Photography | University of Derby

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Course summary

Challenge conventions, take risks and be imaginative on this well-established and renowned photography degree. You’ll become a highly creative and technically experienced photographer.

Derby has been ranked 2nd for career prospects (Film Production and Photography) Guardian University Guide 2025.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
We have over 50 years’ experience of teaching photography and have built up a reputation for excellence. You’ll have access to facilities that many experienced professional photographers dream of, including the latest high-spec cameras, extensive photographic studios, black and white and colour darkrooms, film processing facilities and dedicated digital suites.

IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?
If you think you have it in you to be a brave and inventive photographer, who’s not afraid to learn from your failures, then you belong on this photography degree.

HOW YOU WILL LEARN
You'll learn through a combination of technical workshops, lectures, seminars, group discussions, group critiques and individual tutorials. You will also hear from high-profile visiting professors and go on regular gallery visits.

OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES.
You and your work will be highly visible. You’ll have opportunities to complete genuine work for clients and go on placements or study visits to organisations like the Association of Photographers, The Observer newspaper, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and MAC Birmingham and Print Space. Some students win the right to exhibit at FORMAT, the international festival of photography and related media, staged in Derby.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY
Our photography graduates are visually literate, independent, confident and adaptable. The course also develops analytical, writing, oral communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, so you’ll be equipped for many roles in the photo-imaging sector. Past students have become artists, academics, teachers, curators, critics, commercial photographers, picture editors, and news and sports photographers.

Fund out more: www.derby.ac.uk/undergraduate/photography-courses/photography-ba-hons/

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:: W650
Institution code:: D39

Open days

University of Derby Experience Day
28 Mar 2026, 09:30
Derby
University of Derby Open Day
19 Jun 2026, 08:30
Derby
University of Derby Open Day
20 Jun 2026, 08:30
Derby

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.

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Data from:
This course and 1 other cinematics and photography course: Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

99% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.