Course description
About the course
Students learn a wide range of photographic skills and practices from fine art to commercial. Photo-techniques from analogue to the latest digital imaging are covered.
Graduates of this course will have a well-developed aesthetic sense, strong visual problem solving skills and be technically well equipped to produce innovative, exciting and questioning photo-based work.
Where it will take you
Graduates may work professionally as photographers in areas such as:
* commercial, advertising, corporate and industrial either for professional studios or freelance
* fine art exhibition and installation
* media outlets such as magazines and newspapers either on a freelance or editorial basis
* galleries, museums and government
Course components
The course consists of a core of eight studio-based subjects in the first two years, and two large studio-based subjects in the third year. These are supported by a contextual theory component of six subjects, and a minor elective sequence of five subjects. In the minor electives, students can elect subjects from other courses in the School of Visual & Performing Arts, such as Graphic Design, Multimedia, Animation and Visual Effects, Television Production, Acting for Stage and Screen, Design For Theatre and Television, and Jewellery.
The emphasis in the first year is on the acquisition of technical and aesthetic skills for the production of photographic works via both digital and analogue mediums. These skills are underpinned by contextual studies in photo-history, design theory and cultural studies.
In the second year the course concentrates on exploring, extending and building upon technical and conceptual skills gained in the first year. Emphasis is placed on students producing creative works of a high standard. Topics such as advanced digital photography, studio formats and lighting, imaging theories and techniques including critical analysis and interpretation of photographic imagery are introduced at this level.
In the third year students identify and investigate areas of photographic practice of particlar relevance to their career aspirations. These studies are linked and supported by a research seminar program.
The latest facilities
To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:
* digital photograpy facilities
* digital imaging labs
* analogue darkrooms
* lighting studios
* public gallery space
Hands-on experience
Students work collaboratively or individually on a range of photographic projects which may culminate in the production of a book, a CD-ROM or DVD, and a public exhibition of the work.
Graduation requirements
To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 192 points (normally 22 subjects).
Further studies
An Honours year is available
Master of Arts (Honours)
Doctor of Visual and Performing Arts
Doctor of Philosophy
Graduate comment
"The photography course at CSU gives us the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subject matter, develop our skills and have the chance to mix with a great bunch of students and staff members. There is some hard work, but the rewards show in a very short time - and there’s a hell of a lot of fun to be had along the way. CSU’s photography course is a step in the right direction for anyone who is thinking seriously about developing themselves in a practical and artistic environment."
John Russell
Graduate
