Photography BA
Study of photographic practice, visual storytelling, and image-making, exploring photography as both an artistic medium and a professional tool for communication and creative expression.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Love photography and visual storytelling
Enjoy creative expression
Like working with digital tools
Want a career in media or photography
Have a strong visual eye
Popular Career Fields
Creative & Design Industries
Advertising & Marketing
Media & Broadcasting
Film & Television
Your Personality Might Be:
Visual observer
Advertising & Marketing
Creative eye
Story-conscious
What is it?
What is a Photography degree?
A Photography degree focuses on developing your creative, technical, and conceptual skills as a photographer.
You’ll explore how images are created, interpreted, and used across artistic, commercial, documentary, and digital contexts.
The course combines hands-on practical work with critical thinking, encouraging you to develop a personal visual style while understanding photography’s role in art, media, culture, and society.
It is ideal for students who enjoy visual creativity, experimentation, and storytelling through images.
Why study Photography?
If you are passionate about visual culture and creative expression, a Photography degree offers both artistic freedom and professional development.
It helps you to:
Develop a strong personal photographic voice
Master technical skills in camera use, lighting, and post-production
Understand photography’s cultural, social, and historical contexts
Explore contemporary photographic practices and debates
Build a professional portfolio for creative industries
Photography degrees encourage experimentation, originality, and critical reflection.
Course Summary
Study of photographic practice, visual storytelling, and image-making, exploring photography as both an artistic medium and a professional tool for communication and creative expression.
What you'll study
Most Photography degrees cover:
Digital and analogue photography techniques
Studio and location-based shooting
Lighting, composition, and visual storytelling
Image editing and post-production
Photographic theory, history, and criticism
Professional practice and portfolio development
Skills You'll Gain
A Photography degree builds creative and technical skills including:
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates can pursue careers in a wide range of creative and visual industries, including:
Professional photography (freelance or studio-based)
Fashion, editorial, or commercial photography
Photojournalism or documentary work
Art and exhibition practice
Digital media and content creation
Image editing, retouching, or post-production
Work Experiences & Placements
Many Photography degrees encourage students to gain industry experience alongside their studies.
Some programmes offer optional placement years, live briefs, or industry-led projects, while others support internships and freelance opportunities during holidays.
Typical work experience opportunities include:
Assisting professional photographers
Freelance photography for events, media, or brands
Studios, galleries, and creative agencies
Fashion, editorial, or commercial shoots
Arts organisations, museums, or archives
Work experience helps you build networks, understand industry expectations, and strengthen your professional portfolio.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels (or equivalent) in any subjects, though Art or Photography sometimes required, alongside a portfolio of artwork demonstrating photographic or visual work.
Personal Statement Tips
Explain what draws you to photography as a creative medium.
Reference photographers, styles, or themes that inspire you.
Reflect on your creative process and interests.
Highlight curiosity, experimentation, and commitment to developing your practice.
What to do Next
Explain what draws you to photography as a creative medium.
Reference photographers, styles, or themes that inspire you.
Reflect on your creative process and interests.
Highlight curiosity, experimentation, and commitment to developing your practice.
Wider Reading
Understanding Exposure — Bryan Peterson
A clear, beginner-friendly explanation of exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and creative control of light.The Photography Reader — Liz Wells (ed.)
An accessible anthology of key writings on photography theory, meaning, and cultural context.Photography: The Key Concepts — David Bate
Introduces essential ideas in photography studies — representation, authorship, and technology.The Digital Photography Book, Part 1 — Scott Kelby
Practical, step-by-step tips for taking better digital photos straight away.On Photography — Susan Sontag
Classic reflections on photography as a cultural practice and visual language.