Diploma in Creative Industries
Want to work in marketing, design, the arts or media? This program gives you an introduction to the creative industries, and shows you how to build a skillset and plan your own career.
In this program you will:
- Learn about communication, technology, information management and teamwork, and put your skills into practice by developing a business proposal for an innovative new product or service in the creative industries
- Explore your career options with elective courses in media, journalism, writing, visual communication, graphic design and more
- Upon successful completion, receive direct entry and up to 96 units of credit* towards USC's Bachelor of Creative Industries
Location
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSPQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- Actor
- Creative director
- Creative entrepreneur
- Entertainment industry professional
- Music industry professional
- Performance creator
- Publisher
- Screen media professional
- Theatre worker
- Writer
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 8
- Total units
- 96
- Duration
- 1 year 1 year
- UniSC program code
- UC102
Introductory Courses (3)
UCC101 Academic and Professional Skills: Planning for Success
UCC102 ICT for Academic and Professional Applications
UCC105 Innovation: Addressing Challenges
Required courses from a specified list (5) 60 units
Select 5 discipline courses from the following:
CMN101 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
CMN104 Introduction to Screen and Media Industries
CMN105 Creative Production
CMN107 Communication for the Creative Professional
CMN116 Playing with Words: an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
DES103 Fundamentals of Photography
DES105 Design Methods
DES107 Drawing Practice
FSH100 Introduction to Key Concepts of Fashion
Additional entry information
Applicants who have already completed a higher education qualification (AQF Level 5 and above, or equivalent), excluding VET sector diplomas, are not eligible for entry into this program.
Proficiency in the English language is required for entry to all programs and courses and any international or domestic applicant from a non-English speaking background must satisfy the University's standard and program specific English language requirements.
* Maximum credit is possible only if you select relevant discipline electives in the Diploma that are required courses in the Bachelor degree, including in majors and minors; and also on the choice of major and minor. Credit might be limited due to insufficient elective space for introductory level courses.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$15,072 - 2025 Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 015701 |
| Moreton Bay | 014701 |
Student story
“I had no idea that I would experience so much personal growth, nor that I would have the chance to be a part of many valuable experiences that would shape my future and who I have become.”
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.