Master of Photography
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time may be available, Reduced duration available -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$25,920 (2022 annual)
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 yearsLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
The Master of Photography is designed for professional photographers, artists and creative industry professionals to advance their skills and enliven their practice. It is the only degree of its kind in Australia.
The role of the photographer is evolving, particularly in relation to imaging technologies and emerging media devices, their impact on society and use in photography.
In this degree, you will utilise studio-based learning and independent research in a dynamic environment designed to help you build on your natural and taught creativity.
Through your autonomous and practice-led development, you will demonstrate expert judgment in analysing and applying photographic theories, practices and technologies. The capstone experience of this degree is a major photographic project that is publicly presented for critical review.
Graduates will be prepared for a career in photography, able to provide insight and leadership to research, and produce photographic images and knowledge to a global media economy.
Details
You will have access to a range of specialised photographic facilities, including shooting studios, professional capture equipment, post production facilities, computer labs and fine art large format printing technologies.
Learning in this course is a balance between studio-based activities and theoretical reflections upon contemporary photographic art and culture. A strong emphasis is placed on guided, self-directed learning and independent research.
Regular engagement with academic staff and your peers in tutorials and critique sessions will assist you in refining your practice and clarifying concepts, materials and methodologies.
Lectures, seminars, presentations, and field trips to galleries and culture resources will expand your understanding of photographic practice and complement the studio-based learning.
Assessment includes photographic folios, reflective reports, curating and critiquing exhibitions, essay writing, documentation of processes, and the development of an Appropriate Durable Record.
RMIT has many close links with creative industries that take a variety of forms. Academics are professional photographers, photojournalists, artists, editors, writers and curators maintaining strong linkages within global photographic practice and the community.
External industry experts are regularly engaged to speak to students through a number of forums, and international study tours are available.
RMIT holds existing and longstanding partnerships and connections with the National Gallery of Victoria, Centre for Contemporary Photography, the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, and many other institutions.
Work integrated learning
You’ll draw on expertise from industry professionals through weekly forums that examine various issues, opportunities and perspectives of the industry and models of contemporary art practice.
You will develop a proposal for an arts industry body that will be assessed by an expert with experience in government and non-government galleries, funding bodies and publishers. They will provide feedback that you’ll be able to incorporate into your final proposal.
RMIT’s School of Art has a long tradition in and focus on international engagement. The awards available assist graduates to build international experiences into their practice and emerging careers.
The School manages INTERSECT — six creative projects that together form a dynamic program of exhibitions, residencies, creative laboratories, talks and events. These projects consider and use contemporary art as a means of enriching our community, as well as our broader local and global ones. The embedded residency program, SITUATE, provides opportunities for artists, curators and researchers for creative experimentation, cross-cultural dialogue and global mobility.
Master of Photography has a strong international student body, offering international opportunities such as Pingyao as well as study tours.
2 years full-time (without advanced standing)
1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).
For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.
Part-time may be available by negotiation with the program manager.
Half of this degree is dedicated to studio time. Individual photographic practice is complemented by guest lectures, workshops and studio visits by industry professionals.
Your creative research will encourage you to explore new ways of creating and build skills for continual innovation, while critical frameworks will help you to develop your knowledge in building a sustainable enterprise and art practice.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Photography | City Campus |
2 years full-time
reduced duration available
|
2 years full-time
|
MC270 | 096091J |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC270
Career
The Master of Photography will prepare you for work or further research in the photographic industry.
Graduates will have advanced and specialised knowledge and skills in photographic communication and practice. You will be able to independently create photographic works for professional presentation and communicate your ideas effectively in a range of contexts.
Postgraduate qualifications are desirable in the global market. Graduate will be more competitive in securing roles in museums, galleries, government institutes, education, community organisations and private sector organisations.
Admissions
You must have:
- successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)
- or undertaken at least five years of professional experience in photography.
To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.
You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline.
You may also be considered if you have a minimum of 5 years' professional experience in photography. To have your professional experience considered in your application, you must include a CV and a statement that details your experience.
Entry requirements
Semester 2, 2022
You must:
- submit the Photography selection task by 15 July 2022. Entry into this program is competitive and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
- attend a folio presentation interview (some applicants).
Selection task
The selection task requires:
- a statement describing your current photography practice and experience, including any website links (maximum 250 words).
- a statement outlining what you are hoping to achieve with this program (maximum 250 words).
- a folio of 10 to 20 images that reflects your current photographic achievements. Please include titles of works, and, where applicable: date, medium and dimensions, client and publication outcomes. If work is a collaboration, please detail precisely your role, and the role of the collaborator/s (maximum 200 words).
The statements and folio should be collated as a single PDF (maximum size 10MB); or alternatively you may supply a URL to an online webpage. Please only link to a webpage containing work for this application, rather than a generic website.
Semester 1, 2023
Selection task details and submission dates will be available on 1 August 2022.
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (80kb) along with your application.
Folio presentation: You may be required to attend a folio presentation. This can be conducted in person, via Skype or telephone.
To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications in photography, you will be eligible for advanced standing as follows:
Qualification level |
Advanced standing |
Remaining program duration |
| Bachelor degree | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
| Bachelor honours degree | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
| Graduate certificate | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study) |
| Graduate diploma | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) |
Credit
Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).
You may be eligible for advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 semesters (equivalent to 96 credits points). Eligibility for advanced standing is based on your previous studies and is assessed on a case by case basis.
Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Fees
2022 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$25,920.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2022 is $315.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$71,040.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.