Bachelor of Design - Photography

At AUArts, photography is more than technique—it is a lens on society, the self, and change. Students explore analog and digital practices, studio lighting, experimental processes, and fine art photography. They create projects that challenge conventions, tell stories, and express their unique perspectives.

Program Overview

AUArts' Photography program combines technical prowess, creative risk-taking, and critical thinking. Students learn to see, interpret and shape the world through their lenses, exploring traditional and emerging approaches to image-making across fine art, commercial and editorial photography.

They work with leading photographers and dedicated technicians in industry-level studios and labs, developing their visual voices as they explore documentary, portraiture, experimental, and conceptual photography. Along the way, they build a portfolio to launch their future practice.

Program Highlights

• Studio-driven learning: Intensive, hands-on practice in dedicated photo studios, darkrooms, and print labs.
• Full-spectrum skill-building: Master lighting, post-production, analog, digital, and alternative processes.
• Critical engagement: They develop their point of view through critiques, research, theory, and history.
• Professional preparation: They gain business, marketing, and presentation skills to launch their careers.
• Collaborative community: They work across disciplines; they showcase their work in exhibitions, publications, and online platforms.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Photography program will:

• Create professional-quality photographic images across formats.
• Use lighting, composition, and post-production to communicate powerful ideas.
• Confidently analyze and critique images across frameworks.
• Develop a cohesive, distinctive portfolio and visual style.
• Engage with contemporary photography across fine art, commercial, editorial, and experimental fields.

New! The Bachelor of Design program now offers emerging concentrations in Comic Studies and Game Design, available as additional areas of focus alongside the primary stream.