Program Overview
The Photography major at Murdoch University equips students with industry-standard skills and aesthetic knowledge to create powerful images across various genres. Through project-based learning and a blend of theory and practice, students develop practical and technical expertise, visual literacy, and an understanding of the ethical implications of image-making. The program offers opportunities to build a professional portfolio, engage in industry placements, and pursue double majors in related creative disciplines.
Program Outline
A major in Photography equips students with industry-standard skills and aesthetic knowledge to create powerful and effective images for a range of audiences and genres. You’ll learn through a wide range of project-based activities to develop practical and technical skills such as advanced camera technique, lighting skills in both the studio and on location, workflow management, image editing, and printing to a professional standard. This hands-on course also integrates theory with practice, so you will develop your visual literacy, deepening your understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical implications of image making. You'll gain a thorough understanding of the changing nature of the creative industries and build career skills necessary to succeed as a creative producer, such as developing a professional approach to freelancing and consulting. As well as learning about best industry practice, you’ll be supported to develop your individual style and build a professional portfolio. Third year students may also have the opportunity for a professional industry placement. Want to broaden your skills? You can choose to undertake a double major with another Creative Media discipline such as Graphic Design, Screen Production, or a range of majors in Creative Media and Communication.
Outline:
Total credit points: 24
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points | |---|---|---| | PHO124 | Introduction to Photography | 3 | | PHO101 | Photography Post-Production and Design | 3 | | PHO203 | Photographic Lighting 1 | 3 | | PHO204 | Visual Literacy | 3 | | PHO202 | Photo Documentary | 3 | | PHO306 | Photographic Studio | 3 | | PHO305 | Photographic Culture | 3 | | PHO312 | Commercial Photography | 3 |
Careers:
When you graduate, you’ll be well suited to careers in a range of industries and fields such as advertising and marketing, fashion, media and communications, and more. Careers could include:
- Photojournalist
- Content Producer
- Commercial Photographer
- Event Photographer
- Professional Artist
- Get more real-world experience in our on-campus student creative consultancy MESH and work on real projects with real companies.
- Build a well-developed portfolio of your work as you complete your degree, so you’ll have projects to show your future employers.
- Develop an entrepreneurial attitude, client consultation skills, critical thinking and the ability to adapt - so you can action your ideas.
- What you’ll learn
- Photographic techniques
- Digital imaging and design
- Studio and lighting skills
- Visual literacy
- Documentary photography
- Professional recognition
- Upon entering the industry you can apply to join various associations such as the Australian Photographic Society (APS), Image Makers Association Australia (IMAA), or Pro Photography WA.
