University of Greater Manchester
Deane Road
Bolton
BL3 5AB
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Email:enquiries@greatermanchester.ac.uk
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Photography with foundation year
- BA (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
Course summary
In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.
Photography can connect with people all over the world by quickly sharing moments that can inspire, teach, express a point of view, or capture a moment in time. The University of Greater Manchester's BA (Hons) Photography with foundation year undergraduate degree course prepares you for professional roles in a wide range of specialist areas.
Photographs are the most exciting and important visual form of global communication, forming a significant part of everyday life. The image has become the most widely used international language, and the ability to communicate concise visual statements that engage audiences is at the heart of our course and teaching. You can experience life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus while developing essential knowledge and skills ready for a career in photography.
The foundation year allows you to discover and strengthen research, design, practical and communication skills that are essential for success as you study Photography. You will also have the opportunity to expand your creativity beyond photography experimenting with drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, installation, performance, AI, digital 3D, video and sound art. These skills will give you a multidisciplinary approach to producing visuals that can go beyond lens-based media. The foundation year also aims to build your confidence in academic skills such as literature searching, academic referencing and written and oral communication techniques.
Following the foundation year, our broad-based degree offers you a unique pathway of visual self-discovery. You’ll benefit from the freedom to pursue your own interests while receiving expert support from our industry-experienced tutors, developed with help from a panel of industry professionals. We offer a supportive, market-aware environment where you can explore various photographic genres such as documentary, fashion, editorial, photojournalism, commercial advertising, portraiture, architectural, wildlife, landscape, fine art, and more.
We’ll invite industry experts to share their knowledge during guest lectures and offer you opportunities to work on ‘live briefs’ and commissions. Our industry links will help to enrich your learning experience and provide you with invaluable ‘insider’ information and possible employment opportunities. We also aim to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success. You can be part of this fully integrated programme of practical and theoretical knowledge, building your confidence and skills, ready for a career in this dynamic industry.
Modules
Information about the modules offered as part of this course is available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.
Assessment method
Details of the learning activities and assessment methods for this course are available on the University of Greater Manchester’s website.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 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:
- W641
- Institution code:
- B44
- Campus name:
- University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Greater Manchester 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:
- W641
- Institution code:
- B44
- Campus name:
- University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 48 points
Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Creative subjects are strongly preferred.
You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English.
You'll be required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of appropriate work. Your portfolio should demonstrate your skills in a range of relevant creative media and styles.
The quality of the portfolio/interview is the primary basis on which applicants are selected; therefore, special consideration will be given to applicants without the above qualifications who have a strong portfolio. Relevant work or voluntary experience will also be considered. In these cases, we may ask applicants to undertake additional assessments to determine their suitability for the course.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
- Portfolio
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | If English isn’t your first language you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). |
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details. https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/international-general-entry-requirements/
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| EU | £17500* | Year 1 |
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| International | £17500* | Year 1 |
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
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