Bachelor of Photography

Study the Bachelor of Photography at Collarts to develop professional skills in studio, commercial, and documentary photography, while gaining real industry experience and building a career-ready creative portfolio.

2

YEARS full-time (Accelerated) or 3 years (Standard)

60

hours of industry placement

STUDY MODES

On Campus, Online

NEXT INTAKE

June 2026

LOCATION

Melbourne (Collingwood and Fitzroy)

Video thumbnail

Study Your Bachelor of Photography Degree with Collarts

Let the world see life through your lens

CRICOS Code 105694C (2 years)/105693D (3 years)/105696A (2 trimesters)/105695B (3 trimesters)


Our comprehensive Bachelor of Photography degree spans photographic technologies, portraiture, commercial photography, post-production, mobile and experimental photography, documentary and photojournalism, alongside units exploring creative entrepreneurship.

With Collarts’ Bachelor of Photography, you can study on campus or online. You’ll be taught cutting edge, career-ready skills by industry experts who are currently working within the photographic industry.

Whether your aspirations lie in Commercial and Advertising Photography, Editorial, Portraiture, or Domestic and Artistic Photography, this degree will develop your technical prowess alongside your unique artistic vision.

You’ll graduate job ready: 82% of our graduates land jobs shortly after course completion. This course gives you a variety of real-life industry experiences. With the opportunity to create a capstone project and undertake industry placement, you’ll leave Collarts with an in-depth understanding of the photographic industry.

Voted as Australia's #1 provider of creative arts courses for Teaching Quality and Engagement, our curriculum is anything but ordinary.

Course Information

Course Benefits

An in-depth look behind the lens

Get the skills, knowledge and experience you need to build a diverse career in the commercial, advertising, and domestic photographic industries.

Throughout the Bachelor of Photography, you will:

  • Create, develop and produce documentary, advertising and commercial photography.

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of the creative and technical production elements of professional photography.

  • Get valuable insight into the photography industry from experienced lecturers.

  • Develop your own unique portfolio of photographic content.

  • Collaborate with students across a wide range of other creative courses within Collarts.

  • Study on-campus or online, with access to all of Collarts’ state-of-the-art campus facilities.

Photojournalist

A visual storyteller who captures compelling images to accompany news stories and reportage. Document current events and other significant moments with accuracy and integrity to convey the essence of a story through powerful imagery.

Average industry salary*:

$61k - $103k

Advertising/Commercial Photographer

Specialises in creating high-quality images for businesses and brands to promote their products or services across fashion, architecture, editorial and more. Collaborate closely with clients to understand their objectives and create visually captivating photographs that communicate their brand message to target audiences.

Average industry salary*:

$59k - $120k

Wedding/Domestic Photographer

Capture memories and create a unique photographic narrative of wedding ceremonies and other special occasions. Take action shots during pre-ceremony preparations, the ceremony itself and the reception, with a mix of candid and formal photos.

Average industry salary*:

$40k - $120k

Meet your faculty

Rikki Bunder - Program Leader

Having spent over a decade as a professional commercial advertising photographer, and seven years teaching, Rikki has worked for a variety of national and international clients, including some of Australia’s leading advertising agencies and automotive companies. He has extensive leadership and educational experience across a wide range of creative disciplines including photography, film and design.

Learn More

Christina Simons - Program Coordinator

Icelandic-American, Christina Simons, is an acclaimed international documentary photographer with over 25 years of experience in the visual arts. Her work has been showcased all over the world. Based in Australia, Christina's photography has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, BBC Online, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, and The Guardian.

Learn more

Vicki Bell - Lecturer

A Melbourne-based, freelance portrait and fine art photographer with an extensive career spanning 30 years, Vicki is a passionate educator and holds a Diploma’s degree in Education (Art and Craft) and her photography and professional capabilities have been recognised by multiple awards. She has been a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography for 16 years and is currently an AIPP Master II Photographer and awards judge.

Learn More

Emma Ismawi - Lecturer

Over 10 years' experience in the creative industry, with expertise in illustration and design, Emma’s work is purposeful and provocative, with the intention to educate, inspire and empower. As Naarm/Birrarunga-ga (Melb)-based visual communicator, she is passionate about accessibility and inclusivity, with her work intentions to educate, inspire and empower.

Learn More

Jason Lau - Lecturer

The Collarts Experience

Experience life at Collarts through a vibrant creative community shaped by industry insight, cultural relevance and real-world learning—explore campuses, events and student life via Collarts Life. This ethos is embedded throughout our courses.

Student Life

Student life at Collarts mirrors real-world creative industries, offering a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment where students learn alongside peers from across the creative spectrum. From hands-on projects to campus events, students are supported by dedicated wellbeing and academic services throughout their studies. Discover what student life at Collarts is all about and how it shapes your Bachelor experience via Student Life at Collarts.

Life After Collarts

Sofia - Photography Alumni

"The difference at Collarts is that you get real-life experience, you're taught about the real world."

Video thumbnail

Need more information


Join an online or in person information session to meet your teaching staff, visit the campuses, and ask questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Bachelor of Photography course can’t wait. Neither can you.