Bachelor of Arts (Photography) / Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Arts (Photography) / Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) is an integrated four-year double degree program providing professional training in both Photography and Graphic Design.

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

Photography subjects include digital and analogue photography, digital imaging, lighting, imaging theories and techniques, and photography workshops and projects.

Graphic Design subjects include digital technology and design, desktop publishing and typology, digital design, design for industry, experimental design, advertising, and competitive design and professional practice work.

Students also undertake a sequence of contextual subjects in history and theory.

Honours program

Students wishing to undertake an add-on Honours program in either discipline area would apply for admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Visual and Performing Arts) (Honours).

Campus

Wagga Wagga

Duration

4 years full-time on campus
8 years part-time on campus

Admission rank cut-offs

ATAR + criteria

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 240 points (27 subjects) in order to meet the requirements of each of the constituent degrees. Upon completion of the program, students graduate with two awards, the Bachelor of Arts (Photography) and the Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design).

Course structure

More information about subjects and course structure.

Career opportunities

Ready to make a real difference to the world? Discover more about where this course could take you.

Admission requirements

To study this course, you will need to indicate your likelihood of success through previous studies and other attainments and experience.

Cost of study

When weighing up the costs of study, consider the benefits of having the qualification you need to achieve your personal and professional goals.

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.

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

The course comprises a major studio sequence in photography, a major sequence in graphic design, and six contextual subjects.

Photography Core Subjects

PHT114 Digital Imaging
PHT115 Black and White Analogue Photography
PHT220 Photo Imaging
PHT221 Digital Photography Studio
PHT203 Imaging Theories and Techniques
PHT222 Photo media Studio
PHT321 Photography Practice and Research (16 points)
VPA101 Fundamentals of Design
VPA104 Introduction to Digital Imaging
VPA319 Studio Research and Seminar (24 points)

Contextual Subjects

ART214 Aspects of Design, 1850 to Present
ART222 Art, Technology and Culture
COM226 Media: History and Society
ETH205 Ethics and Law for the Creative Industries
VIS101 Visual Communication
VIS102 History of Photography
VIS202 Contemporary Photography

Graphic Design Core Subjects

GRP103 Introduction to Digital Technologies and Design
GRP117 Graphic Design Theory and Practice
VPA105 Digital Publishing & Typography
GRP223 Digital Design
GRP224 Design for Industry
GRP225 Experimental Design
GRP226 Advertising & Design
GRP322 Campaigns, publishing and identity (16 points)
VPA320 Studio research and seminar (24 points)

Honours programs

Students wishing to undertake an add-on Honours program in either discipline area would apply for admission to the relevant Honours program in the normal way. Students wishing to undertake Honours in both disciplines would complete the first Honours program and then, upon admission to the second Honours program, be awarded credit in the second program for common coursework subjects completed in the first Honours program.

Enrolment pattern

First Year

Session 1

VPA101 Fundamentals of Design
VPA104 Introduction to Digital Imaging
GRP103 Introduction to Digital Technologies
VIS101 Visual Communication

Session 2

PHT115 Black and White Analogue Photography
PHT114 Digital Imaging
VPA105 Digital Publishing and Typography
GRP117 Graphic Design Theory and Practice

Second Year

Session 3

PHT220 Photo Imaging
PHT221 Digital Photography Studio
GRP223 Digital Design
VIS102 History of Photography

Session 4

PHT203 Imaging Theories and Techniques
PHT222 Photomedia Studio
GRP225 Experimental Design
VIS202 Contemporary Photography

Third Year

Session 5

PHT321 Photography Practice and Research (16 points)
GRP224 Design for Industry
ART222 Art, Technology and Culture (DE)

Students may elect to exit with an Associate Degree in Photography at this point

Session 6

VPA319 Studio Research and Seminar (24 points)
GRP226 Advertising Design

Fourth Year

Session 7

GRP322 Campaign, Publishing and Identity (16 points)
COM226 Media, History and Society
ART214 Aspects of Design 1850 - Present (DE)

Session 8

VPA320 Studio Research and Seminar (24 points)
ETH205 Ethics and Law for the Creative Industries

Admission requirements

In addition to the standard UAI entry requirement, applicants are recommended to submit a folio and/or attend an interview.

An interview form can be downloaded by clicking here.

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

To be admitted into the course, applicants 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.

csp

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2

Australian and New Zealand students

Apply through UAC/VTAC

Full-time on campus study only

Admission code: 211664

Apply online

Admission code: KAVP (Session 2)

Mail your application

International students

Apply online

Admission code: IAVP

Mail your application

Recruitment agent

Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.

More information:

Consider also:

Prospective Student Inquiries

Australian campus business hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10).

info.csu can provide support and guidance to prospective students on everything you need to know on the University, courses, fees, accommodation, etc.

within Australia 1800 334 733
International + 61 2 6338 6077 Fax (02) 6338 6001