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Bachelor of Arts (Photography)

Program code - title: BP117 - Bachelor of Arts (Photography)

Campus

City campus

Description

Established in 1887, the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) is the oldest continuous running photography program in the world and has earned an enviable reputation. The program delivers contemporary commercial skills to its students from the finest commercial photographers and respected academics in Australia.

The school is housed in ultra-modern facilities right in the heart of Melbourne. With generous studio facilities, modern lecture theatres and state-of-the-art Apple Macintosh computer labs, you will experience cutting-edge education in this vibrant and multicultural city.

Photography at RMIT produces professional image-makers of the highest calibre and emphasises the need for creative thinking and a personal exploration of the underlying meaning of photographic image making. Through practical, theoretical and conceptual investigations you will develop a range of skills relevant to the diversifying creative and commercial photographic industries.

Global connections

The Bachelor of Arts (Photography) has connections with universities in the USA and Europe and many students spend one semester in second year studying abroad.

Work experience

Within this degree all studio/practice-based courses simulate workplace practices, and tutorials help you to develop key workplace skills and knowledge. Industry relevance is a key distinguishing factor, whereby generic skills and theoretical understanding are combined. Industry guest speakers are included in second and third year. Professional photographers mentor final year students and graduate folios are assessed by a panel that includes two or more relevant industry practitioners. Industry also engages with RMIT students by offering exclusive high-profile competitions.

Duration

Three years full-time.

Pathways

Graduates of the following programs may be eligible to apply for exemptions:

Further information about gaining credit for previous study or experience

Further information about pathways

Career prospects

The photography degree prepares students for a range of career options in photography. Recent graduates are working in a number of photographic industries, including advertising, fashion, editorial photography, libraries, museums, galleries, education units, film and TV, video production, research, medical research, manufacturing industries, secondary school teaching, TAFE teaching and university lecturing. Opportunities exist as curators, artists, digital production consultants, colour management specialists, workflow consultants, professional photographers and imaging specialists.

The range of options for graduates is so broad that you will be encouraged to consider these during your final year of study to ensure you are prepared for a career in photography. Graduates are also encouraged and assisted in seeking international experience.

Entrance requirements

RMIT has general requirements of entry which applicants are required to meet in order to demonstrate their capacity to successfully complete an RMIT program. The general requirements of entry for undergraduate programs can be found at www.rmit.edu.au/policies/students/selection.

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 and 4—a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English.

Equity access

Equity access schemes ensure that your individual circumstances are considered in the selection process for our programs. They give you an opportunity to provide more information about your achievements, background and preparedness for further study in support of your application to study at RMIT. Visit equity access for more information about what schemes are available, the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Click here for further information .

Application procedures

Semester one intake

Application closing date: Late September (timely)

Late applications may be accepted, please contact VTAC.

VTAC application

Applicants must apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and are advised to check detailed information on entrance requirements, application procedures and closing dates. Applicants must meet all extra requirements and selection procedures listed through VTAC.

Note: RMIT program codes listed on this page should not be used when applying through VTAC.

Extra requirements

Selection mode current Year 12: Pre-selection kit, interview, folio, ATAR.

Selection mode non-Year 12: Pre-selection kit, interview, folio, GPA.

Middle-band: Consideration may be given to SEAS applications.

Pre-selection kit: Applicants must complete and submit an RMIT University Photography (Arts) pre-selection kit by 7 October. Applicants can also request the form by telephone (03) 9925 2240.

Interview and folio presentation (short-listed applicants only): Interview times will be notified by email in early November. These applicants must attend between 21-25 November.

Please refer to the current VTAC Guide for full details on extra requirements.

Semester two intake (midyear entry)

Application closing date: 31 May

To apply for midyear entry at RMIT you will need to apply online at www.rmit.edu.au/programs/apply

Not all RMIT programs will accept applications for midyear entry. A list of programs accepting midyear applications is published in May at www.rmit.edu.au/programs/midyear

Click here for further information .

Fees

Detailed information regarding fees for degree and TAFE programs, including for Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), State Government Subsidised Place (SGSP) and Fee Paying Place (FPP), can be found by clicking the further information link below.

Scholarships

RMIT is committed to enriching and transforming the futures of our students and will award more than 2000 scholarships worth millions of dollars in 2012.

RMIT’s scholarships help to recognise and foster academic achievement in our students, as well as assist students from a variety of backgrounds to realise their tertiary and career dreams. Visit RMIT Scholarships for further information.

Click here for further information .

Additional expenses

Click here to view a list of required equipment.

Program structure

The first year of study enables you to gain a solid grounding in core photographic techniques, materials, concepts, theories and processes. In second year you will choose from a broad range of photographic specialist courses and student electives, and in your third year you are able to work autonomously, developing your own ideas, and will be required to form industry liaisons.

There is a wide variety of study options and specialisations on offer in the program, and you are encouraged to pursue your interests throughout the degree. The range of options explored includes advertising, architecture, digital imaging, documentary, editorial, fashion, food, science, photojournalism, portraiture and product photography. An investigation into the cultures of photography is offered at all year levels, and forms the basis for developing an understanding of where your own practice will be situated within the broadening culture of local, national and international photographic interests.

Honours

An honours year is available.

The following program structure(s) are linked to this program.

Contact details

Info Corner
330 Swanston Street (cnr La Trobe Street)
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel. +61 3 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au

OR

School of Media and Communication
Building 9, Level 4, City campus
124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
(Cnr of Franklin Street and Bowen Street)
Tel. +61 3 9925 2240
Fax: +61 3 9639 1685
Email: photography@rmit.edu.au

Download this information as a PDF brochure (Requires Acrobat Reader)

Staff

All staff in photography at RMIT have an established background within their particular area of specialisation. Core staff are active in the profession through research projects, book publishing and exhibitions. Professional photographers are engaged as part-time teaching staff. Additional specialist professionals are invited as visiting lecturers or to run workshops.

Owning school

Media and Communication

Disclaimer

Although RMIT endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.