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Diploma Course ARTS/DCIN/201

Diploma in Cinematography

1 Year 2 Semesters Diploma Level Film & Television

Course Overview

Course Objective

To equip students with advanced cinematography skills, knowledge, and creativity to produce high-quality visual content for various media platforms.

What You'll Learn

Operate camera equipment confidently, mastering exposure, depth of field, and lens selection
Apply lighting principles to create mood, texture, and visual depth across different environments
Compose and frame shots that convey emotion, narrative, and visual storytelling
Use advanced and specialised equipment including Steadicams, gimbals, drones, and multicamera setups
Adapt cinematography style across formats — music video, TV commercial, documentary, and short film
Build a professional portfolio of three productions, collaborating with directors, producers, and writers

How You're Assessed

Assessment System

Formative Assessment

50%

Written assignments & quizzes

20%

Practical exercises & participation

30%

Summative Assessment

50%

Final project — cinematography portfolio (music video, commercial & short film)

50%

Attendance: Given the intensive nature of this course, unapproved absences may negatively impact your academic performance. Please notify your instructor in advance if you need to miss a class.

40 Weeks · 2 Semesters

Course Curriculum

Each semester is 20 weeks, combining theoretical foundations with practical hands-on projects.

Theory

›What being a Cinematographer entails and the fundamentals of the craft
›The art and history of Cinematography
›Camera types, formats, and basic lighting principles
›Types of genres and understanding your target audience
›Elements of good storytelling: mood, context, and the screenplay
›How to tell a story with the camera

Practical

›Analyse and critique cinematography techniques across a range of films and styles
›Explore how visual choices reflect genre and storytelling intent

Theory

›Fundamentals of camera operation: handling, setup, and safety
›Camera angles and their impact on the scene
›Camera movement techniques: dolly, pan, tilt, and more

Practical

›Framing and composition: rule of thirds, leading lines, and creating visually appealing shots
›Hands-on camera operation exercises with Directing students

Theory

›Exposure control: aperture, ISO, and shutter speed
›Achieving optimal exposure in various lighting conditions
›Depth of field: controlling focus and blur
›Lensing: understanding different lens types and their effects

Practical

›Using camera settings to achieve desired framing and composition
›Controlled exercises testing different exposure and lens combinations

Theory

›Shot sizes and their applications: conveying meaning and emotion
›Visual narrative techniques: how camera lenses and composition influence the audience

Practical

›Storyboarding a script: translating words to visuals
›Floorplans: planning camera placement and movement
›Creating a shot list: organising the shoot and maximising efficiency

Theory

›Lighting instruments and safety: electrical handling, rigging, and best practices
›Light quality, direction, and intensity
›Three-point lighting, high-key and low-key lighting; lighting for texture and depth
›Lighting for interior, exterior, and mixed lighting environments

Practical

›Collaborating with the camera team to achieve a specific visual style
›Lighting exercises across different genres and environments

›Students work in groups to practise all cinematography techniques learned to date
›Practical exercise: a 5-minute script with a narrative structure is handed to students to shoot

›Week 15 — Script breakdown: Meet the team assigned to the project; break down the script and discuss creative issues (art direction, lighting, style, pace, shot list)
›Week 16 — Pre-production: Pre-production on the 5-minute project with the assigned team
›Week 17 — Production: Shoot the 5-minute collaborative project
›Week 18 — Post-production: Understanding post-production processes and finalising the project

›Screen and review all final projects from the semester
›Discuss successes and challenges across all departments — directing & camera, sound, production
›Identify areas for improvement and share best practices for future projects

Theory

›Advanced camera movement: panning, tilting, tracking, zooming, focus pulling, fluid head, track trolleys, cranes, and jibs
›Specialised equipment: Steadicam harnesses, gimbal, and drone operation
›Multicamera setups
›Shooting for chroma key: lighting green and blue screens for VFX

Practical

›Hands-on exercises with advanced movement rigs
›Multicamera production exercise
›Chroma key lighting and shooting exercise

Theory

›Analysing visual storytelling across different formats: how shots, angles, lighting, and pace convey message and style

Practical

›Watch and analyse music videos, TV commercials, documentaries, and short films
›Critique sessions: identifying how cinematographic choices serve each format's goals

Students are assigned a portfolio of three productions to plan and shoot in collaboration with a director, producer, and writer:

›One Music Video: Collaborate with your director and producer to bring a music video concept to life, utilising cinematography skills to capture the visuals
›One TV Commercial: Work with your director, producer, and writer to shoot a TV commercial, applying lighting, camera work, and composition to achieve the desired look
›Documentary or Short Film (10–15 min): Partner with your director, producer, and writer to produce a compelling documentary or short film that showcases your cinematography skills

›Students work in groups to produce their final project portfolio
›Application of all cinematography techniques learned throughout the course

›Post-production and finalisation: editing, colour grading, sound design, and mixing
›Preparing final portfolio for screening and review

›Screen all final portfolio projects with the full cohort
›Discuss successes and challenges across departments — directing & camera, sound, production
›Identify areas for improvement and share tips and best practices

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