Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting

Applications open:
29 Jun 2026

Applications close:
03 Nov 2026

Duration:
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Attendance:
Online or on campus study options

Domestic Fee:
$31,824 ($31,824 p.a.)

The fee shown is the indicative course tuition fee, expressed as the total course cost and per annum cost. For more information, see fees and scholarships below.

FEE-HELP and scholarships available

Apply Now

1300 223 877

Register your interest to stay up-to-date on future offerings, application or enrolment dates, and more information on this course.

Fast-track your career in radio and podcasting

The Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is a hands-on and dynamic course for emerging broadcasters, podcasters, and radio producers. Audio storytelling is booming, but not all podcasts and broadcasts were created equal. Through specialised training and collaboration, in class and during live broadcasts, you will learn at an advanced level that the cornerstones of good content are communication, storytelling and knowing your audience.

The program will take your career in radio and podcasting to the next level by preparing you for future roles in radio, podcasting and multi-platform broadcasting. You will learn by doing; working in a supportive environment to engage in challenges to grow your craft, collaboration, creativity and confidence and prepare you for future roles in radio, podcasting and multi-platform broadcasting.

“AFTRS essentially got me this job. It connected me with the people who were important in order to make this happen. I mean, I’m still at AFTRS and I’m already employed full time. That’s a testament to AFTRS.”
Gareth Thomson

AFTRS offers flexible study options for this course: study on-campus or online and choose between 1-4 subjects per semester.

Book a Radio and Podcasting tour

FLEXIBLE STUDY WITH THE GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN RADIO AND PODCASTING

MASTER RADIO AND PODCASTING SKILLS

Create compelling content for radio and digital platforms

Discover how to deliver innovative content, fast-tracking your radio and podcasting career in AFTRS’ state-of-the-art digital studios.

Build key industry contacts

You will build key contacts as you work alongside industry professionals and emerge with highly sought-after broadcasting and podcasting skills.

Shape the Australian radio and podcast industry

This program produces creative radio and podcast professionals capable of shaping the future of the Australian radio and podcast industry.

Is the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting right for you?

During the program, you will have the opportunity to collaborate to produce up to four major live broadcasts. You will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of formats. You’ll develop advanced craft practices in announcing, audio production, program producing, writing, news, voiceover, music directing, online and digital content, podcasting, marketing and integration. All students will be offered a professional placement in their final semester.

Your learning will also extend beyond the school environment. Professionals from all radio sectors take part in program instruction, passing on their knowledge and experience.

This program will teach you how to achieve the best possible standards in broadcast and podcasting and develop your confidence in your own creative ability.

GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN RADIO AND PODCASTING

For more information download the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting course guide.

Career opportunities

AFTRS’ Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is designed specifically to meet the needs of the Australian radio and podcast industry and is firmly based in practical craft development. The program is structured around analysis of broadcast, podcast, online and multi-platform theory. You will learn about current practices and future trends in radio and podcasting.

Potential careers:

  • Audio Producer
  • Radio and Podcast Announcer
  • Podcast Producer
  • Radio Producer
  • Digital Content Producer
  • Music Director
  • Panel Operator
  • News Presenter
  • Feature Maker
  • Copywriter

Meet Your Lecturers

Natalie Pozdeev

Natalie Pozdeev is a media education specialist, with expertise in practice-based radio, journalism and digital content training. As Program Convenor…

Learn More

Andrea Ho

Andrea Ho is a media professional and an experienced leader, broadcaster and content maker. Andrea started her broadcasting career in…

Learn More

Sian Gard

Sian Gard’s career has encompassed many roles; radio broadcaster, and producer, multiplatform journalist , Chief of Staff, editor, manager and…

Learn More

Jennifer Goggin

Jennifer Goggin is an award-winning audio-documentarian, a podcast executive, and the Founder of You'll Never Believe Productions. She is a…

Learn More

Madeline Joannou

Madeline has worked in radio for the last 14 years as an Audio Producer and Sound Designer and currently works…

Learn More

What you will learn

The focus of this program is to prepare radio professionals for their future roles in the radio, podcast and multiplatform broadcasting industries. This program is firmly based in practical craft development, balanced with theoretical frameworks that equip students to think critically and evaluate complex problems in order to reach radio and podcast audiences. Students will gain core knowledge and skills in collaboration, content development processes, including Indigenous culture and protocols, and existing, new and emerging broadcast platforms.

Explore more about the Graduate Diploma in Radio & Podcasting with AFTRS’ Discipline Lead, Radio and Podcasting, Andrea Ho and 2023 graduate, Grace Rouvray.

LEARN ESSENTIAL SKILLS

RADIO AND MULTIPLATFORM BROADCASTING INDUSTRIES

Research analyse and evaluate radio, podcast and multi-platform audio industries, locally national and international

HIGH QUALITY LIVE CONTENT

Apply advanced technical and creative skills in radio and podcasting to produce compelling, high-quality live and pre-recorded content for broadcast and online

PROGRAMMING AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Initiate and implement programming and management strategies to create innovative multimedia broadcasts for multiplatform delivery

CURRENT INDUSTRY PRACTICES AND STANDARDS

Work effectively, positively and collaboratively in line with current industry practices and standards

Get Answers

How to apply

Submitting your Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting application is an easy, online process.

The Application Portal will guide you through each section, but you do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Complete the section you’re on, save your application, and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

Before you begin your application, please read the Graduate Diploma in Radio & Podcasting 2027 Application Guidance Notes. This document brings together everything you need to know to complete an application, including what we’re looking for and how to present your experience in a way that feels true to you.

Take your time as you work through the required tasks, but please remain mindful of the deadline to apply and allow yourself enough time to finalise and submit your completed application.

AFTRS is committed to accessibility and providing reasonable adjustments through our admissions process. Requests for reasonable adjustments will be treated confidentially and will not disadvantage your application.

If you require any support or have any questions as you proceed through the online application, please reach out to our Admissions Team.

Admission requirements

Our students come from many different educational backgrounds and experiences.

Admission into the  Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting requires you to meet the criteria specified below under PRIOR EDUCATION and CITIZENSHIP/RESIDENCY.

PRIOR EDUCATION

Because the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is a postgraduate qualification, you are required to meet one of the following categories:

  • An undergraduate degree at bachelor level or higher
    OR
  • Equivalent work experience and/or training

We recognise there are many ways to demonstrate this experience. For more information, please refer to the category descriptions and examples of relevant work and/or training provided in the Graduate Diploma in Radio & Podcasting 2027 Application Guidance Notes.

If you would like to discuss whether your experience would be considered equivalent, please contact our Admissions Team.

CITIZENSHIP/RESIDENCY

Admission into the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is only available to domestic students.

You are considered a domestic student for application purposes if you are:

  • An Australian citizen
  • A New Zealand citizen
  • An Australian permanent resident
  • An Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder

For more information on Admission Requirements, and the evidence you’ll be required to submit, please review the Graduate Diploma in Radio & Podcasting 2027 Application Guidance Notes.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team.

Application tasks

As well as meeting the admission requirements, you will need to submit the following application tasks.

Application Task 1: Audio Story

Submit two audio recordings.

Recording 1: Tell us why you want to study at AFTRS.

You can include: what makes you unique, your career ambitions, your interests or hobbies, your family background, the types of stories you’d like to tell, or anything else you want us to know about you.

This recording should be up to 2 minutes long.

Recording 2: A segment for radio or podcast

Choose any radio station or podcast.

Record a short segment or talk break for the radio station or podcast you’ve chosen.

This recording should be up to 2 minutes long.

Application Task 2: Written Task

Provide a 1-2 page resume or CV, including your relevant professional and lived experience.

Make sure to include date ranges for your experiences, as well as the contact details of one reference who may be contacted to verify any details. Your CV should be submitted as a PDF file.

Please refer to the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting 2027 Application Guidance Notes for more information on the Application Tasks including:

  • specific requirements for each task,
  • notes on what we’re looking for,
  • and an Assessment Rubric to guide how you present your work and your experiences in a way that feels true to you.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team.

Adjustment Factors

AFTRS is committed to reflecting the full breadth of Australian talent. We know that access to training, industry networks and resources isn’t equally distributed.

To help address that imbalance, we apply “Adjustment Factors”. These are extra points added automatically based on information you provide in your application. You don’t need to do anything extra. If we need anything further, we’ll be in touch to talk it through.

A maximum of 10 adjustment factor points applies.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PERSONS

Domestic applicants who identify as being of Aboriginal descent, Torres Strait Islander descent or of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. 

10
CULTURALLY AND RACIALLY MARGINALISED PERSONS AND/OR THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE OR DIALECT

Applicants who have lived experience of cultural and/or racial marginalisation.

We use the term culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) to refer to people who are not white. This group includes people who are Black, Brown, Asian, or any other non-white group, or who face marginalisation due to their culture, race, or religion (Diversity Council Australia, 2023).

AND/OR

Applicants whose first language is a language or dialect other than English and who have required additional support to develop proficiency in Standard Australian English. 

2
PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

Applicants who identify as living with disability. We use the definition in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. 

2
REMOTENESS

Domestic applicants whose Australian residential address is outside NSW and/or identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being in Inner Regional Australia, Outer Regional Australia, Regional Australia, Remote Australia or Very Remote Australia. 

2
SOCIO ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGE

Domestic applicants whose Australian residential address is identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being in the lowest 25% on the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage. 

 4

If you have questions about Adjustment Factors or whether you might be eligible, please contact our Admissions Team.

Fees

The tuition fees shown above are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. They are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Please also refer to the AFTRS FEES page for additional information on Tuition Fees and FEE-HELP.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting.

You will be prompted to apply for Scholarships after submitting your course application. Please allow enough time to complete your Scholarship Application(s).

Scholarship applications for the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting close on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.

More Information

International Applicants
Admission into the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is only available to domestic students. Students must reside within Australia during their studies.

You are considered a domestic student for application purposes if you are:

  • An Australian citizen
  • A New Zealand citizen
  • An Australian permanent resident
  • An Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder

Laptop Specifications
A laptop with the following recommended specifications will support your completion of this course:

  • Intel® PC Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Enterprise 64-bit Editions
    (please find version-specific qualifications in the Windows OS Compatibility Grid below)
  • Windows 10 for Workstations supported on Intel® Xeon processor-equipped machines
  • Pro Tools – Intel® Core i5 processor
  • Pro Tools | Ultimate – Intel® Core i9 or Intel® Xeon processor
  • 16GB RAM (32GB or more recommended)
  • Internet connection for installation
  • 15GB disk space for installation
  • USB 2-port for an ilok
  • Compatible NVIDIA graphics card (see machine-specific Slot Order & Configuration pages linked below for tested NVIDIA card models)
  • A second monitor is highly advisable
  • Smartphone suitable to take photos and film video
  • Internet access

Get Answers

How to apply

Submitting your Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting application is an easy, online process.

The Application Portal will guide you through each section, but you do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Complete the section you’re on, save your application, and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

Before you begin your application, please read the Graduate Diploma in Radio & Podcasting 2027 Application Guidance Notes. This document brings together everything you need to know to complete an application, including what we’re looking for and how to present your experience in a way that feels true to you.

Take your time as you work through the required tasks, but please remain mindful of the deadline to apply and allow yourself enough time to finalise and submit your completed application.

AFTRS is committed to accessibility and providing reasonable adjustments through our admissions process. Requests for reasonable adjustments will be treated confidentially and will not disadvantage your application.

If you require any support or have any questions as you proceed through the online application, please reach out to our Admissions Team.

Admission requirements

Our students come from many different educational backgrounds and experiences.

Admission into the  Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting requires you to meet the criteria specified below under PRIOR EDUCATION and CITIZENSHIP/RESIDENCY.

PRIOR EDUCATION

Because the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is a postgraduate qualification, you are required to meet one of the following categories:

  • An undergraduate degree at bachelor level or higher
    OR
  • Equivalent work experience and/or training

We recognise there are many ways to demonstrate this experience. For more information, please refer to the category descriptions and examples of relevant work and/or training provided in the Graduate Diploma in Radio & Podcasting 2027 Application Guidance Notes.

If you would like to discuss whether your experience would be considered equivalent, please contact our Admissions Team.

CITIZENSHIP/RESIDENCY

Admission into the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is only available to domestic students.

You are considered a domestic student for application purposes if you are:

  • An Australian citizen
  • A New Zealand citizen
  • An Australian permanent resident
  • An Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder

For more information on Admission Requirements, and the evidence you’ll be required to submit, please review the Graduate Diploma in Radio & Podcasting 2027 Application Guidance Notes.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team.

Application tasks

As well as meeting the admission requirements, you will need to submit the following application tasks.

Application Task 1: Audio Story

Submit two audio recordings.

Recording 1: Tell us why you want to study at AFTRS.

You can include: what makes you unique, your career ambitions, your interests or hobbies, your family background, the types of stories you’d like to tell, or anything else you want us to know about you.

This recording should be up to 2 minutes long.

Recording 2: A segment for radio or podcast

Choose any radio station or podcast.

Record a short segment or talk break for the radio station or podcast you’ve chosen.

This recording should be up to 2 minutes long.

Application Task 2: Written Task

Provide a 1-2 page resume or CV, including your relevant professional and lived experience.

Make sure to include date ranges for your experiences, as well as the contact details of one reference who may be contacted to verify any details. Your CV should be submitted as a PDF file.

Please refer to the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting 2027 Application Guidance Notes for more information on the Application Tasks including:

  • specific requirements for each task,
  • notes on what we’re looking for,
  • and an Assessment Rubric to guide how you present your work and your experiences in a way that feels true to you.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Admissions Team.

Adjustment Factors

AFTRS is committed to reflecting the full breadth of Australian talent. We know that access to training, industry networks and resources isn’t equally distributed.

To help address that imbalance, we apply “Adjustment Factors”. These are extra points added automatically based on information you provide in your application. You don’t need to do anything extra. If we need anything further, we’ll be in touch to talk it through.

A maximum of 10 adjustment factor points applies.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PERSONS

Domestic applicants who identify as being of Aboriginal descent, Torres Strait Islander descent or of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. 

10
CULTURALLY AND RACIALLY MARGINALISED PERSONS AND/OR THOSE FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE OR DIALECT

Applicants who have lived experience of cultural and/or racial marginalisation.

We use the term culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) to refer to people who are not white. This group includes people who are Black, Brown, Asian, or any other non-white group, or who face marginalisation due to their culture, race, or religion (Diversity Council Australia, 2023).

AND/OR

Applicants whose first language is a language or dialect other than English and who have required additional support to develop proficiency in Standard Australian English. 

2
PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

Applicants who identify as living with disability. We use the definition in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. 

2
REMOTENESS

Domestic applicants whose Australian residential address is outside NSW and/or identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being in Inner Regional Australia, Outer Regional Australia, Regional Australia, Remote Australia or Very Remote Australia. 

2
SOCIO ECONOMIC DISADVANTAGE

Domestic applicants whose Australian residential address is identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being in the lowest 25% on the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage. 

 4

If you have questions about Adjustment Factors or whether you might be eligible, please contact our Admissions Team.

Fees

The tuition fees shown above are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. They are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Please also refer to the AFTRS FEES page for additional information on Tuition Fees and FEE-HELP.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to successful applicants of the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting.

You will be prompted to apply for Scholarships after submitting your course application. Please allow enough time to complete your Scholarship Application(s).

Scholarship applications for the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting close on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.

More Information

International Applicants
Admission into the Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting is only available to domestic students. Students must reside within Australia during their studies.

You are considered a domestic student for application purposes if you are:

  • An Australian citizen
  • A New Zealand citizen
  • An Australian permanent resident
  • An Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder

Laptop Specifications
A laptop with the following recommended specifications will support your completion of this course:

  • Intel® PC Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Enterprise 64-bit Editions
    (please find version-specific qualifications in the Windows OS Compatibility Grid below)
  • Windows 10 for Workstations supported on Intel® Xeon processor-equipped machines
  • Pro Tools – Intel® Core i5 processor
  • Pro Tools | Ultimate – Intel® Core i9 or Intel® Xeon processor
  • 16GB RAM (32GB or more recommended)
  • Internet connection for installation
  • 15GB disk space for installation
  • USB 2-port for an ilok
  • Compatible NVIDIA graphics card (see machine-specific Slot Order & Configuration pages linked below for tested NVIDIA card models)
  • A second monitor is highly advisable
  • Smartphone suitable to take photos and film video
  • Internet access

AFTRS graduates are

Storytellers

Practitioners

Creators

Cultural leaders

Storytellers who possess the courage and integrity to embrace and reflect Australian perspectives.

Practitioners skilled for the screen and audio industries.

Creators who can effectively communicate ideas, problem-solve and collaborate inclusively.

Cultural leaders able to apply positionality and ethics in their practice.

Storytellers

Storytellers who possess the courage and integrity to embrace and reflect Australian perspectives.

Practitioners

Practitioners skilled for the screen and audio industries.

Creators

Creators who can effectively communicate ideas, problem-solve and collaborate inclusively.

Cultural leaders

Cultural leaders able to apply positionality and ethics in their practice.

Further Reading

Link to
‘Brothers’ finding their voice at AFTRS

Their connection was instant and their bond with each other – and subsequently with fellow students and lecturers – has helped them to thrive throughout the course.

Link to
Finding his frequency: How the GDRP helped Karl tune in to his future

Learn how the Graduate Diploma of Radio and Podcasting (GDRP) at AFTRS helped Karl turn years of being told he had a "radio voice" into real industry momentum.

Link to
Catarina is Chasing Stories That Matter through Radio and Podcasting

From redefining her career to meaningful audio storytelling, Catarina Fraga Matos reflects on her journey through AFTRS’ Graduate Diploma of Radio and Podcasting.

Link to
More than one path is perfect course for Micah

Micah Kickett reflects on combining law, comedy and journalism through AFTRS’ Graduate Diploma of Radio and Podcasting, and building a creative career without limits.

DISCLAIMER: Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.