Bachelor of Arts (Photography)

What is this course about?

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

CSU is launching new age Communication and Creative Industries programs from 2014. CSU has always been at the forefront of innovative and cutting edge delivery of communication and creative practices in Australia. The new programs recognise the changing industries and prepare students for the 21st Century and beyond. Current students will have the flexibility to graduate with their existing degrees or transfer to the new programs. More information about the new programs will be available online soon, or you can register an expression of interest.

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.

Supplementary consultations

One of the unique things about CSU's Bachelor of Arts (Photography) is that we have small class sizes, which allow intensive learning and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students, as well as the opportunity to work with the latest equipment and techniques, not just watch the work being done. This makes our course very competitive. To give you the best opportunity to gain entry into the Bachelor of Arts (Photography), CSU offers you the opportunity to undertake a supplementary consultation as part of your application process. This gives you the chance to meet with the course lecturers and demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and talent for this career area, as well as finding out more about the course, our excellent facilities and exceptional practical opportunities.

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.

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.

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

Special admission criteria

Attendance at a supplementary consultation in Wagga Wagga is recommended, with a portfolio of visual material that supports or demonstrates your creative output.

To download an interview form please click here.

For more information about admission criteria you can contact info.csu on 1800 334 733.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2