Photography

Explore the creative and professional possibilities of lens-based image-making. Develop studio and location skills across image production, lighting, styling and post-production, while engaging with emerging technologies such as AI and building industry readiness through placements and live briefs.

BA (Hons) Photography specialises in the creative and professional possibilities of lens-based image-making in the creative industries. You’ll explore contemporary photography with a focus on fashion, editorial, heritage and culture, and commercial production.

Through our distinctive curriculum, using industry-standard equipment and resources, you’ll master a wide range of techniques and technologies to produce innovative photographic and multimedia content. You’ll also explore how emerging technologies such as AI are shaping the future of photography and the creative industries.

At a glance

• Degree: BA (Hons) Photography

• UCAS codes: 3-year degree W645 / 4-year extended degree W600

• Typical UCAS points: 104–120

What you’ll learn and how you’ll study

You will develop your practical and creative skills in studio and location practice, covering:

• Image production

• Lighting

• Styling

• Creative direction

• Retouching

• Post-production

You’ll master a wide range of techniques and technologies to produce innovative photographic and multimedia content, supported by industry-standard equipment and resources.

Storytelling, identity and culture

You’ll be encouraged to develop your own distinctive visual practice while investigating photography’s role in storytelling, identity and culture.

From editorial advocacy, concerned with how image-making can respond to debates around social justice and climate change, to fashion, advertising and commercial production, you’ll learn how images can inform, inspire and connect with audiences.

Informed by research and engagement with contemporary thinking, your studies will include the exploration of historical and cultural contexts, enabling you to become an ethically aware and critically informed practitioner.

Industry readiness, live briefs and placements

Industry readiness is a core theme of our curriculum. Throughout the course you’ll have opportunities to meet industry professionals and present your work.

You’ll be supported to undertake industry placements with:

• Photographers

• Creative agencies

• Brands

• Publishers

• Cultural organisations

You’ll work on live briefs, developing your professional skills and confidence in responding to commissions, while cultivating transferable skills to succeed.

Facilities, studios and resources

You’ll have access to our Equipment Resource Centre, with specialist photography, film and lighting equipment, and industry-standard photographic studios.

Why choose this course?

• Explore diverse practices including fashion, editorial, advocacy, heritage and culture, and commercial production.

• Access our Equipment Resource Centre, with specialist photography, film and lighting equipment, and industry-standard photographic studios.

• Experiment with a wide range of traditional, digital and emerging technologies.

• Learn from experienced industry professionals, academics and technical tutors.

• Acquire a breadth of practical, creative and professional skills to enable you to succeed in the creative industries.

• Participate in our Photography Festival and symposium events, with exhibitions, talks, workshops, portfolio reviews and panel discussions.

Careers and future opportunities

Study photography at Arts University Plymouth and you’ll graduate with the skills, network, portfolio and insight to thrive in the creative industries as a contemporary image-maker.

Career opportunities include: Photographers, Photographic Assistants, Creative Directors, Creative Producers, Digital Operators, Filmmakers, Museum/Archive Photographers, Content Creators and Curators.

Course Modules

Our graduates have all the skills and knowledge that they need to work in the creative industries. Throughout your studies, your work will be underpinned and informed by a rich programme of contextual and theoretical study. Our professional practice modules help you to understand how to promote, sell and exhibit your work and how to develop your network, and include regular seasons of talks by curators, picture editors, artists and academics.
You will need to gain entrepreneurial skills, and we explore how to build your artistic reputation and how to promote and support your work through exhibitions, publications and online formats.
We organise an annual Visual Culture Symposium in London where students meet industry professionals, listen to guest lectures and get key feedback for their portfolio.