Master the art of photography. Learn in state-of-the-art facilities, and utilise our creative and practical tools to hone your talent behind the camera.
AU$41,280 (2025 annual)
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 include advertising, architectural photography, cinema production, curation, documentary photography, editorial photography, education, fine art, photo editing and retouching, photojournalism, post-production and publishing.
Develop your skills in contemporary photographic production processes, within studio learning environments.
Connect with industry through project-based learning, competitions and work placements.
Expand your creative horizons and build your network by studying overseas for a semester.
Situated in the heart of vibrant Melbourne, we facilitate learning in purpose-designed studios using up-to-date technology and digital photographic equipment.
You will actively engage in the production of images that speak to the vibrant cultural dynamic of contemporary image production and exchange.
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 practising 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.
Assessment in this degree wmay take the form of industry briefs, reports, research projects, assignments, portfolio production, essays, presentations, industry briefs, reports, research projects and reflective papers. Your assessments provide an opportunity to receive feedback from your lecturers to help demonstrate your progress in each subject.
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 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.
You may study overseas for a semester as an exchange or study abroad student in New York, Chicago, Paris, Amsterdam or the UK.
One of the mobility programs we engage with each year is YAAD, the Young Australian Ambassador Delegation. Students selected for this exchange are funded to study in China for one semester.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
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.
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 focused 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 plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
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.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.
You must complete and submit the Photography selection task.
Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available.
For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Applicants who are applying via one of the RMIT pathways for this program are exempted from submitting the selection task.
For Direct applicants, once you submit your application, it will be progressed automatically within ten working days. Any selection task reminders that you may receive are not applicable to you.
If you are applying via VTAC, you must complete and submit the Photography selection task by one of the dates below to be considered for selection in that VTAC round:
| VTAC applicants | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| November round (Non year 12 applicants only) | 30 September 2024 |
| December/January rounds 1 (all applicants) | 22 November 2024 |
| January round 2/February rounds (if places are available) | 7 February 2025 |
You must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.
| Applicant type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| Direct applicants | 28 February 2025 |
Outline your interest in photography as a form of visual communication (maximum 100 words).
Detail any relevant experience you have in photography, or what you would like to achieve with photography (maximum 100 words).
Your folio must contain a series of up to eight images of your own photographic work, preferably exploring a specific theme or concept.
Include a short statement explaining the concept the body of work attempts to convey (maximum 100 words).
Upload your photographs in a single PDF (maximum file size 5MB).
If you have used AI to generate images or texts in your selection task submission, please describe where this occurs and what AI tools were used (maximum 100 words).
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 October (VTAC November round) and November/December (VTAC December/January round 1).
For all subsequent rounds and direct applicants, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your selection task.
An advisory letter indicating the outcome of your selection task will be sent from October (VTAC November round) and from November/December (VTAC December/January round 1). For all subsequent rounds, the selection task will be assessed after you have submitted it.
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, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school) qualification.
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.
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.
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.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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.
You must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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.
You must have successfully completed one of the following within 10 years of the program commencement date:
OR
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
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 details and submission dates will be available early 2025.
You must complete and submit the Photography selection task.
Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available.
For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Applicants who are applying via one of the RMIT pathways for this program are exempted from submitting the selection task.
For Direct applicants, once you submit your application, it will be progressed automatically within ten working days. Any selection task reminders that you may receive are not applicable to you.
The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
| Applicant type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| All applications | TBC |
Selection task details and submission dates will be available early 2025.
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.
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, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.
You must have completed an Australian diploma or advanced diploma (or equivalent) in a photography or photo imaging.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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.
You must have comparable studies to the first semester of this program, undertaken in another photography or photo imaging bachelor degree program, or equivalent.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice and achieving a minimum overall score of 156.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
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.
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.
If you are in this category, you are not eligible to apply for this program in this intake.
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.
Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*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 admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
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.
If you are applying for July intake, you must have successfully completed one of the following within 10 years of the program commencement date:
OR
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
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 at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
You must complete and submit the Photography selection task by one of the dates below to be considered for selection in that VTAC round:
| VTAC applicants | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| December/January rounds 1 (all applicants) | 22 November 2024 |
| January subsequent rounds (if places are available) | 16 January 2025 |
You are required to provide the following:
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 November/December (VTAC December/January Round 1).
For all subsequent rounds, folio presentations will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
Advisory letters indicating the outcome of your selection task will be sent from November/December.
Selection task details and submission dates will be available early August 2025.
View the following videos for some practical application advice:
Here's some advice for preparing folios and pre-selection kits to help make the process easier.
Wondering how an art and design selection interview works? Here's everything you need to know.
Selection task: You are required to submit a completed selection task along with your application.
Folio presentation: If shortlisted, you may be required to attend a folio presentation. This can be conducted in person, via video call or telephone.
If you have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 such as VCE, you can find the ATAR for your RMIT course on our admissions transparency page.
*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 admission to RMIT.
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.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
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.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
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 the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) when you successfully complete one of the following RMIT programs:
Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
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 their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
You are guaranteed entry into the Master of Photography with one semester of credit (equivalent to 48 credit points) when you successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts (Photography).
You may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) (Honours) program when you successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0). Entry is not guaranteed and you will be required to complete the pre-selection kit and attend a folio presentation.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.
In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.
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.
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.
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.
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 who commence their program in 2025. 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.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,627 per standard year $578 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 | $9,314 per standard year $1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $13,241 per standard year $1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,992 per standard year $2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
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.
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.
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 2025 is $365.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
For commencing Bachelor of Arts (Photography) students who demonstrate creative excellence in their photography; worth up to $22,500.
For students enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) who can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study; worth up to $22,500.
For Indigenous students enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts, worth up to $10,000.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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.
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 2025 is $365.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
For commencing Bachelor of Arts (Photography) students who demonstrate creative excellence in their photography; worth up to $22,500.
For students enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) who can demonstrate circumstances which impact their study; worth up to $22,500.
For Indigenous students enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts, worth up to $10,000.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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.
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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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.
