Master of Photography

Master of Photography

POSTGRADUATE

Specialise in the field of professional photography. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$27,840 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$36,480 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Master of Photography enables socially engaged photographers to lead developments in the technological, cultural, environmental and political role of photography today.

Two women stand in front of a wall of photography prints. Works by Yueran Li, photo by Pia Johnson.

Prioritise your ideas in photographic practice

Enrich your photographic practice through dedicated studio time, experimentation and creativity with staff and peers to support your conceptual ideas and technical skills.

 

Utilising a dynamic studio-based learning and independent project environment, this degree encourages you to experiment and take creative risks before mastering your own process and craft.

You will develop skills and knowledge through a combination of practice-led research and professional development opportunities. You will establish and define your photography practice to be industry ready for presentation, publication or for commercial markets. The capstone experience of this degree is a major photographic project that is publicly presented for critical review.

The Master of Photography is designed to challenge you to apply and analyse photographic theory, mediate the relationship between technology and image making, and foster new approaches to writing, practicing, and exhibiting photography.

Why study the Master of Photography at RMIT?

Leading practitioners

Be mentored by leading artists, photographers, curators and academics with strong links within global photographic practice.

Purpose-built facilities

Study in our state-of-the-art photographic facilities, creative studios and labs using modern equipment and specialist software.

Develop practical skills

With a mix of studio-based learning and independent research, this degree enables you to enhance your creativity and innovation.

The Master of Photography honed my critical thinking and gave me a deeper understanding of the role of research. Since completing the program, I have continued to make work and exhibit and also have my work published.
Morganna Magee, Master of Photography graduate Morganna Magee, Master of Photography graduate

Details

Expand all sections

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.

Learning at RMIT

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 specialised 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.

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.

  • 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.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

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.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Photography
Program code: MC270
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Photography
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
MC270
096091J
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, reduced duration available
Plan code
MC270
CRICOS
096091J
View plan
Master of Photography
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC270
096091J
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC270
CRICOS
096091J
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

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 need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

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.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 2, 2023

You must complete and submit the Photography selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Entry into this program is competitive and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All applications 14 July 2023

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement

Describe your current photography practice and experience, including any website links (maximum 250 words).

Outline what you are hoping to achieve with this program (maximum 250 words).

Folio

Your folio should comprise 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).

Submissions instructions

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.

Folio presentation

Most applicants will be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend a folio presentation interview. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to a folio presentation interview.

Semester 1, 2024

Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2023. 

You must complete and submit the Photography selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Entry into this program is competitive and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task dates, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Timely applications TBC
Late applications TBC

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

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.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (129kb) 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 study this course 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 the BP117 Bachelor of Arts (Photography) at RMIT, you will be exempted from submitting the selection task and guaranteed entry into this master program with 48 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 1 semester full-time study). 

If you have successfully completed the BH125 Bachelor of Arts (Photography) (Honours) at RMIT, you will be exempted from submitting the selection task and guaranteed entry into this master program with 96 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 1 year full-time study).

Masters advanced standing

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 (AQF level 7)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semester full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters 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).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You are guaranteed entry to the Master of Photography when you successfully complete the following RMIT programs:

Bachelor of Arts (Photography) (Honours) - you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points)

Bachelor of Arts (Photography) - you will receive 1 semester of credit (equivalent to 48 credit points)

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Master Advanced Standing

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 (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

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).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$27,840.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • 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.

Paying your fees and applying for 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.

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 2023 is $326. 

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.

FEE-HELP loans

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.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

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.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$36,480.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$74,880.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information