Photography BA (Hons)

Overview

By providing you with a solid foundation in photographic theory and practice, this photography course will offer you the opportunity to take risks, explore ideas and realise your creative potential. This photography degree course aims to create flexible, resourceful, and creative photographers with well-developed transferable skills, that can be applied to a broad range of commercial, and art-based careers.

Course Details

Attendance

• Full-time
• Three-year course
• Next enrolment: September 2025

Introduction

This photography degree course will provide you with a solid foundation in photographic theory and practice, allowing you to take risks, explore ideas, and realise your creative potential. You will work with industry-standard equipment and studios to support you from image capture through to exhibition.

Career Opportunities

Some of the career routes that photography graduates go on to include:

• Archivists
• Art directors
• Curators
• Digital artists
• Exhibiting photographers
• Freelancers
• Picture researchers
• Printers
• Retouchers
• Studio managers
• Teachers
• Videographers

You will also have the potential to move across into related careers in marketing, branding, technical support, and PR.

Course Structure

Year One

• Imagined Communities
  • Camera Control (shutter, aperture, ISO)
  • Processing 35mm B&W film
  • Darkroom techniques (contact printing, enlarging, graded printing, presentation)
• Urban and Rural
  • Appropriated capture and mapping
  • Digital post and interpretation of statistical and geographical data
  • Hybrid and large format output
• Street and Studio
  • Digital Camera Control & Tethered Capture
  • Introduction to digital post production (Adobe Photoshop), studio and location-based lighting
  • Archival pigment printing & archival mounting and finishing
• Photography and the Book
  • Digital post production (Adobe PhotoShop) & desktop publishing (Adobe InDesign)
  • Stitching and binding techniques
  • Book design & production techniques (concept, editing, printing)
• Establishing Frameworks
  • Presentation and research skills
  • Introduction to copyright and legal issues
  • Constructing a portfolio for defined markets
• Exploring Creative Contexts
  • Critical and contextual awareness
  • Knowledge and understanding of contemporary image making
  • Research and communication skills

Year Two

• Photography in Context
  • Art handling and curation
  • Marketing and exhibition promotion
  • Making site specific work
• Exploring Possibilities
  • Introduction to convergent, 3D, hybrid capture
  • Experimental modes of presentation
  • Engage with the interdisciplinary nature of photography
• Constructing Worlds and Meanings
  • Set building
  • HD video capture and large format camera control
  • Proposal writing
• Opportunities and Industry
  • Career development and planning
  • Entering competitions and awards
  • Constructing a portfolio and marketing materials
• Responding to Creative Contexts
  • Presentation skills
  • Structuring written assignments
  • Research and referencing skills

Year Three

• Towards Resolution
  • Guided supervision
  • Planning and research
  • Investigation, experimentation and evaluation
• Resolution
  • Guided supervision
  • Extended project conception, execution and output
  • Applying appropriate skills and processes
• Applying Frameworks
  • Personal career planning for graduates working in photography (and related fields)
  • Exhibiting and promoting your work
  • Constructing a final portfolio and marketing materials
• Independent Research Project
  • Advanced presentation skills
  • Structuring extended written assignments
  • Advanced research and referencing skills

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching: lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars, and individual tutorials
• Assessment: project work, presentations, and the ability to incorporate feedback

Employment and Stats

• Employment: exhibiting photographer, digital artist, art director, arts administrator, picture researcher, or studio manager
• Further study: graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further postgraduate path
• Career Links: meet industry professionals, including guest speakers, curators, artists, organisers and/or affiliated non-profit organisations involved in the promotion of photography

Requirements

• Application profile: personal statement and meet our entry requirements
• Standard entry requirements:
  • GCSE: English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent), Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential
  • UCAS tariff points: 104-112 points
  • A level: 104-112 points
  • T level: Merit
  • BTEC National Diploma: DMM Including Art & Design subject
  • BTEC Higher National Diploma: Applicants may be considered for entry on to year two
  • Foundation Degree: Applicants may be considered for entry into year three
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: Distinction = 112 UCAS points
  • Scottish Highers: 112 points including an Art & Design subject
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 112 points including an Art & Design subject
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points including art and design related subjects
  • European Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 73% overall (relevant subject)
  • Access to HE: Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 112 points (relevant subject)
  • International students: we accept qualifications from all around the world

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year (2025/26), £9,535 per year (2026/27)
• Full-time international: £17,650 per year (2025/26), £18,120 per year (2026/27)

Additional Costs

• Optional costs may include £150 for field trips and £250 for a European visit per year
• In addition, students will be required to pay from £100 for show participation in their final year
• Costs are approximated based on the current academic year

Scholarships for International Students

• If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships
• Explore our international scholarships

UCAS Information

• Course ID: W640
• Institution: S03

Student Information

• Terms and conditions
• UCAS information

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Fashion Image Making and Styling
• MA Socially Engaged Photography
• BA (Hons) Photography With Foundation Year

Data for Photography (Full time) at The University of Salford

• 79% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 83% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 85% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

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Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Photography program at the University of Salford is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both photographic theory and practice. The program aims to create flexible, resourceful, and creative photographers with well-developed transferable skills, applicable to a wide range of commercial and art-based careers.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue their creative potential in photography.
• Encourage students to take risks, explore ideas, and experiment with different photographic techniques.
• Foster development of critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to engage with photography in a broader context.
• Provide a platform for students to develop a broad range of transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Prepare students for a successful career in the photography industry or related fields.

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Description:

This three-year program combines practical workshops, theoretical lectures, and individual projects to create a comprehensive learning experience. Students gain hands-on experience working with industry-standard equipment and in professional studios. The program also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and contextual understanding. Students analyze historical and contemporary photographic works, engage with theoretical frameworks, and explore the relationship between photography and various social, cultural, and political issues. Through a combination of individual projects, group collaborations, and independent research, students develop their creative vision and refine their technical skills. They learn to articulate their artistic intentions, present their work effectively, and navigate the professional landscape of the photography industry.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Focuses on building foundational skills and knowledge in photography.
• Introduces students to basic camera operation, lighting techniques, analogue and digital workflows, and historical and contemporary contexts of image-making.
• Modules include: Imagined Communities, Urban and Rural, Street and Studio, Photography and the Book, Establishing Frameworks, and Exploring Creative Contexts.

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Year Two:

• Builds upon the skills learned in the first year and introduces more advanced concepts and techniques.
• Encourages students to experiment with various photographic media, explore different presentation formats, and engage with critical discourses surrounding photography.
• Modules include: Photography in Context, Exploring Possibilities, Constructing Worlds and Meanings, Opportunities and Industry, Developing Frameworks, and Responding to Creative Contexts.

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Year Three:

• Culminates in the development of a major photographic project, showcasing students' individual artistic vision and technical expertise.
• Encourages students to conduct independent research, refine their creative practice, and engage with professional opportunities.
• Modules include: Towards Resolution, Resolution, Applying Frameworks, and Independent Research Project.

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Structure:

• The program follows a trimester system, with three semesters per academic year.
• Students typically attend lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual tutorials twice a week.
• Significant time is dedicated to independent study and project work.

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Course Schedule:

• The specific schedule varies each year and is available on the University website.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods include:
• Project work (individual and collaborative)
• Presentations
• Essays
• Portfolio development
• Participation in class discussions
• Critical analysis of photographic works
• Feedback is provided throughout the program to help students improve their work and develop their skills.

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced photographers, artists, and researchers with expertise in various photographic practices and theoretical frameworks.
• The teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Individual tutorials
• Guest lectures by industry professionals
• Field trips to museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions
• Students have access to dedicated studio spaces, darkrooms, digital labs, and other facilities to support their learning and creative exploration.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in the photography industry, including:
• Professional photographer
• Freelance photographer
• Commercial photographer
• Editorial photographer
• Fine art photographer
• Photojournalist
• Curator
• Artistic director
• Picture researcher
• Studio manager
• Teacher
• Videographer
• Marketing and branding specialist
• Technical support specialist
• Public relations specialist
• The program also prepares students for further studies at the postgraduate level in photography or related fields.

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Other:

• The program encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as photography competitions, exhibitions, and workshops.
• Students have access to a supportive network of peers, faculty, and alumni.
• The University of Salford is located in a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene, providing students with ample opportunities for inspiration and networking.

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| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £17,040.00 per year | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650.00 per year | Additional costs Optional costs may include £150 for field trips and £250 for a European visit per year. In addition, students will be required to pay from £100 for show participation in their final year. Costs are approximated based on the current academic year. You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

University of Salford: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:

Accommodation:

The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.

Sports Centre:

Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.

Clubs and Societies:

Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.

Library:

The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Cafe and Dining:

The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Practical Learning:

The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.

Industry Connections:

The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Location:

The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.

Modern Facilities:

The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.

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Other:

The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.