Skip navigation

Photography

  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
The Northern School of Art
More about The Northern School of Art

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

Course summary

Explore the world through your perspective. Make brands, people and places come alive with your camera.

A photography degree isn’t just about taking pictures, it’s about learning to see differently; for those driven to be part of the vibrant creative industry as a photographic specialist. Whether you are interested in shooting fashion campaigns and working with commercial clients, or documenting real stories, editorial or fine art, we go beyond fundamental principles, providing you with advanced technical and conceptual skills to produce professional level work in collaboration with the Association of Photographers (AOP).

With access to cutting-edge facilities, you’ll work in professional studios, explore exciting locations, mastering industry-standard equipment. You will access analogue darkroom techniques, advanced digital workflows, post-production, short film and video methods, building a unique vision and style. The programme also offers opportunities to exhibit your work, produce publications, engage in commercial and live projects and international travel.

Photography has the power to shape perspectives and inspire change, and this programme provides the tools and opportunities to make your mark in a dynamic and evolving industry.

This creative-industry-focused programme typically provides 16 hours of contact time per week across the academic year. Students can typically expect to receive 10 hours of taught sessions and 6 hours of supervised open studio time, supported by specialist technicians, and have open access to studios and workshops (subject to School opening times and availability). In the final year, students typically engage in a higher proportion of supervised, independent study, reflecting the increased focus on self‑directed practice and specialist project work at this level.

Modules

Course Modules

Year One
In Year One you will learn about workflow for both digital and darkroom applications. This is supported by a programme of technical workshops, academic lectures seminars. You will study the history of photography and produce a group exhibition to a professional standard upon completion of your first year.

• Core photographic skills & commercial studio lighting
• Advanced digital software, editing and post-production
• Exploration of genres; fashion, documentary, editorial and fine art
• Shooting film and darkroom practice
• Location shooting & live briefs
• Professional workflows

Year Two
In year two you will work with short film and moving image and advanced production processes. You will begin to specialise and develop your photographic direction, turning your passion into skillset. This is supported by critical investigation of how to read photographs and understand the importance of images and the various uses and applications in the world today.

• Advanced techniques and processes
• Live-briefs, commercial opportunities and exhibitions
• Short film, video editing and moving image
• Story telling through visual imagery
• Critical thinking and contemporary photography
• Independent working and your own photographic practice

Year Three
In your final year you will develop an industry ready portfolio of work as you consider your personal independent practice and prepare for employment and/or further study, challenging you to push boundaries and discover your unique creative voice.

• Project research and development
• Your dissertation or report
• Self-employability, self-promotion and networking
• Develop your own brief and specialism
• An exhibition of your work and production of your portfolio

https://northernart.ac.uk/ba-hons-photography/

Assessment method

In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.

This course has restrictions on who can apply.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • The Northern School of Art

Study options

  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
W642
Institution code:
C71
Campus name:
The Northern School of Art
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2, 3

The Northern School of Art has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

This course has restrictions on who can apply.

This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W642
Institution code:
C71
Campus name:
The Northern School of Art

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
CCC-BBC

T Level
Pass (C and above)

UCAS Tariff
96-112

UCAS tariff points can be made up of a mixture of Level 3 qualifications.

Access to HE Diploma

Successfully complete Access to HE Diploma

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMM-DMM

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Successfully complete Foundation Diploma

Other

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - P-M grade

Your potential is our main focus when assessing your suitability for the programme you have applied to. Because of this, we take into account all aspects of your application and not just your academic profile.
If you are a mature applicant (i.e. 21+ years), we will place more emphasis on your portfolio and the skills and experience you can demonstrate at interview.
Your portfolio, which you bring to interview, is an integral part of the assessment. It should demonstrate your current skills, interests and knowledge where appropriate.
It is also expected that you will bring evidence of written work to interview and/or have a Level 2 qualification in English/Literacy. https://northernart.ac.uk/study-with-us/hartlepool-campus/supporting-you/how-to-apply/

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Your interview After we receive your UCAS form, an interview will be arranged, which enables you to see the outstanding facilities, meet our staff and current students, and view the latest work. It provides us with an opportunity to discuss your portfolio, find out more about you and establish the best degree route for you. Interviews can happen either virtually or in person. Interview Preparation This is your opportunity to evidence your visual and creative ability in the form of a portfolio of work. To help you prepare for this, we send all applicants a useful guide with the interview confirmation letter. Your interview with us is intended to be relaxed and informal. You will be asked general questions regarding your application to us, some questions about yourself, your inspirations and aspirations. This may include information about artists or designers that you admire, and what it is about their work that inspires you. https://northernart.ac.uk/study-with-us/hartlepool-campus/supporting-you/how-to-apply/
Portfolio
A portfolio is individual to every student. Everyone will have their own individual styles and will have produced work in different ways, which we actively encourage. Your portfolio should be a visual representation of your creative identity and should include the following: 1. Development of ideas and creative thinking i.e. sketchbook work, drawings, annotations, photography 2. A range of appropriate skills and techniques you have previously developed 3. Your approach to the creative process i.e. concept, research, ideas development, experimentation of techniques and final outcome 4. Ability to take risks 5. Evidence of written work https://northernart.ac.uk/study-with-us/hartlepool-campus/supporting-you/how-to-apply/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Due to the creative nature of our programmes, we treat all applications on their own merit and welcome anyone who has the ability and aspirations to achieve at higher education. Applicants have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential to us by showing their portfolio at an interview. If you are predicted points below the stipulated range, or if you have any other qualifications or professional experience, please get in touch as we still may be able to consider you.

Learn more on the The Northern School of Art website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

As with most creative programmes delivered at higher education, this programme will have additional costs such as material and basic tools and contribution towards educational visits to ensure successful completion of the programme. The School offers financial support packages to help with this, whether this be through means-tested bursaries and/or grants. In addition, the School offers subsidised resale of course materials, free use of studios etc. More detailed information is provided at the interview stage; however, if you require this sooner please contact interviews@northernart.ac.uk

Related courses

At The Northern School of Art

Like this page