Photography BA (Hons)

Course Description

This course will take you on a creative journey exploring what photography has been, what it is now and what it can be in the very widest sense.

The programme will support, encourage and challenge you to expand upon the conventions of photography and develop the confidence, ambitions, skills and abilities to produce work and forge your own identity as a maker and thinker of images for the future.

The programme blends creative and experimental approaches to photographic image making across the widest range of media with high level skills in research, critical thinking, communication, methods of presentation, exhibition and dissemination, and skills in digital technologies that will prove essential in life beyond your degree. There are no boundaries to what photography can be. You will be encouraged to explore and exceed the limits of photography throughout the creative journey of your degree.

We will foster your passion, support your aims and guide your ambitions to equip you with the skills, knowledge, awareness and experiences required to become a sought-after professional, enabling you to forge a bright future in the creative sector and beyond.

Study Options

• Full-time: 3 Years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 104 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: W650
• Start date: September
• Location: Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

Course Structure

Year 1

• Exploring Analogue Photography
• Exploring Digital Photography
• Histories of Photography
• Theories of Photography

Year 2

• Core modules (not specified)

Year 3

• Core modules (not specified)

Facilities

• Excellent learning environment featuring extensive photographic studios, black and white and colour darkrooms, film processing facilities, dedicated digital suites, and Mac suites offering industry-standard software.
• Bureau for professional printing of high-quality colour-accurate images.
• Well-stocked equipment centre from which you can loan an array of specialist resources.

Who Will Teach You

• Dr Gemma Marmalade, Programme Leader

Careers

• The course places an emphasis on critical thinking, research, writing and oral communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Our graduates have gone on to become artists, academics, teachers, curators, critics, professional photographers, editorial photographers, picture editors.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 104
• A Level: BCC
• T Level: Merit
• BTEC: DMM
• GCSE: Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• Additional costs and optional extras:
  • Provision of photographic film and paper for inductions for stage 1 modules
  • Access to talks and presentations by industry speakers
  • Access to specialist equipment, facilities and technical support
  • Access to specialist digital facilities with a wide range of up to date software
  • Participation in FORMAT International Photography Festival
  • Participation in the Degree Show for stage 3
  • Access to excellent learning resources, libraries and specialist laboratories and studios
  • The programme uses Adobe Creative Suite which is installed on all Macs in MS102 and MS012 at Markeaton Street and students are provided with an individual Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for home use
  • To support their professional and skills development, students are provided with a subscription to LinkedIn Learning which offers over 13,000 courses and tutorials, including professional accreditations, in a wide range of creative, business & technology disciplines

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University.
• International students: Apply through the online application portal or contact one of our trusted local representatives.

Additional Information

• Teaching hours: Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm.
• Course updates: The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible.

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Photography BA (Hons) - University of Derby

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Degree Overview:

This program aims to nurture new talent and help students become highly creative, technically experienced professional photographers. The program encourages students to challenge conventions, break molds, and create their own distinctive identity as well-informed and highly creative thinkers and image makers. The program blends creative and experimental approaches to photographic image making across a wide range of media with high-level skills in research, critical thinking, communication, methods of presentation, exhibition and dissemination, and skills in digital technologies.

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Objectives:

• Develop imaginative approaches to photography.
• Challenge conventions and break molds.
• Create a distinctive identity as a well-informed and highly creative thinker and image maker.
• Equip students with the skills, knowledge, awareness, and experiences required to become a sought-after professional.
• Enable students to forge a bright future in the creative sector and beyond.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Exploring Analogue Photography: This module provides a thorough introduction to analogue photography, teaching fundamental skills, methods, and techniques for producing high-quality black and white and color analogue images.
Students will explore and expand their personal curiosity and voice in developing a personal photographic approach.
• Exploring Digital Photography: This module introduces students to digital photography, covering fundamental skills, methods, and techniques for producing high-quality digital images.
Students will explore and expand their personal curiosity and voice in developing a personal photographic approach.
• Histories of Photography: This module explores the history of photography, examining key movements, figures, and developments.
Students will gain a critical understanding of the evolution of photography and its impact on society.
• Theories of Photography: This module examines key theoretical frameworks and concepts related to photography.

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Assessment:

• Assessment is by 100% coursework.
• Students submit photographic work supported by an artist's statement.
• Opportunities are provided for students to discuss the progression of their projects.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a combination of learning and teaching methods, including:
• Technical workshops: Develop a full range of photographic skills, including black and white, color, digital, CGI, and 3D.
• Lectures: Introduce new concepts and knowledge.
• Seminars: Enable group discussions.
• Critiques: Provide constructive feedback.
• Small group tutorials: Encourage the development of ideas.
• Individual tutorials: Monitor progress and clarify artistic direction.
• Group research activities: Encourage teamwork.
• Individual presentations: Develop communication skills.
• The program includes guest lectures, contact with high-profile visiting professors, regular gallery visits, and opportunities to participate in prestigious competitions and festivals.
• The program benefits from partnerships with leading professional organizations and employers, providing opportunities for study visits, work experience, and contributions to live briefs.
• The course culminates in a professional final exhibition at the annual Degree Show, where students showcase their final work to a public audience.

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Careers:

• Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles across the photo-imaging sector and beyond, making excellent use of transferable skills.
• Potential career paths include:
• Artists
• Academics
• Teachers
• Curators
• Critics
• Professional photographers
• Editorial photographers
• Picture editors
• Graduates have gone on to work in various roles, including:
• Idris Kahn OBE, leading UK artist
• Jenny Anderson, Director, Argentea Gallery
• Nicola Shipley, director GRAIN Photography Hub
• Michael Sargeant, On-line Education Manager, MAGNUM Photos
• John McLean, leading photographic artist and architectural photographer
• Steve Edwards, leading editorial photographer for UK and US publications
• Bethany Kane, Programming Officer FORMAT Photography Festival
• Students can continue their studies by taking the MA Arts course.

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Other:

• The program uses Adobe Creative Suite, which is installed on all Macs in MS102 and MS012 at Markeaton Street.
• Students are provided with a subscription to LinkedIn Learning, offering over 13,000 courses and tutorials, including professional accreditations, in a wide range of creative, business, and technology disciplines.
• The program has outstanding facilities, including extensive photographic studios, black and white and color darkrooms, film processing facilities, dedicated digital suites, and Mac suites offering industry-standard software.

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UK fee:

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

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International fee:

£14,900 per year (2024/25)

University of Derby Summary

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Overview:

The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.

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Services Offered:

The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.

Campus and Facilities:

Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.

Fees and Finance:

Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.

International Students:

Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.

Employability:

Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Clubs and Societies:

A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Sport at Derby:

Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.

Union of Students:

A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Teaching Excellence:

The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

Applied Research:

The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.

Student Satisfaction:

The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.

Strong Employability:

The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.

Postgraduate Programs:

MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.

Short Courses:

A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.

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Other:

The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

Campus and Facilities:

While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.

Fees and Finance:

The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.