Collarts (Australian College of the Arts)
8 months
The Diploma of Screen & Media is an intensive 8-month program that gets you making films within weeks, taught by award-winning industry professionals. Perfect for aspiring filmmakers who want practical, hands-on experience with professional equipment without committing to a full bachelor degree.
Local students: No ATAR required, just creativity and passion. Year 12 completion or previous study/work and life experience. International students: Must be at least 18 years old at course commencement, hold a senior secondary school certificate equivalent to Australian Year 12, demonstrate English proficiency, and may be required to attend an interview. Collarts celebrates diversity and individuality—no prior filmmaking experience necessary, just a unique voice and driven attitude.
The diploma covers comprehensive screen production across multiple units: Screen & Media Studies including Critical Thinking in Screen and Media Theory, Australian Screen Cultures, and Global Screen Cultures; Creative Development through Stories on Screen, Episodic Screenwriting, and Screenwriting for Short Films; and Production modules including Introduction to Production, Digital Film Editing, Screen Craft Practice, Video and Digital Filmmaking, Mobile Filmmaking, and Episodic Production. You'll develop practical expertise in screenwriting, cinematography, lighting, editing, colour grading, production design, directing, and can earn ARRI micro-certification. The curriculum integrates film literacy, classical Hollywood cinema, genre theory, auteur criticism, and episodic writing techniques alongside hands-on production workflows.
Collarts is Victoria's first ARRI-accredited film school with industry-leading practitioners who bring real-world experience from Oscar, Emmy and AACTA-recognised productions. The institution was voted Australia's #1 provider of creative arts courses for Teaching Quality and Engagement. Small class sizes ensure personalised guidance, while exclusive partnerships with the Melbourne International Film Festival and extensive industry networks provide internships and mentorship opportunities. Access to professional ARRI Alexa 35 cameras and industry-standard software ensures you train on equipment used in professional productions.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level and advancing roles in the screen industry. Career paths include Production Assistant (coordinating equipment and logistics on film sets, average salary $60k-70k), Video Editor (assembling footage for film, TV and digital platforms, average salary $70k-85k), Cinematographer (planning and directing filming to control photography quality, average salary $110k+), Documentary Filmmaker, Producer, Screenwriter, and Director. The diploma provides a pathway to further study in the Bachelor of Screen & Media, allowing you to progress based on academic performance. Industry connections and mentorship from active professionals accelerate your transition from classroom to professional screen work.
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