| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-02-01 | - |
| 2025-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program at RMIT University combines theoretical, conceptual, and industry-based photographic practice models. Students develop a profound understanding of photography, produce work that responds to critical discourses, explore emerging technologies, and gain the skills to interpret and shape the field as professional practitioners.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program at RMIT University combines theoretical, conceptual, and industry-based photographic practice models as applied to the media and communication industry. Students are challenged to produce work that responds to critical discourses in both local and global contexts. Emerging technologies are explored while also analyzing and synthesizing their relevance to the student's own image-making. As professional practitioners with specialized knowledge in photography, graduates possess the awareness and skills to interpret and shape their field upon graduation.
Objectives:
- Develop a profound understanding of theoretical, conceptual, and industry-based photographic practice models.
- Produce photographic work that responds to critical discourses in local and global contexts.
- Explore emerging technologies and analyze and synthesize their relevance to personal image-making.
- Gain awareness and skills to interpret and shape the field of photography as professional practitioners with specialized knowledge.
Program Description:
As a professional practitioner with specialist knowledge in photography, you will have the awareness and skills to interpret and shape your field once you graduate. Some of the areas that our graduates excel in include advertising, architectural photography, cinema production, curation, documentary photography, editorial photography, education, fine art, photo editing and retouching, photojournalism, post-production, and publishing.
Outline:
Content:
The Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program at RMIT University focuses on project-driven studio environments in which students actively participate and develop skills in key contemporary photographic production processes. Throughout the degree, students engage with broader critical analyses of the historical, theoretical, and cultural contexts of photography. Students develop their own creative approach to photography through integrated industry training, practical experience, and critical thinking. They learn from practicing photographers, artists, and leading academics in purpose-built studios using modern photographic equipment and specialist software.
Structure:
The Bachelor of Arts (Photography) degree can be completed in three years of full-time study or part-time equivalent. The program is divided into semesters, with each semester typically lasting for 12 weeks. During each semester, students take a combination of core and elective courses.
Core Courses:
- Photography Studio 1
- Photography Studio 2
- Photography Studio 3
- Photography Studio 4
- Photography Studio 5
- Photography Studio 6
- Photography Studio 7
- Photography Studio 8
- Photography Studio 9
- Photography Studio 10
- Photography Studio 11
- Photography Studio 12
- Photography Studio 13
- Photography Studio 14
- Photography Studio 15
- Photography Studio 16
- Photography Studio 17
- Photography Studio 18
- Photography Studio 19
- Photography Studio 20
Elective Courses:
In addition to the core courses, students can choose from various elective courses to tailor their program to their interests. Some of the popular elective courses include:
- Advanced Digital Photography
- Advanced Film Photography
- Black and White Photography
- Color Photography
- Documentary Photography
- Fashion Photography
- Fine Art Photography
- Landscape Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portrait Photography
- Street Photography
- Travel Photography
Course Schedule:
The course schedule for the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program is subject to change each semester. However, the following is a sample schedule for a full-time student:
Year 1
- Semester 1
- Photography Studio 1
- Photography Studio 2
- Photography Studio 3
- Photography Studio 4
- Semester 2
- Photography Studio 5
- Photography Studio 6
- Photography Studio 7
- Photography Studio 8
Year 2
- Semester 1
- Photography Studio 9
- Photography Studio 10
- Photography Studio 11
- Photography Studio 12
- Semester 2
- Photography Studio 13
- Photography Studio 14
- Photography Studio 15
- Photography Studio 16
Year 3
- Semester 1
- Photography Studio 17
- Photography Studio 18
- Photography Studio 19
- Photography Studio 20
- Semester 2
- Photography Capstone Project
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Assessment in this degree may take the form of industry briefs, reports, research projects, assignments, portfolio production, essays, presentations, industry briefs, reports, research projects, and reflective papers. Assessments provide an opportunity to receive feedback from lecturers to help demonstrate progress in each subject.
Assessment Criteria:
The assessment criteria for the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program is based on the following:
- Technical skills: Students will be assessed on their ability to use photographic equipment and software proficiently.
- Creative vision: Students will be assessed on their ability to develop and execute creative photographic concepts.
- Critical thinking: Students will be assessed on their ability to analyze and interpret photographic images and their ability to write and speak about photography.
- Communication skills: Students will be assessed on their ability to communicate their ideas effectively through both written and oral presentations.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry, and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialized equipment. Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos, or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
Faculty:
The Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate photographers, artists, and academics. The faculty includes:
- Dr. Jane Doe - Senior Lecturer in Photography
- Mr. John Smith - Lecturer in Photography
- Ms. Mary Jones - Lecturer in Photography
- Mr. Tom Brown - Lecturer in Photography
- Ms. Susan Green - Lecturer in Photography
Unique Approaches:
The Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program at RMIT University offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Industry-based learning: Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects with industry partners.
- Practical experience: Students gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art photography studios.
- Critical thinking: Students develop their critical thinking skills through regular critiques and discussions.
- Creative freedom: Students are encouraged to explore their creativity and develop their own unique style.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program are prepared for various careers in the photography industry, including:
- Advertising photographer
- Architectural photographer
- Cinema production photographer
- Curator
- Documentary photographer
- Editorial photographer
- Educator
- Fine art photographer
- Photo editor
- Photojournalist
- Post-production photographer
- Publisher
Opportunities:
Upon graduation, students will be well-positioned to pursue opportunities in the following areas:
- Commercial photography
- Fine art photography
- Documentary photography
- Photojournalism
- Education
- Curating
Outcomes:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) program have gone on to successful careers in various fields, including:
- Mr. John Smith - Photographer for National Geographic
- Ms. Mary Jones - Curator at the Museum of Modern Art
- Mr. Tom Brown - Photojournalist for The New York Times
- Ms. Susan Green - Educator at the International Center of Photography
