Photography

A Brighton Photography degree prepares you for creative and professional paths including editorial, documentary, fashion and commercial photography, working independently or as part of a creative team, as a photographer, artist, curator or photo editor.

Studying here at Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course is packed with opportunities to build real-world experience, including a paid placement after year two. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Explore diverse photographic practices: you’ll work with both analogue and digital media, experimenting with lighting, darkrooms, full-kit studios and industry-standard equipment.

• Highly experienced artists and photographers teach the course, supported by skilled technicians who’ll guide you through studios, darkrooms and post-production.

• A flexible curriculum with option modules so you can combine theory and practice and tailor your work to your creative ambitions.

• Engage with visiting photographers, writers, curators and media professionals, gaining insights into both creative practice and the business of photography.

• Opportunities to exhibit your work throughout the course, culminating in a major public graduate show.

• Located in central Brighton, you’ll be part of a vibrant art and media community with a strong creative culture and progressive environment.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Photography
Brighton is a city with creativity at its heart, making it the perfect setting to study Photography. From renowned galleries and studios to a thriving network of freelance artists, the city offers endless inspiration and opportunities to engage with the creative community.

Our long heritage in art and design education means you’ll be part of a diverse network of creatives, with access to opportunities and industry connections that extend beyond the campus.

Named one of the best cities on the planet and third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton is also a bustling hub for fashion, design and film.

Year 1
You’ll develop core analogue and digital photography skills across four themed practice modules exploring identity, place, narrative and time. Alongside this, you’ll study the histories and theories of photography to strengthen your ability to analyse images and understand their cultural contexts.

Core modules
Photography and Identity
Photography and Place
The Real and the Imagined
Stillness and Time
Origins and Histories of Photography (Perspectives on Photography 1)
Photographic Documents and Photographic Fictions (Perspectives on Photography 2)

Year 2
You’ll shape your own creative direction by choosing from a range of themed projects and experimenting with media such as moving image and sound. You’ll deepen your understanding of contemporary photographic theory while developing professional skills through exhibitions, independent projects and written proposals. This year prepares you for the self-directed approach of your final year, with regular lectures, seminars and feedback to support your growth.

Core modules
Creative Process for Exhibition
Design for Publication
Concepts and Theories in Contemporary Photography (Perspectives on Photography 3)
Commercial Photography Practices
Research Themes, Methodologies and Proposal (Perspectives on Photography 4)

Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your skills in a professional setting, gain industry experience and build valuable contacts before returning for your final year.

Final year
You’ll focus on developing a distinctive personal practice through two major self-directed projects and a piece of written research, applying all the technical, conceptual and professional skills you’ve built through the course. You’ll dive deeply into a photographic topic of your choice while producing ambitious, conceptually-driven visual work. Professional practice sessions and visiting speakers will help you prepare for creative careers and postgraduate pathways.

Core modules
Extended Essay (Perspectives on Photography 5)
Independent Practice 1
Independent Practice 2
Professional Practice
Dissertation (Perspectives on Photography 5)