Explore passions with practical assignments
'I really enjoyed the Diploma in Creative Industries assignments where I could choose my own topics. This gave me the freedom to dive deeper into the areas I'm passionate about, which made the learning experience even more meaningful. I was pleasantly surprised by how practical and challenging the course content and assignments are. They really pushed me to think critically and apply my learning in real-world scenarios.'
Diploma in Creative Industries graduate
Bring your ideas to life
‘To me, the real world is where dreams turn into reality. The Diploma in Creative Industries program allowed me to bring my ideas and designs to life, bridging the gap between theory and practical application. During this program, I really enjoyed the photography units. It was fascinating to take pictures with a purpose and reflect on my work. This experience helped me refine my design style and vision. ‘
Diploma in Creative Industries graduate
Pathway to a QUT degree
'The Diploma in Creative Industries facilitated a smooth transition to my Bachelor of Design degree by allowing me to progress directly into the second year. This unique feature permitted me to complete the entire bachelor degree in three years, aligning with students who initially enrolled in the bachelor program. This ensured that I progressed through the course at the same stages as my peers.'
Diploma in Creative Industries graduate, Bachelor of Design student
Progress to your chosen degree
'Studying my diploma program at QUT College has been a huge help for me. The curriculum back at home and here in Queensland is different — QUT College makes the transition feel like a breeze as you progress to your chosen degree. The college has a culturally diverse community which makes the environment an even more interesting place to learn.'
Pathway to a QUT degree
'The Diploma in Creative Industries facilitated a smooth transition to my Bachelor of Design degree by allowing me to progress directly into the second year. This unique feature permitted me to complete the entire bachelor degree in three years, aligning with students who initially enrolled in the bachelor program. This ensured that I progressed through the course at the same stages as my peers.'
Diploma in Creative Industries graduate, Bachelor of Design student
Bring your ideas to life
‘To me, the real world is where dreams turn into reality. The Diploma in Creative Industries program allowed me to bring my ideas and designs to life, bridging the gap between theory and practical application. During this program, I really enjoyed the photography units. It was fascinating to take pictures with a purpose and reflect on my work. This experience helped me refine my design style and vision. ‘
Diploma in Creative Industries graduate
Pathway to a creative career
'I've always been a creative person, but when it came time to choose a field of study, I couldn’t decide which creative discipline suited me best. That's why, when I discovered that QUT offers a Diploma in Creative Industries, which introduces students to multiple creative fields and allows progression into the second year of a bachelor's degree, I knew it was the right choice for me.'
Diploma in Creative Industries/Bachelor of Creative Arts student
Explore passions with practical assignments
'I really enjoyed the Diploma in Creative Industries assignments where I could choose my own topics. This gave me the freedom to dive deeper into the areas I'm passionate about, which made the learning experience even more meaningful. I was pleasantly surprised by how practical and challenging the course content and assignments are. They really pushed me to think critically and apply my learning in real-world scenarios.'
Diploma in Creative Industries graduate
Develop real-world skills
'The Diploma in Creative Industries helped me be familiar with the new environment at university. During the Managing Social Media unit at QUT College, I had a chance to work with real-world clients such as QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art) and QUT Library. We created social media strategies and gained advice from them. I also improved my writing skills for my assignments and gained fundamental knowledge of what I will learn in my bachelor's degree.'
Diploma in Creative Industries graduate and Bachelor of Communication student
Highlights
- Provides pathway into QUT's Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Design - International, or Bachelor of Creative Arts (excluding acting).
- Successful graduates will receive up to 1 year of credit for prior learning (advanced standing) towards their chosen Bachelor degree.
- Gain foundational creative skills required for a range of creative industries pathways.
Highlights
- Provides pathway into QUT's Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Design - International, or Bachelor of Creative Arts (excluding acting).
- Successful graduates will receive up to 1 year of credit for prior learning (advanced standing) towards their chosen bachelor degree.
- Gain foundational creative skills required for a range of creative industries pathways.
- Develop academic and English language skills for successful study in your chosen QUT Creative Industries bachelor degree program without the need to take another IELTS test (or equivalent).
- Learn to operate effectively in an Australian university setting.
Why choose this course?
Studying Diploma in Creative Industries at the QUT College will fast-track your entry into the second year of QUT's Bachelor of Communication (KC40), Bachelor of Design (DE43), Bachelor of Design - International (DE45), or Bachelor of Creative Arts (CA01) (excluding acting). You will learn through university style lectures, tutorials and workshops with a focus on the development of independent learning skills. You will join a collaborative and close-knit learning community in which you will receive the support you need to succeed. Successful graduates are guaranteed entry into chosen program with up to 1 year of advanced standing.
QUT College community will also offer you valuable opportunities, such as the activities club, which will help you meet new friends and broaden your Australian learning experience. You will also be able to access a broad range of additional learning support.
Why choose this course?
Studying Diploma in Creative Industries at the QUT College will fast-track your entry into QUT's Bachelor of Communication (KC40), Bachelor of Design (DE43), Bachelor of Design - International (DE45), or Bachelor of Creative Arts (CA01) (excluding acting). You will learn through university style lectures, tutorials and workshops with a focus on the development of independent learning skills. Upon satisfying entry requirements, successful graduates are guaranteed entry into chosen QUT Creative Industries program with up to 1 year of advanced standing.
Through QUT College, you will join a collaborative and close-knit learning community in which you will receive the support you need to succeed. QUT College community will also offer you valuable opportunities, such as the activities club, which will help you meet new friends and broaden your Australian learning experience. You will also be able to access a broad range of additional learning support.
Learn from the best
The Diploma in Creative Industries program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to explore a range of creative disciplines and provides additional academic support, preparing you for successful study at QUT. You will learn from qualified teachers, which will prepare you well for your degree studies.
Our Diploma programs are regularly updated so they reflect the content of QUT Bachelor courses, which means you will be able to use the knowledge and skills you gain when you transition into university.
Explore this course
The Diploma in Creative Industries pathway is an introduction to diverse knowledge, creativity and practical skills across a range of creative disciplines and provides additional academic and language support, preparing you for successful study within the field of creative industries.
In this course you will:
- Study first year academic content in an interactive learning environment.
- Develop academic skills which will help you become more confident with your university studies.
- Be prepared for professional practice in the creative industries field.
- Learn professional and effective communication skills to suit various audiences.
The Diploma in Creative Industries pathway is an introduction to diverse knowledge, creativity and practical skills across a range of creative disciplines and provides additional academic and language support, preparing you for successful study in the QUT Creative Industries Faculty.
In this course you will:
- Study first year academic content in an interactive learning environment.
- Develop academic skills which will help you become more confident with your university studies.
- Improve your English language skills each semester with academic communication units.
- Be prepared for professional practice in the creative industries field.
- Learn professional and effective communication skills to suit various audiences.
Real-world facilities
This course is taught at QUT College, which is located at QUT's Kelvin Grove campus. The College is where you will spend most of your time going to classes and getting to know other international and Australian students. You will receive a QUT Student ID card which will give you access to all QUT's outstanding facilities, making you part of the fun and exciting QUT university community right from the start. Our community offers lifestyle and social opportunities, which will help you to enjoy a richer cultural experience.
Careers and outcomes
The course is designed as a pathway to undergraduate study in creative industries degrees (excluding acting). Graduates may be employed in entry level positions. The below list of possible careers depends upon the QUT creative industries degree you progress to.
Course articulation
Once you have successfully completed this course, you will be automatically offered a place in:
- Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Design - International
- Bachelor of Creative Arts
Upon entry to the bachelor degree course, you will be eligible for 96 credit points (one year) of advanced standing (credited).
Course articulation
Progression to your related bachelor degree
To progress into your chosen QUT bachelor degree you will need to meet the conditions listed in your offer letter, including:
- successful completion of the Diploma in Creative Industries.
To find more information regarding the progression requirements, refer to the 'Requirements' tab for your chosen bachelor degree, and select 'Australia' from the country list.
Advanced standing
The amount of advanced standing and number of semesters you will be required to complete depends on which degree you choose to study.
After successful completion of the Diploma in Creative Industries you are eligible for 96 credit points (one year) of advanced standing towards the following degree programs.
It will take 4 semesters / 2 years to complete
February and July intakes
It will take 6 semesters / 3 years to complete (including 1 year study aboard)
February and July intakes
Possible careers
- Arts administrator
- Communication specialist
- Creative director
- Creative entrepreneur
- Creative writer
- Digital content designer
- Digital content producer
- Social media brand specialist
- Stage manager
- Theatre professional
- Web designer
The Diploma in Creative Industries is comprised of:
- 72 credit points of core units, and;
- a 12 credit point academic communication unit and a 12 credit point complementary studies unit (domestic students).
The Diploma in Creative Industries is comprised of:
- 72 credit points of core units, and;
- 24 credit points of academic communication units (international students)
- ATAR/selection rank threshold
- 60.00
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2026.
Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?
- Course code
- IF06
- QTAC code
- 420401
- CRICOS code
- 081617G
-
- Kelvin Grove
-
- Kelvin Grove
- 8 - 12 months full-time
- 8 - 12 months full-time
- February, July and November
- February, July and November
- Duration: 8 months full-time (for July and November start); 12 months full-time (for February start)
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
Offer guarantee
If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 60.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the Semester 1 offer rounds, up to the main offer round in mid-January.
VET guarantee
If you have completed an AQF certificate III, certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the Semester 1 offer rounds.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.
Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2025
The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.
| Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
81.25
|
Selection rank
89.25
|
| Median ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
64.00
|
Selection rank
65.85
|
| Lowest ATAR/selection rank to receive an offer |
Selection rank
56.80
|
Selection rank
60.25
|
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Other admission options
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
I completed secondary school in Australia
- ATAR/selection rank
- 60.00
Offer guarantee
If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 60.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
VET guarantee
If you have completed an AQF certificate III, certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake | 5.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. |
162 | 154 | 154 | 154 | 154 |
| PTE Academic | 46 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 |
| TOEFL iBT | 56 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 14 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2027 fees
2027: Fee available from October
2027 fees
2027: Fee available from July
2026 fees
2026: CSP $13,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2026 fees
2026: $27,000 per course (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
QUT College Merit Scholarship
A scholarship for future international diploma and foundation students.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
Keep up to date
Ready for your next step?
Finishing school?
Everything you need to know about choosing a uni straight from school.
How to apply
We'll break down the application process, from QTAC to accepting your offer.
Ready for your next step?
How to apply
We'll break down the process, from applying to accepting your offer.
Flexible study
Explore the options that could make postgraduate study work for you.
QUT courses for you
Like to save your courses?
Please enter your first name and email so we can save your courses for you