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Curtin University

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Bachelor of Design: Photography Major

  • Bachelor

This major allows students to develop creative skills and explore career pathways in photography, focusing on design, editorial, and fine art photography. It includes theoretical and practical learning through lectures, workshops, and industry collaborations, preparing graduates for diverse photographic practices.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time
Course Code
MJRU-PHOTO
ATAR
70

About this course

Overview

This major gives you the opportunity to develop your creative skills and explore pathways to careers in our ever-increasing visual world.

The course examines the interchanges between design, editorial and fine art photography. This approach will enable you to develop your own practice to a standard of excellence across multiple platforms.

You'll study histories and theories of photography and explore experimental approaches to the medium through lectures, tutorials, studio workshops and gallery visits.

Throughout your course you'll learn through project-based activities and collaboration with students from other disciplines - mirroring a true industry environment.

As a Curtin student, you'll also benefit from our links with industry and major cultural institutions.

The range of work-integrated learning opportunities available means that you can expect to graduate ready for successful photographic practice in diverse industries.

Photography is offered as part of the Bachelor of Design. You will be able to enhance your degree by selecting to study either two additional specialisations or one specialisation and four elective units to support your career goals.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You're considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren't essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Portfolio entry

Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin's ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • UniReady

If you don't meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency and check that you meet any extra subject prerequisites (where applicable).

  • Indigenous applicant

If you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn't met Curtin's minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin's English proficiency requirements.

Written English, MC Verbal and Quantitative

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
  • Overall band score: 6.5

What you will learn

What you'll learn

  • apply discipline knowledge to critically review, analyse, consolidate and contribute to evidence-based practice in photography
  • demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in both a broad understanding and depth in photography
  • use and discern between a range of photography technologies and media platforms in the production of photography-based solutions
  • demonstrate effective visual, spoken, written and technical communication appropriate to the photography discipline and apply effective self-directed learning skills
  • demonstrate personal awareness of a photography specific practice and sustain an engagement with contemporary practices, technologies and the creative industries
  • develop a predictive overview of future trends that will influence photography and photography practices
  • recognise the importance of social, ethical and cultural diversity and consider local and international perspectives in photography activities, studio practice and production
  • demonstrate how intercultural awareness and understanding impacts on personal and professional skills and on the ability to lead
  • work independently and collaboratively on photography projects and respond to project demands

Career pathways

### What jobs can the Photography course lead to?**Careers** * Photographic artist / artist * Photojournalist * Commercial photographer * Creative director**Industries** * Fashion * Advertising and marketing * Media and communications * Events

Course structure

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Credit for prior study or work

Credit for recognised learning (CRL) ### Use your experience to get credit towards your degree Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience. Submit an enquiryCRL search

How to apply

## How to applyPlease review information on how to apply for the campus of your choiceApply now * The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, CurtinUniversity may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuitionfees of courses.While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information providedon this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur.Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied)nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy,completeness or usefulness of any information.View courses information disclaimer. * Curtin course code: MJRU-PHOTO * Last updated on: 13 October 2025