Learn by making, thinking, and experimenting. Your photographic practice is supported by industry-standard facilities, expert guidance, and critical dialogue.

You’ll develop your practice using industry-standard tools and facilities, including Canon, Nikon and Sony digital systems, Hasselblad and Phase One medium-format cameras, and medium and large-format film cameras.

Our studios feature professional lighting equipment such as Broncolor and Profoto systems, Elinchrom battery-powered location kits, and Aputure LED lights.

You’ll also have access to 4K video cameras, Genie motion control systems for time-lapse and product work, and comprehensive post-production suites with EIZO colour-calibrated monitors and Epson fine art printers capable of producing exhibition-quality prints up to 160 cm wide.

Learning takes place through a dynamic mix of studio practice, seminars, lectures, and fieldwork. You’ll engage in guided, self-directed projects that combine creative experimentation with theoretical and contextual inquiry.

Regular tutorials, critiques, and presentations with academic staff and peers will help you refine your creative approach and articulate your concepts, materials, and methodologies. Excursions to galleries, museums, and cultural institutions further expand your understanding of photographic practice within contemporary contexts.

The Master of Photography degree is made up of Photographic Studio subjects, complemented by core research and professional development subjects and a variety of electives. You will engage with a range of different students and staff who provide insight into professional practice and the creative arts industries.

Assessment is based on photographic folios, reflective and critical writing, curatorial and exhibition projects, and a final major project that demonstrates advanced creative and research capabilities.

Melbourne’s vibrant photography community becomes your professional network.

Our academic staff are practising photographers, photojournalists, artists, editors, writers and curators who maintain active connections within Australian and international photographic communities.

You'll regularly engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, portfolio reviews, and critique sessions.

RMIT holds partnerships and connections with the National Gallery of Victoria, Centre for Contemporary Photography, and a range of galleries, festivals and industry associations.

Work-integrated learning

Critical to understanding and forging a professional career in photography, work integrated learning provides you the opportunity to draw upon experience and expertise from industry professionals and work placement opportunities.

Inform your learning with a range of different perspectives and activities such as:

• developing a proposal for an arts industry body
• presenting work in front of an industry reviewer
• creating works for public display
• working with a curator for a gallery exhibition.

RMIT’s School of Art has a range of international engagement opportunities. 

Working with RMIT Global, you can participate in study tours and exchange programs with a range of different institutions across the globe. 

Here's what one of our students had to say about her global experience:

I was fortunate enough to participate in RMIT Global intensive program this year. This exposure to another culture only reinforced my belief that if we consider ourselves as global citizens, this mindset will help to illuminate most of the cultural hostilities around the world. I am also grateful for the timely support of some funding from the Amber Gooding Travel scholarship. 

- Zina Sofer, Master of Photography Student, 2024 China Study Tour

• 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.

As a graduate of the the Master of Photography, you will possess advanced knowledge of photographic communication and practice, have the ability to create photographic works for professional presentation, as well as the capacity communicate your ideas across various contexts. You will also develop your own critical position toward this discipline through independent, practice-led research, enabling you to contribute to photography, art and culture.

As part of your professional practice, you will demonstrate a mastery of photographic concepts and skills, using an integrated understanding of creative theories and practice. You will reflect on your creative practice within contemporary photography and wider social, cultural and global contexts. You will analyse, reflect and synthesise complex information to inform the creation of photographic works, solve complex problems through specialised technical skills, and identify and resolve practical and theoretical challenges through reflexive practices in photographic production.

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.