Photography (with placement year)

We will empower you to develop your own photographic voice, and to understand your creative practice and place in a dynamic and extensive industry. You will be inspired by an exciting world of visual language and image making.

Join our vibrant creative community and experience a wide range of photographic approaches to produce an impressive portfolio of work. Photographers are increasingly employed across genres, from fine art and documentary to fashion and commercial work. This is an outward looking course designed to maximise your employability and opportunities for freelance success upon graduation. You will critically consider every aspect of this art form, from composing images through a lens to digital post-production techniques and determining target audiences.

You will learn in an industry-standard environment using professional lighting and camera equipment. Besides learning extensive theoretical and technical skills, you will also benefit from enterprise and business skills including networking, collaboration, negotiating with clients and making professional presentations.

Internationally renowned speakers have included Martin Parr, David Brandon Geeting, Erik Kessels, Ewen Spencer, Haley Morris-Cafiero, Sohrab Hura, Julian Germain, Anouk Kruithof, Cristina De Middel, Guy Martin, Simon Roberts and Kevin Cummins.

We place emphasis on international employability and collaboration. Previous study trips have included Paris, Los Angeles, Berlin, Shanghai, Tokyo and New York. Trips within the UK have included the Format International Photography Festival in Derby.

Year one – The course begins with developing your confidence in technical skills alongside introducing historical and contemporary perspectives on photographic practice. You will gain knowledge about iconic photographers and image impact while developing practical competencies across all aspects of photography, from lighting to photographic workflow.

Year two – This is a more conceptual year that builds on your specialist photographic practice and interests. You will gain an awareness of working towards target audiences and have opportunities to respond to live commercial and community briefs. This is your chance to further your professional and critical awareness.

Year three* – You will continue to build an extensive and impressive portfolio of work. Collaborations with students on other creative courses will help you gain fresh perspectives and diversify your experience. You will further develop your professional practices through specific modules and be encouraged to seek feedback from industry on your work. Our impressive sector networks and focus on employability give you a great platform as a skilled photographer starting out in this exciting field.

*If you choose to study this course over four years, this will include a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three. Read our placement year FAQs at www.leeds-art.ac.uk/undergraduate-placement-year-faqs.