Bachelor of Arts (Photography)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
Range of criteria
Duration
Full-time 3 yearsLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
Learn in purpose-built studios
Situated in the heart of vibrant Melbourne, we facilitate learning in purpose-designed studios using up-to-date technology and digital photographic equipment.
Shape your photographic direction
You will actively engage in the production of images that speak to the vibrant cultural dynamic of contemporary image production and exchange.
Founded in 1887, RMIT is amongst the oldest and most established photography degrees in the world.
The Bachelor of Arts (Photography) integrates theoretical, conceptual and industry based models of photographic practice as they apply to the media and communication industry. You will be challenged to produce work that responds to the critical discourses in both local and global contexts and you will explore emerging technologies, while also analysing and synthesising their relevance to your own image making.
As a professional practitioner with specialist knowledge in photography, you will have the awareness and skills to interpret and shape your field once you graduate. Some of the areas that our graduates excel in includes advertising, architectural photography, cinema production, curating, documentary photography, editorial photography, education, fine art, photo editing and retouching, photojournalism, post-production and publishing.
Details
Learning will take place within project-based studio environments in which you will actively participate and develop skills in key contemporary photographic production processes.
Throughout this degree, students engage with broader critical analyses of the historical, theoretical and cultural contexts of photography.
You will develop your own creative approach to photography through integrated industry training, practical experience and critical thinking. You will learn from practicing photographers, artists and leading academics in purpose-built studios using modern photographic equipment and specialist software.
You will experience a variety of learning and teaching approaches. They will include studio-based environments, production workshops, lectures and seminars. You will engage in individual and team-based projects where you will collaborate with others relevant to your practice from industries such as fashion, journalism, design, architecture, and music. You will be assessed through presentations, exhibitions, staff, peer and self-assessment.
In your final year you will be involved in a major project in a professional context. In this capstone subject you will be engaged in the production of a body of original work that demonstrates your photographic direction.
RMIT photography is widely recognised for producing industry-ready graduates. We encourage students to take part in Work Integrated Learning projects, competitions and industry placements, both in Australia and Internationally. In previous years students have worked with The Social Studio, ABC Fact Check, Nepal Picture Factory, Habitat for Humanity, Ballarat International Foto Biennale, The Royal Children's Hospital, and various other projects. Many of our students have won or been shortlisted for major photographic prizes.
All staff have many years of teaching and industry experience. Guest lecturers and practitioners, including industry experts and graduates, will contribute to subjects through sharing their insight into their diverse photographic careers.
Industry mentorships form part of the degree experience and will help you develop connections to the industry while you study, including our unique community engagement programs.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional practice.
In the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) degree you will also have the opportunity to select from a wide range of electives within the School, as well as wider university electives. These choices will depend on your particular career path and personal interests.
Learning and Teaching in the professional strand is focussed on project-driven studios that integrate and progressively develop your growing theoretical, practical and professional knowledge base. As you move through the degree you will increasingly direct your own learning and produce photographic projects with an academic and/or industry focus.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (Photography) | City Campus |
3 years full-time
|
3 years full-time
|
BP117 | 006593K |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP117
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan BP117 - 3200332681
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan BP117 - 3200332683
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Career
As a graduate of this degree with specialist knowledge in photography, you will have the knowledge and skills to interpret and shape your field once you graduate. Graduates have moved into fashion, advertising, architecture, documentary, photojournalism, editorial, publishing, photo editing, post-production, publishing, curation and teaching, and more.
You may also choose to move into postgraduate study, or enter into one of the many diverse roles in photography and its related industries both here and overseas.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent studies.
Rankings and adjustment factors
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.
Selection task
Semester 1, 2022
You must complete and submit the Photography selection task.
- VTAC applicants must register and submit the selection task here.
- Early round (Non year 12 only): 30 September 2021
- Main round (All applicants): 19 November 2021
- All subsequent rounds (if places are available): 11 February 2022
- RMIT current or recent students 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.
- All tasks must be submitted by 25 February 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.
Some applicants may be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend a folio presentation. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to a folio presentation.
- Folio presentations will be held in October (VTAC Early round) and December (VTAC main round).
- For all subsequent rounds and direct applicants, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
Advisory letters will be sent in late October (Early round) and late December (Main round)
The selection task requires:
- An applicant statement outlining your interest in photography as a form of visual communication (maximum 100 words)
- Details of any relevant experience you have in photography, or what you would like to achieve with photography (maximum 100 words)
- A single PDF containing a series of up to eight images of your own photographic work, preferably exploring a specific theme or concept.
- A short statement explaining the concept the body of work attempts to convey (maximum 100 words).
Selection criteria by applicant type
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you:
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
- The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Additional information
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Selection task
Semester 1, 2022
You must complete and submit the Photography selection task.
- VTAC applicants must register and submit the selection task.
- All tasks must be submitted by the dates noted below for each VTAC round:
- Main round (All applicants): 19 November 2021
- All subsequent rounds (if places are available): 17 January 2022
- All tasks must be submitted by the dates noted below for each VTAC round:
Attend a folio presentation (some applicants)
Some applicants will be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend a folio presentation. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to a folio presentation
- Folio presentations will be held in December (VTAC main round).
- For all subsequent rounds, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
Advisory letters will be sent in December (Main round).
The selection task requires:
- An applicant statement outlining your interest in photography as a form of visual communication (maximum 100 words)
- Details of any relevant experience you have in photography, or what you would like to achieve with photography (maximum 100 words)
- A single PDF containing a series of up to eight images of your own photographic work, preferably exploring a specific theme or concept.
- A short statement explaining the concept the body of work attempts to convey (maximum 100 words).
Art and Design application tips
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
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
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
If you successfully complete this program with a GPA of 2.7 or above, you will be guaranteed entry into BH125 Bachelor of Arts (Photography) (Honours).
If you successfully complete this program you will be guaranteed entry into MC270 Master of Photography with 48 credit points of exemptions (equivalent to 1 semester full-time study).
You are guaranteed entry into one of the following RMIT programs when you successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts (Photography):
- Bachelor of Arts (Photography) (Honours) - when you achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0)
- Master of Photography – you will receive 1 semester of credit (equivalent to 48 credit points)
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Postgraduate program.
Fees
2022 indicative fees
In 2022, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,985 to AU$14,630*.
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
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2022. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2022 for commencing students
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2022 |
|---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture |
$3,985 per standard year $498 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology |
$8,021 per standard year $1,002 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science |
$11,401 per standard year |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture |
$14,630 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
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.
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$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$115,200.
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
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
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.