York St John University
Lord Mayor's Walk
York
YO31 7EX
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Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:admissions@yorksj.ac.uk
Phone:01904 876598
Fax: 01904 876940876921
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Photography
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 21/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- York St John University
Course summary
Become a photographer who develops ideas through experimentation and critical thinking. Learn to communicate through the visual language of photography.
When you study photography with us you have the freedom to explore your artistic interests. We will help you develop professional photography skills and explore the ideas behind contemporary image making. You will develop skills in documentary, editorial and studio photography, using both film and digital approaches to image creation.
This course will give you the confidence and skills you need to reach your potential as a photographer. You will focus on your practical photography skills and develop an understanding of photography theory to support your practical work. While studying with us you will:
Learn techniques for processing images both digitally and in a dark room
Create images in studios with controlled lighting
Work on location with available light
Work with a range of camera formats, lenses and technologies
Study the theories and histories of photography
Consider the impact your photography has on society, culture and the creative industries
You will apply this learning to different genres of photography. This might include documentary, art, editorial and studio photography.
Our facilities are available for you to use outside of taught classes. Our photography studio, Mac suite and dark room provide everything you need to create inspiring photographs. You can borrow equipment to try out different brands and lenses.
When you choose to study with us, you get more than the skills you need to succeed. You gain experiences that make you stand out. We give you opportunities to:
Learn from visiting photographers
Take part in work placement opportunities and projects with local businesses
Showcase your work at our annual degree show and national graduate exhibitions
Visit cities around the world to enrich your cultural awareness
Modules
Modules include:
Year 1:
Establishing Practice
Material Explorations
Photography: The History, Technology and Theory of Practice
Developing Practice
Year 2:
Photography and Society
Making, Sensing, Thinking
Professional Networks
Realisation and Exposition
Art: Ethics and Aesthetics
Year 3:
Advanced Studio
Professional Futures
Degree Show
Dissertation
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- York St John University
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 21/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
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:
- W64W
- Institution code:
- Y75
- Campus name:
- York St John University
- Campus Code:
- A
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2, 3
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
York St John University 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
Apply by
14 January
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:
- W64W
- Institution code:
- Y75
- Campus name:
- York St John University
- Campus Code:
- A
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
For Second Year entry, applicants must have completed the first year of Higher Education in a similar subject with a total of 120 credits.
For Third Year entry, applicants must have completed the first and second year of Higher Education in a similar subject with a total of 240 credits.
Applicants will need to submit a transcript of their completed study, and offers will be subject to a mapping exercise of modules to ensure an appropriate alignment of course content.
Please be aware that transfer applications are subject to availablity of space on the selected academic year of your chosen course.
For more information on the transfer process, please see https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/transferring-to-york-st-john-university/.
If transferring to the final year of a course containing a placement or study abroad year, you must have also completed a placement or study abroad year prior to starting the course.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
- If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work to our tutors and discuss your work and the ideas behind it.
- Portfolio
- If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work to our tutors and discuss your work and the ideas behind it.
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.
For all UK applicants, we look at six factors:
• Where you live
• Your school or college
• Age
• Disability
• First in family to study in HE
• Time in care
These six factors create a point score, which is then taken into account, along with standard criteria. The points don’t influence whether an offer is made but can influence the type of offer made, resulting in reduced or unconditional offers.
Full information is on our website, including scheme adaptations for individual courses.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £14000 | Year 1 |
| International | £14000 | Year 1 |
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
Fees for our foundation years may vary, please see the relevant foundation year at https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/foundation-years/ for current foundation year fees.
For courses with an optional Placement Year, during the Placement Year your fees will be reduced to 20% of the annual fee value.
Course fees can rise from year to year, Please see our terms and conditions for further information:
https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/media/content-assets/admissions/documents/Student-Terms-and-Conditions-26-27.pdf
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