Major 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.
This course is ideal if you want to turn your interest in photography into a career, learning photographic techniques alongside professional practices.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Degrees
Career outcomes
Careers
- Photographic artist / artist
- Photojournalist
- Commercial photographer
- Creative director
Industries
- Fashion
- Advertising and marketing
- Media and communications
- Events
Professional accreditation and recognition
Professional membership is available with the Design Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Professional Photography.
Why study at Curtin?
Top 1%
Curtin is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.
Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2025
Get the Curtin edge
Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities and industry placements gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
Work experience
Benefit from a wide range of work-integrated learning opportunities.
Major structure
What you’ll learn
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 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.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this major either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Degrees
Explore more
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