About our foundation years

Our Foundation Year courses are perfect for you if you...

• are returning to education after a long time, or you don't have the qualifications for direct entry into our degree programmes
• are thinking of re-training and would like an introduction to the area
• are an international student wanting an additional year to adapt to the UK academic system
• are still evaluating which degree pathway at UEL is the right one for you

Please note: Foundation years can only be studied full-time. However, you can transfer to part-time delivery once you have completed your foundation year. Please apply to the full-time option if you wish to study in this way.

Commercial Photography BA (Hons)

Overview

Immerse yourself in our BA (Hons) Commercial Photography degree. This Commercial Photography course will prepare you for a diverse career in fields like fashion, editorial, beauty, advertising, and architectural photography. What exactly is commercial photography? It involves creating impactful, market-driven images tailored to branding and advertising. It's photography that helps sell things. Our comprehensive commercial photography degree programme will give you the creative and business skills needed to succeed in the dynamic world of commercial photography.

Course options

• Degree
  • UCAS code: W
  • UCAS points: 112
  • Start date: September 2025
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Tuition fees: £9,535 per year (Home Applicant, Full-time)
• Degree with foundation year
  • UCAS code: W64564
  • UCAS points: 64
  • Start date: September 2025
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Tuition fees: £9,535 per year (Home Applicant, Full-time)

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements

• 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification listed on the UCAS tariff calculator, including:
  • A Levels in at least two subjects
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
  • BTEC Diploma – DD
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels
  • International Baccalaureate – 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level
• GCSE English Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in English
• GCSE Mathematics Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics

International Qualifications

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications.

English Language requirements

IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).

Portfolio requirements

A portfolio is required and should be relevant to this course.

Fees, funding and additional costs

Fees

• UK/Home students: £9,535 per year
• International students: £15,560 per year

Funding

• Government funding
• UEL funding
• External funding

Additional costs

• Textbooks
• Computer equipment
• Printing
• Travel
• Personal laptops and other personal devices
• Personal copies of books
• Optional study visits and field trips (and any associated visa costs)
• Costs of participating in external events, exhibitions, performances etc.

Course modules

Year 1

• Contextual Studies 1 (Core Module)
• Practice 1 (Core Module)
• Experimentation and Application 1A (Core Module)
• Experimentation and Application 1B (Core Module)
• Research into Practice 1 (Core Module)
• Professional Life 1 (Mental Wealth) (Core Module)

Year 2

• Contextual Studies 2 (Core Module)
• Practice 2 (Core Module)
• Advanced Experimentation and Applications (Core Module)
• Advanced Practice (Core Module)
• Research into Practice 2 (Core Module)
• Professional Life 2 (Mental Wealth) (Core Module)
• Industrial Sandwich Placement (Optional Module)

Year 3

• Practice 3 (Core Module)
• Research into Practice 3 – Commercial Photography (Core Module)
• Independent Major Project Part A (Core Module)
• Independent Major Project Part B (Core Module)
• Professional Life 3 (Mental Wealth) (Core Module)

Your future career

The shift to digital technology and distribution has created new opportunities for photographers and recent graduates. As a graduate of our Commercial Photography course, you will be well-equipped to handle the technical demands of the modern photography industry. With a commercial photography degree and a strong portfolio, you can pursue a fulfilling and creative career in the photography industry.

Industry links

Recent visitors to UEL have included influential figures from the photographic industry. These include Emma Bowkett from FT Weekend Magazine, former British Vogue picture editor Mike Trow, and representatives from Morel Books, Metro Imaging, the Association of Photographers, TJ Boulting Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Graduate employers

The majority of the BA (Hons) Commercial Photography graduates will work as self-employed and/or freelance. They may start work as photography assistants gradually progressing into freelance photography or they may set up their own studios/ entrepreneurial ventures such as magazines. Increasingly graduates may take on roles such as producer, project manager, social media manager, digital marketing and design or marketing and PR.

Job roles

BA (Hons) Commercial Photography graduates have pursued a wide range of successful careers. They work as freelance and studio photographers specialising in areas such as fashion, portraiture, interior, and product photography. Many graduates have also found roles in film and media, including documentary and feature film directing, camera operation, and video production. Additionally, some alumni have established their own businesses in photography, location scouting, and studio management. Organisations they've gone on to work for are Net-a-Porter Group, White Rabbit Studio and the Espero Studio.

Further study

If you want to diversify your creative skillset you could undertake further study in a similar arts subject such as MA Filmmaking, MA Media and Communication Industries, MA Data Journalism or MA Directing for Stage and Screen. Having both photography and film skills could set you apart in your future career.

How we support your career ambitions

We offer dedicated career support, and further opportunities to thrive in commercial photography roles. Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and the photography industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting-edge technologies and facilities. Our BA (Hons) Commercial Photography degree course also emphasises connections with the London commercial photography scene, helping you stand out in the industry.

Career Zone

This digital platform provides you with careers and employability resources, including:

• Jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time photography work
• Mentoring programmes for insight with photography industry experts
• 1-2-1 career coaching services to prepare for photography roles
• Careers workshops and employer events
• Learning pathways to gain new skills and photographic industry insight

Mental Wealth programme

Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you've mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.

How you'll learn

When not attending timetabled lectures or workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve skills development through online study, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects and preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, and specialist facilities, such as our darkroom and photographic studios, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including MS Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.

Guided independent study

We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and a dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.

Academic support

Students are supported with any academic or subject-related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, and former and current UEL students.

Dedicated personal tutor

If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses. Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).

Workload

Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible.

Class sizes

The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year depending on your course.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment tasks are mainly spread across the year to make the workload manageable. Assessment methods include group work, exams and individual work including essays, presentations, case studies, professional development and practical activities depending on the nature of the course. All grades count towards your module mark. More details will be included in the student handbook and module guides. You will always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 15 working days, although you will receive immediate feedback following many of our face-to-face assessments.

Campus and facilities

Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.

Join us and you'll be able to make the most of our facilities including contemporary lecture theatres and seminar rooms, art studios and exhibition spaces, audio and visual labs and a multimedia production centre.

Features include our 24/7 Docklands library, our £21m SportsDock centre, a campus shop and bookstore, the Children's Garden Nursery, cafés, eateries, a late bar, plus Student Union facilities, including a student lounge.

The University of East London is one of the few London universities to provide on-campus accommodation. Our Docklands Campus Student Village houses close to 1,200 students from around the world. We are well connected to central London and Canary Wharf, with London City Airport just across the water. We also run a free bus service that connects Docklands with Stratford campuses.

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering.

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

Official student data from Discover Uni

The banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

75%say staff value students views and opinions about the course

Data for courses in Cinematics and photography over two years at The University of East London

88%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Cinematics and photography over two years at The University of East London

80%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Data for courses in Cinematics and photography at The University of East London

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

link opens in new tab

Statistics for BA (Hons) Commercial Photography Degree, full time

75%say staff value students views and opinions about the course

Data for courses in Cinematics and photography over two years at The University of East London

88%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for courses in Cinematics and photography over two years at The University of East London

80%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Data for courses in Cinematics and photography at The University of East London

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

See course data

link opens in new tab

Statistics for BA (Hons) Commercial Photography Degree, full time

What our students and staff say

"UEL is a space to freely experiment and explore, where learning is never confined to the classroom."

Adam Wiseman

Senior lecturer and course leader for BA (Hons) Commercial Photography

Studying at UEL has been the best decision I ever made. I was unsure if I would fit in as a mature student, but my age provided me with experience that was an advantage. I worked well with my fellow students and my lecturers. I have learned so much about photography, but also about subjects relating to photography like putting together books and curating exhibitions, which has and continues to benefit my career. Studying here has improved my knowledge and technical skills as well as my confidence, giving me contacts in the industry and a bunch of new, creative friends."

Karin Bultje

BA (Hons) Photography graduate

Related courses

This course is part of the Visual Arts subject area.

• BA (Hons) Photography
• BA (Hons) Filmmaking

University of East London

---

Overview:

University of East London (UEL) is a public university located in London, United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. UEL is known for its commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with a focus on practical skills and real-world experience.

---

Services Offered:

Study:

UEL offers a comprehensive range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeships, and clearing options. They also provide advice for mature learners and offer a variety of subjects and schools.

Visit UEL:

The university hosts undergraduate open days and provides information about its location.

Student Information:

UEL offers resources for current and new students, including information on student life, accommodation, term dates, fees and funding, and scholarships.

International:

UEL provides support for international students, including advice for their region, pre-degree courses, visa and immigration advice, and pre-sessional English programs.

Your Career:

UEL offers career services, including career coaching and mentoring, opportunities to meet employers, and resources for volunteering and work while studying.

Partners:

UEL collaborates with various partners, including businesses and organizations, to provide opportunities for students and staff.

Our Research:

UEL conducts research across various disciplines and offers postgraduate research programs.

About:

UEL provides information about its schools and subjects, governance, professional services, vision, alumni, and sustainability initiatives.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The context provides information about student life at UEL, highlighting the vibrant campus environment and the support available to students. It mentions the university's commitment to providing a positive and inclusive learning experience.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong focus on practical skills and real-world experience:

UEL emphasizes practical learning and provides opportunities for students to gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and other initiatives.

Supportive and inclusive learning environment:

UEL is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Vibrant campus life:

UEL offers a range of student activities, clubs, and societies, providing opportunities for students to connect with others and develop their interests.

Excellent career support:

UEL provides comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers.

---

Academic Programs:

The context mentions that UEL offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It also highlights the university's commitment to research and its involvement in the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

---

Other:

The context mentions that UEL is celebrating a Year of Science in 2024. It also highlights the university's strong performance in the National Student Survey (NSS), ranking 3rd nationally for overall student positivity and top 10 in Teaching, Learning Opportunities, Assessments and Feedback.