Photography, BA (Hons), with industry placement

Our photography degree immerses students in a dynamic world of visual storytelling, fostering a vibrant creative community through traditional and digital techniques to build an outstanding portfolio. We encourage diverse interests, helping you cultivate a unique photographic voice while embracing interdisciplinary practices essential for careers in fine art, documentary, fashion, and commercial fields. The program emphasizes critical analysis of composition, audience, and post-production, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for technical mastery, alongside business skills like networking, mentoring, and work placements. Renowned speakers, including Martin Parr and Erik Kessels, inspire students, while international trips to cities like Paris and New York enhance global employability.In year one, focus on technical skills and photography's history; year two advances conceptual practice with business training and industry briefs; year three refines your portfolio through collaborations and professional development, with an optional placement year for hands-on experience. This outward-focused course maximizes freelance or employment opportunities through strong sector networks.

Year one – The course begins with a focus on developing your technical photography skills and historical and contemporary perspectives on photography. You will gain knowledge about iconic photographers and image impact while developing practical competencies across all aspects of photography, from lighting to photographic workflow. Year two – This is a more conceptual year that builds on your specialist photographic practice and interests. You’ll learn business skills for freelancing or running your own business, and industry speakers will relate their own experiences and insights. You will respond to live commercial and community briefs and encouraged to arrange work experience in the industry. Year three* – In your final year you will continue to build an extensive and impressive portfolio of work. Collaborations with students on other creative courses will help you build a diverse breadth of experience and contribute to your end of year show. You will develop your professional practices through specific degree modules and be encouraged to seek feedback from industry on your work. Our impressive sector networks and focus on employability give you a great platform as a skilled photographer starting out in this exciting field. *If you choose to study this course over four years, this will include a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three.