film, television, digital, and online media sectors.

Graduates will be able to apply integrated creative, technical, and conceptual skills to plan, produce, and deliver screen-based media content in a range of professional contexts.
They will demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within production teams, applying advanced problem-solving and creative decision-making skills in response to real-world media challenges.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this qualification may pursue employment in the following roles or sectors:

  • Creative Industry Professions – scriptwriter, producer, director, production manager, or editor across film, television, digital content, and streaming platforms
  • Production Crew and Technical Roles – camera operator, lighting technician, sound recordist, vision switcher, or video editor
  • Digital Media and Online Content – social media content creator, podcast producer, digital designer, or motion graphics artist
  • Post-Production and Visual Effects – colorist, sound designer, compositor, or assistant editor
  • Corporate and Freelance Media Production – creator of documentaries, promotional videos, and online communication materials

Graduates will possess the skills and knowledge to:

  • Plan and manage complex media projects from concept to delivery
  • Apply creative direction and production management principles in diverse environments
  • Operate and integrate industry-standard technologies and software
  • Collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary production teams
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical practices aligned with current industry standards

The course outcomes of this Diploma of Screen and Media are consistent with the qualification type descriptor outlined in the Australian Qualifications Framework (Second Edition, 2013).

 

Core and Elective Units

Packaging Rules

Total number of units = 15

  • 4 core units
  • 11 elective units, of which:

Elective units must be relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the overall integrity of the AQF alignment, not duplicate the outcome of another unit chosen for the qualification, and contribute to a valid industry-supported vocational outcome.

Where relevant, the choice of elective units set out in the packaging rules above can serve to provide the qualification with one of the following specialisations. The rules to achieve a specialisation are detailed at qualification end.

  • Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects
  • Specialist Make-Up Services
  • Directing
  • Radio and Podcasting
  • Journalism
  • Content Creation
  • Production Management
  • Post-Production

All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

Core Units

Unit Code Unit Title
CUAIND412 Provide freelance services (90 hrs)
CUAIND512 Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge (90 hrs)
CUAPPR411 Realise a creative project (90 hrs)
CUAPPR515 Establish and maintain safe creative practice (90 hrs)

Elective Units

Unit Code Unit Title
CUAAIR411 Plan and conduct interviews (90 hrs)
CUAANM413 Create titles for screen productions (90 hrs)
CUACAM411 Shoot different screen content (90 hrs)
CUACAM412 Shoot screen content in a multi-camera environment (180 hrs)
CUAPOS511 Edit complex media productions (90 hrs)
CUASOU410 Record sound on location (90 hrs)
CUAWRT401 Edit texts (180 hrs)
BSBCMM411 Make presentations (90 hrs)
CUABRD412 Vision mix productions (90 hrs)
CUAPPM417 Create storyboards (90 hrs)
CUAWRT415 Write narration and material for productions (90 hrs)

*Notes on Unit Selection:

  •  The units included in this qualification have been selected with reference to the

*Notes on Unit Selection:

  • The units included in this qualification have been selected with reference to the Training Package and in consultation with industry partners