Photography (Extended Degree)

If you want to pursue a creative degree at Arts University Plymouth but feel you have yet to acquire the experience and range of skills necessary, our Extended BA programme will prepare you for entry to one of our BA (Hons) undergraduate courses.

What is Extended BA?
Our Extended BA (Hons) Degrees offers a unique four-year route for students aiming to delve into the diverse realm of art, design, and media. This programme provides an initial exploratory year, where you'll cultivate insight into various creative skills and approaches, laying a robust foundation before advancing to a specialised degree of your choice. Whether you're returning to education after a hiatus or entering without formal qualifications, our Extended BA equips you with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to secure a place in our full undergraduate program.

Our Intensive Extended Degree program is a dynamic blend of lectures, workshops, and practical studio sessions designed to challenge and inspire. Our diverse student body spans from fresh-faced eighteen-year-olds to seasoned creatives in their seventies, fostering a rich collaborative environment. With the freedom to take risks and experiment, you'll develop a diverse skill set through hands-on experimentation with materials, processes, and methodologies. This transformative journey hones critical skills essential for degree-level study, expanding your proficiency in drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging, and design methods. Gain invaluable experience in a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

BA (Hons) Photography specialises in the creative and professional possibilities of lens-based image-making in the creative industries. You’ll explore contemporary photography with a focus on fashion, editorial, heritage and culture, and commercial production.

Through our distinctive curriculum, using industry-standard equipment and resources, you’ll master a wide range of techniques and technologies to produce innovative photographic and multimedia content. You’ll also explore how emerging technologies such as AI are shaping the future of photography and the creative industries.

At a glance

• Degree: BA (Hons) Photography

• UCAS codes: 3-year degree W645 / 4-year extended degree W600

• Typical UCAS points: 104–120

Storytelling, identity and culture

You’ll be encouraged to develop your own distinctive visual practice while investigating photography’s role in storytelling, identity and culture.

From editorial advocacy, concerned with how image-making can respond to debates around social justice and climate change, to fashion, advertising and commercial production, you’ll learn how images can inform, inspire and connect with audiences..

Why choose this course?

• Explore diverse practices including fashion, editorial, advocacy, heritage and culture, and commercial production.

• Access our Equipment Resource Centre, with specialist photography, film and lighting equipment, and industry-standard photographic studios.

• Experiment with a wide range of traditional, digital and emerging technologies.

• Learn from experienced industry professionals, academics and technical tutors.

• Acquire a breadth of practical, creative and professional skills to enable you to succeed in the creative industries.

• Participate in our Photography Festival and symposium events, with exhibitions, talks, workshops, portfolio reviews and panel discussions.

Careers and future opportunities

Study photography at Arts University Plymouth and you’ll graduate with the skills, network, portfolio and insight to thrive in the creative industries as a contemporary image-maker.

Career opportunities include: Photographers, Photographic Assistants, Creative Directors, Creative Producers, Digital Operators, Filmmakers, Museum/Archive Photographers, Content Creators and Curators.

Course Modules

The first year of an Extended Degree is not a qualification in its own right, but when you successfully complete it you are guaranteed a place on our full undergraduate programme.

You’ll develop confidence in your use of drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging and design methods, and you’ll have the chance to experiment with a range of materials, equipment, processes and software.

As the year goes by you’ll specialise in your chosen undergraduate subject (illustration, graphic design, fine art, etc.), helping you to become a confident, independent and creative artist, designer or maker.