Photography Major

Outline Outline

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.

How this course will make you industry ready

This major is supported across a range of industries, with our graduates securing roles in fine art, editorial, documentary, advertising and studio-based photography fields.

You will work on real briefs and develop your portfolio while you study. The high standing of our course is supported by affiliations with local, national and international photographic industry bodies.

Student engagement with institutions such as the Perth Centre for Photography, Australian Centre for Photography and The National Portrait Gallery is actively encouraged and promoted.

Throughout the three-year program, you'll learn through project-based activities, and be given the opportunity to work with students from other disciplines, as in real industry environments.

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