Bachelor of Arts (Photography) at Charles Sturt University

Bachelor of Arts (Photography) BA(Phtg)

CSU’s Bachelor of Arts (Photography) addresses all aspects of photo-practice and techniques from fine art and photodocumentation through to advertising and commercial photography

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

Pathways are available for further postgraduate study toward Honours, Master and PhD programs. These programs include:

Bachelor of Arts (Visual and Performing Arts) (Honours) - with specialisations
Master of Arts Practice - with specialisations
Master of Arts (Honours)
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

top of page ^

Ask a question about this course.

For answers to common inquiries, please read the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Online Course Brochure

Our students say...