Major Undergraduate

Photography


Study mode
Full Time Part Time
Study mode
Full Time
Murdoch code
MJ-PHT
What is a Major?
A major is your primary area of focus within a degree. It determines the core subjects you'll study and the skills you'll master.

Major overview

Create powerful visual stories with a Photography major

Photography shapes how stories are told, events are documented and brands connect with audiences. The major in photography within our Bachelor of Creative Media helps you develop the technical, creative and professional skills needed to produce compelling images across commercial, editorial and artistic contexts. 

In our photography course, you’ll combine visual storytelling with hands-on image-making. Working with professional cameras, studio and location lighting, and digital editing tools, you’ll explore how composition, light and narrative combine to create powerful visual communication. Along the way, you’ll build a professional photography portfolio showcasing your work across genres such as documentary, commercial and creative photography. 

Your studies will connect with industry practice through our student creative consultancy MESH, where you can gain experience working on real projects for clients while developing practical skills in creative collaboration and professional workflows. 

You can further expand your creative expertise by combining the Photography major with other Bachelor of Creative Media majors such as Games and Art Design, Graphic Design, Screen Production or Sound Design, creating a versatile skillset for a photography career in the creative industries.
Media student applying makeup under studio lighting

3 reasons to study photography at Murdoch University

  1. Gain practical industry experience through our student creative consultancy MESH, working on real projects for clients and developing professional photography workflows. 
  2. Build a professional photography portfolio, creating a diverse body of work across documentary, commercial and creative photography to showcase your skills to future employers. 
  3. Gain recognised professional credentials, with graduates eligible to join associations such as the Australian Photographic Society, Image Makers Association Australia or Pro Photography WA.

What you’ll learn

  • Learn advanced photographic techniques using professional cameras, lenses and equipment. 
  • Use studio and location lighting techniques to capture high-quality images. 
  • Develop digital imaging and editing skills for professional image production. 
  • Create documentary, commercial and creative photography projects. 
  • Understand the cultural, ethical and social dimensions of photography and visual storytelling. 
  • Manage professional workflows including image editing, printing and portfolio presentation.

Using life experiences as the basis for projects is something I found had the best outcomes in my assignments and helped me develop my unique voice and brand.

Grayce, Creative Media and Communications

Murdoch University creative media and communications student
Media and communications student in recording studio with microphone

Your future career in photography

Photography skills are valued wherever compelling visual storytelling is needed. With our major in photography, you’ll develop the technical expertise, creative vision and professional approach needed to become a photographer and pursue a career across the media, marketing and creative industries.

Potential roles include: 

  • Commercial photographer 
  • Photojournalist 
  • Content producer 
  • Event photographer 
  • Professional artist
  • Creative director 
For more details about our Photography major, download our information pack.

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Major Structure

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points

How to Apply

Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Creative Media

Study a Bachelor of Creative Media at Murdoch University and build practical skills for a career in the creative industries. Apply today.

Undergraduate Course

Bachelor of Communication


Bachelor of Creative Media

Gain real-world creative and communication experience with a Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Creative Media at Murdoch University. Apply now.

Have a question? Get in touch.

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

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