Diploma of Creative Industries
Start your journey in creative media
Your natural creative talent proves you can ‘walk the walk’; show prospective employers you can ‘talk the talk’ with our Diploma of Creative Industries. Strengthen your technical skills and build industry knowledge across your choice of elective units in film, music, audio, animation, design or games development.
During your time at SAE, you’ll explore key foundational aspects of the creative industries, developing practical strategies in communication, project management and entrepreneurship to prepare you for an exciting career path. Our diploma blends collaborative online studies with face-to-face mentorship from our expert lecturers who will guide you as you master the latest industry-standard tools and software.
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
On-Campus
Ideal for students who thrive in a face-to-face environment with access to studios, peers, and in-person support.
- Includes 2 hours of weekly on-campus classes plus 1 hour of national content (online or asynchronous).
- Classes run Monday to Friday, morning, afternoon, and evening, with access to digital resources and support.
- Perfect for hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-time feedback.
Blended Delivery
Designed for those who want the best of both worlds, structured face-to-face learning with online flexibility.
- Combines 2 hours of live (on-campus or online) classes with 1 hour of national content each week.
- Balances in-person connection with the convenience of remote access.
- Supported by SAE’s online learning tools and self-directed study resources.
National Expertise
No matter how you study, you’ll learn from SAE’s national team of expert, industry-aligned faculty.
- Access top educators and specialists across Australia, wherever they’re based.
- Benefit from national masterclasses, guest lectures, and collaborative learning.
- Tap into deep industry knowledge that goes beyond your local campus.
Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).
Complete your course faster by studying the course units over approximately 7 months (2 trimesters).
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the course units over one year (3 trimesters).
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
September 2026
February 2027
May 2027
*FEE-HELP Available
Units x Costs ($AUD)
8 x $2,999
Annual Course Fee (Indicative)*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL**)
$23,992 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Annual Course Fee (Indicative) is charged against individual units of study which may increase from time to time and does not take into account personal circumstances such as RPL, credit, repeats and some specialised electives.
** EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load) is a measure of a full-time student’s study load for a year. A full-time study load equates to 1.0 EFTSL. Typically, a full-time study load at SAE is 8 units of study over the year, each with an EFTSL value of 0.125.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Units x Costs ($AUD)
8 x $3,495
Annual Course Fee (Indicative)*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL**)
$27,960 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Annual Course Fee (Indicative) is charged against individual units of study which may increase from time to time and does not take into account personal circumstances such as RPL, credit, repeats and some specialised electives.
** EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load) is a measure of a full-time student’s study load for a year. A full-time study load equates to 1.0 EFTSL. Typically, a full-time study load at SAE is 8 units of study over the year, each with an EFTSL value of 0.125.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Your creative career starts with SAE
Course Structure
'Complete your course faster by studying the 8 units in as little as 7 months (2 trimesters).
The skills and knowledge that you will acquire in this unit will assist you in understanding and developing the core communication skills used by entrepreneurs and practitioners across the creative industries.
This unit builds on project design elements introduced in the first trimester and focuses on core principles in project management. In this unit, you will act as project manager for your work or collaborate with others to develop robust systems and processes for projects. Through these practical projects, you will understand basic project management concepts allowing you to plan, initiate and execute ideas effectively.
To complement these concepts you will be introduced to core principles of ownership, copyright, and Intellectual Property (IP) as related to the Creative Industries, and how you can use marketing concepts involving storytelling & branding to connect ideas with audiences.
This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.
As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
As a practice, drawing provides a core skill set for the expression of both concept and form. This unit introduces you to the concepts and methodologies of drawing using a variety of media with an emphasis on drawing from life, including anatomical studies and perspective techniques for environment and character construction.
The unit is an introduction to the general practice of drawing and rendering and specifically helps to scaffold further learning through support for developing sketch-based visual production skills & knowledge.
Take a practical first look at modeling, lighting, shading, animation, and rendering to gain a holistic, foundational understanding of computer graphics.
This unit will involve using industry-standard software such as Autodesk 3Ds Max, Maya, and Blender. The practical and theoretical knowledge of 3D production pipelines acquired in this unit will act as a foundation for successive animation units.
As the name suggests this unit provides you with an introduction to animation. You will apply the theoretical underpinnings of animation processes via a range of practical explorations and critical analyses. This will provide you with a solid understanding of animation principles and methods that will form the foundation of successive animation units.
This unit is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of visual storytelling and composition principles and the practical skills to communicate intended narratives effectively through pre-production materials. You will learn to utilise industry-standard pre-production software tools to create previsualization sequences, enabling you to simulate camera movements, pacing, and shot composition. Through hands-on exercises and project work, you will develop the necessary expertise to produce high-quality previs and animatics, essential elements in modern filmmaking and animation pipelines.
Establish a basic knowledge of the principles of sound, foundational acoustics, human hearing, perception of sound and the range of technical terms related to audio. You'll sonically assess a listening environment and be able to communicate your ideas using industry terminology.
Potential projects:
Improve the acoustic properties of a home studio setup. Using technology analyse the sound of different rooms.
Gain the audio recording skills required to operate studio equipment and a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) system by undertaking simple recording and mixing projects.
You'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of session planning, studio etiquette, microphone placement, signal flow, multi-track recording and signal processing (EQ, filters and dynamics processing) and be able to edit your session in preparation for mixdown.
Potential projects: Develop a plan for a professional recording session. Analyse sound recordings and create multiple mixes using balance, pan, equalisation, automation and FX processing.
An introduction to the technology used in various audio systems such as recording studios, live, and audio-visual sound reinforcement systems.
Develop basic soldering and electronics fault-finding skills and investigate the connectivity and terminology of small-scale audio systems.
Potential projects: Safely set up and operate small live sound or audio-visual systems for music or spoken presentations.
This unit will introduce you to foundational knowledge and skills for web development which will be useful throughout your studies and career in computer science. You will learn foundational concepts, principles and skill in web development. We will delve into the core concepts of the Document Object Model (DOM), Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and its companion Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and an industry-standard programming language for websites: Javascript. Explore concepts of web design theories and practices including web servers, web databases, web domains, Content Management Systems, web design, web layout, responsive web design, functionality and usability.
This unit provides an engaging and practical introduction to the fundamentals of software development, focusing on the concepts, methodologies, and processes involved. Students will learn about the software development lifecycle, various development methodologies, version control systems, teamwork, project management, and the importance of documentation. The unit is highly interactive, featuring a mix of case studies, group activities, and hands-on projects that simulate real-world software development scenarios.
In this unit you will learn about the principles of design through creating vector graphics in the form of motifs, pictorial marks and logos using Adobe Illustrator and other tools. Project briefs and activities in this unit introduce the principles of design; these are visual rules that can be applied in the creation of any image to enhance their impact, attractiveness and ability to communicate. The principles of design are useful and essential to your ongoing design practice
In this unit you will learn about illustration and the creative and technical production of digital images using photoshop and other tools. Working by hand and digitally you will explore a range of drawing techniques and tools including processes of iteration and refinement. You will investigate visual storytelling through the development of a series of images. Storytelling through your creative practice is essential to your ongoing design practice.
In this unit, you will learn to understand the user or target audience as part of your design process through exploring UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) design. By applying UX design tools such as personas and user journeys and UI design such as prototyping, iterating and testing, you will explore creating websites or apps that provide an ideal user experience. Knowing how to do user research and design digital interfaces effectively is essential for a contemporary designer.
This unit aims to instil a basic working knowledge of the structures, aesthetics and technologies involved in digital post-production. There is a particular emphasis on the editing process, as well as a general introduction to audio mixing, titling, colour grading and authoring processes within an industry-level non-linear editing tool.
Editing techniques and approaches vary between different mediums and this unit focuses on both documentary and drama workflows and file management protocols. Effective communication of narrative is the main focus of the unit, and you will learn to edit for narrative clarity, performance, subtext and dramatic effect. Historical and contemporary perspectives on montage theory and continuity editing theory will be explored to broaden your understanding and approach to the art of editing.
You will be introduced to the theory and principles of storytelling across a range of contemporary creative media contexts, which will then be applied to the creation of storytelling documents appropriate to your discipline. Theoretical approaches to plot, structure, character, story world, theme and genre will be explored and applied to a range of story development tools to engage your audience. Feedback processes and reflection are essential in the development of engaging stories, and you are expected to document your process and feedback from your facilitator and peers.
You will be introduced to the craft of filmmaking through participation in practical film shoots. Introductory learning of camera exposure, lighting and sound equipment, will be supported by a study of the fundamentals of frame composition and cinematography. The key roles and responsibilities of a working film crew, production processes and protocols are covered, including workplace health and safety. Familiarity with the using film production equipment and its safe assembly is as important in this subject as the technical and creative elements of visual storytelling.
Game scripting is a common method of controlling the behaviour and sequencing of events and interactions within a game or scenario. Scripting can be thought of as a discrete language that uses principles of mathematics, combined with rules of syntax and patterns, to provide instructions for a computer to follow.
In this unit, you will implement a range of basic game functionality by utilising data manipulation, formulas, object creation, defining of behaviours, and working with event systems. You will also build an awareness of how to use these elements within common game scripting languages and environments.
Potential projects:
Build a simple game from scratch using an existing game engine such as Unity with C#.
In order to design and create games we need to be able to understand game systems and how they generate player experience. Games are complex, sitting at the intersection of art, technology, and psychology. To be able to become an effective game developer, it's important to start at a point where you can experiment and see the immediate outcomes of your decisions upon a product. It's for this reason that most game developers start off with small, rapidly developed games or modifications to check their thinking. In this module you will learn how to analyse existing games to identify and describe their core elements and interactions. You will apply this understanding to manipulate existing games in addition to designing new ones, and then check the effectiveness of your work through playtesting and player feedback.
GAD178 will introduce you to 2D Development and is designed to equip you with foundational knowledge and skills necessary for creating 2D games. The course is structured to guide students through the process of planning and developing 2D game assets, laying the groundwork for the creation of a fully realised 2D game concept.
By the end of this unit you will have created the necessary 2D assets required to convey the mood and tone of your own game. With these assets, you will have several fully realised scenes, built in a game engine that depict your vision and demonstrate your understanding of the 2D asset production pipeline.
This unit will help you develop foundational skills for composing music and lyrics effectively, and effectively and communicating musical concepts in different forms. You will learn to identify, employ and communicate music theory concepts including rhythm, harmony, melody, notation, structure, form, texture and genre, for application in your own creative work. Through iteration, peer review and mentor feedback, students will develop their songwriting skills through the development of several projects culminating in several pieces of music that form the beginnings of a portfolio of works.
This unit introduces you to core skills and concepts of electronic music production. You will work on a range of music projects to develop skills in recording, sampling, sequencing and synthesis. You will develop your abilities across contemporary tools and technologies to produce original music in a DAW using a combination of MIDI and audio manipulation. You will also learn how to produce a variety of sounds to satisfy a brief and add effects to enhance the sonic qualities of your productions.
This unit introduces you to core skills and concepts of studio and analogue music production. Across a range of projects, you will develop skills around microphone techniques, analogue signal flow and engineering techniques, recording and mixing. You will develop your abilities across contemporary tools and technologies to produce original music in a DAW using studio production techniques. You will also learn how to produce a variety of sounds to satisfy a brief and add effects to enhance the sonic qualities of your productions.
This unit introduces you to the concepts of stagecraft, live music performance and musicianship, production design and the technology used in live-sound production. Musical artists often play a leading role in designing and executing live performances of their music. Live music is both a major source of an artists income as well as a branding and marketing event. Additionally, live sound experience, skills and knowledge can open up regular, well-paid work within the music industry.
Designing and producing a live music performance plays an important role in engaging audiences and creating entertaining experiences. Visuals, costumes, props, lighting and stage design can all contribute to successful music performances and developing these skills in addition to technical audio skills will provide you with a broader range of professional skills. Repertoire, musical arrangements and genre conventions are some of the skills employed by musicians in developing their musical works.
In this unit you will be given opportunities through the project design to collaborate with students from other disciplines and through analysis and planning the unit will culminate in a live event of your own design.
Introduction to Real-Time Engines will establish foundational knowledge for students. This unit includes the fundamental principles and workflows in real-time engines, in addition to the technical considerations. Students will explore a range of technical and theoretical concepts through a practical learning approach. In addition to developing their skills in using real-time engine software, students will develop their skills and knowledge from iterative development and reflection in order to embed foundational knowledge and skills. Additionally, students will build collaborative teamwork skills to establish professional practices and communication methods.
This unit will cover a range of topics related to the acquisition and manipulation of images for use in film and visual effects, including colour management, image and asset acquisition, on-set and editorial theory, and the theory behind rendered and generated images, which are typically created using computer-generated imagery (CGI) software. Additionally, we will explore the technical aspects of project setup in Nuke, a powerful compositing software widely used in the industry.
Other topics that will be covered include matchmove, mattes and masks, common compositing tasks in Nuke, and project management. By the end of this class, students will have a solid understanding of the technical and theoretical aspects of image acquisition and compositing, as well as the skills needed to work with images in a professional setting.
Learn using Industry Tools & Software
DIPLOMA OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Bring together multiple creative passions by studying units in film, music, audio, animation, design, virtual or augmented reality, or game development. The Diploma of Creative Industries allows you to combine your skills across various media and creative technologies, preparing you for a diverse career pathway.
Alongside specialist creative skills in multiple disciplines you will craft your communication, project management and entrepreneurial abilities, learning to think creatively and technically within a complex industry ecosystem. You’ll be ready for 21st century industry roles using modern creative business concepts and strategies.
In this course you will engage in projects applying skills learned throughout the course to real life creative scenarios. Through collaborative project design, development, and management you will devise inventive creative solutions, applying ideas and content that uses mixed media and technologies.
Our diploma has been purpose built to blend digital online delivery and face-to-face time with expert mentors across the country, along with time on the latest industry standard tools and software. To complement your technical skills, you will graduate with employability skills, project management skills, industry and business understanding and scholarly techniques for higher education.
Upon completion, you will be eligible for up to 80 credit points towards the Bachelor of Creative Industries.
Meet your creative industries mentors
Meet your creative industries mentors
Dr Corinna Di Niro - Head of School - Creative Industries
Corinna brings over a decade of tertiary teaching and academic leadership experience to her role, specialising in creative pedagogies and inclusive curriculum design. As Australia’s leading expert in Commedia dell’Arte, she combines traditional theatrical knowledge with innovative digital approaches.
Winner of the inaugural Progetto Donna Arts Award 2023
TEDx speaker with internationally published research on creative industries education
Pioneered virtual reality applications in live theatre during the early development of immersive technologies
Meet your creative industries mentors
Heli Puhakka - Design & Creative Industries Faculty Development Lead
Heli brings 15 years of higher education experience to her role as Faculty Development Lead, specialising in design education with expertise in virtual reality and creative practice. Her multidisciplinary approach as designer, visual artist, VR artist, and musician enriches the student learning experience.
Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA), recognising excellence in higher education teaching
PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology researching human-computer interaction
Practising VR artist and singer/songwriter, bringing current creative practice to the classroom
Meet your creative industries mentors
Majella Clarke - Creative Industries, Design & Music Lecturer
Majella works at the fascinating intersection of art, science and technology, specialising in experimental conducting with technology alongside traditional classical music direction. Her interdisciplinary approach combines creative innovation with scientific methodology, inspiring students to explore new frontiers in creative practice.
Advanced Higher Education Fellowship recognising commitment to teaching excellence
Multiple grants and awards including EcoSonicX Prize and EEBIOMASS Bursary from Max Planck Institute
Work showcased at prestigious venues including Espoo Museum of Modern Art and Ars Electronica
Career Outcomes
What jobs will this course lead me into?
- Content producer
- Digital project officer
- Digital coordinator
- Digital content creator
- Arts administrator
- Creative Project Manager
- Digital Media Project Manager
- Entrepreneur
What our students say about SAE
Enrico Leasa
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Layout artist at Industrial Light & Magic
Jessica Ameduri
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Producer
Sarah Khalaf
SAE Alumni | Current Job: TV ProducerSAE Diploma of Creative Industries offers:
Craft your communication, project management and entrepreneurial abilities
Combine your skills across multiple media and creative technologies
Devise innovative creative solutions, apply ideas and content using mixed media and technologies
Obtain a Certificate 4 in Project Management
YOUR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CAREER BEGINS NOW
You'll explore
The creative industries include fields that blend creativity, technology, and innovation – from animation, film and design to audio, gaming, music, and VFX. They’re where ideas are brought to life through storytelling, art, and digital tools.
A creative industries degree can be tailored to your interests and can lead to careers in animation, graphic design, filmmaking, music production, game development, and more! You’ll graduate with the technical skills and industry experience to work as a creative professional or launch your own projects.
Yes, creative roles are growing rapidly as digital content, entertainment and technology evolve. The Australian creative economy is a major employer, with increasing demand for skilled graduates in design, media, games, film and immersive technologies.
No prior experience is required – just curiosity, commitment and a creative mindset. SAE’s courses are designed to build your skills from the ground up, with hands-on projects and industry-standard tools from day one.
CREDIT AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program.
For full details, please refer to SAE’s policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
Easy transition into the Bachelor Course
This means that when you complete an SAE Diploma you will be awarded the maximum credit points available, providing you with the opportunity to seamlessly transition into the higher-level Associate and Bachelor degree qualifications if you choose to do so.
