As part of the Photography discipline you will have access to a range of specialised photographic facilities including lighting studios, professional camera equipment, editing suites, computer labs and fine art large format printing technologies.

Learning in this course is balanced between studio- and classroom-based activities alongside theoretical studies and work integrated learning. 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, complementing studio-based learning.

Assessment includes photographic folios, reflective reports, curating and critiquing exhibitions, essay writing, documentation of processes, and the development of a major project.

The Master of Photography program is made up of Photographic Studio courses, 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.  

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 partnerships and connections with the National Gallery of Victoria, Centre for Contemporary Photography, photography festivals, associations, and many other galleries and institutions.

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 believe 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.

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.