Photography (Documentary Photojournalism) BA (Hons)

Overview

Feel the excitement of professional photography on our Documentary Photojournalism degree. You won’t just be sitting in lectures – all the modules have been designed to get you out taking photographs as often as possible. You’ll learn the key skills required to be a working photographer, get regularly published worldwide and how to make a living and a career from photography.

Study Style

This hands-on, professional degree emphasises practical learning, pushing you beyond the classroom with frequent, relevant hands-on practical photographic assignments to enhance your skills.

Course Options

• Full Time (3 years)
• Full Time (4 years) with foundation year
• Part Time no fixed duration

Entry Requirements

• Typical Offers: 96 – 120 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.
• Foundation or Extended Diploma: We welcome applicants with a pass in a relevant Foundation or Extended Diploma (Level 3 or 4).
• Additional requirements: English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
• Don't meet the entry requirements? This course is available with an additional integrated foundation year. This four year option has lower entry requirements – see below – than the other study type/s available.
• Mature students: We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.
• International students: Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.

Course Modules

• Level 4 (Undergraduate year 1)
  • Creating and Telling Stories (AD4810)
  • Skills for Still and Moving Image (AD4811)
  • The Zine (AD4812)
  • Creating Your Visual Language (AD4813)
• Level 5 (Undergraduate year 2)
  • Communications For The Creative Industries (with Placement) (AD5711)
  • People, Places and Society (AD5810)
  • Sport and Action Photography (AD5812)
  • Documentary Film making (AD5813)
  • The Gallery Setting (AD5814)
• Level 6 (Undergraduate final year)
  • Major Project Research and Development (AD6711)
  • The Creative Professional (AD6712)
  • Documentary Practice (AD6810)
  • Documentary Photojournalism Major Project (AD6811)

Fees and Costs

• Start date | Location | UCAS code | Fee (UK) Fee per year | Fee (international) Fee per year
  • Sep 2025 | Park, Cheltenham | W650 | £9,535 | £17,425
  • Sep 2026 | Park, Cheltenham | W650 | TBC | TBC

Careers

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement, with recent destinations including Magnum Photos New York, The Michael Hoppen Gallery, The Daily Mail, South West News Service, Getty Images, Reuters Images, The ITN Archive and The Michael Hoppen Gallery.

Graduates from our course move into a range of roles, both employed and freelance including for Getty Images, The Press Association, Mercury Press, the Tate, The Walt Disney Company, Saatchi and Saatchi, and Sony.

Teaching Staff

• Academic course leader: Paul Roberts

Student Work

• Take a look at our students' photography.

Placements

You’ll have the opportunity within the second year and third year to carry out work placements not only in Documentary Photojournalism, but in other areas of the creative industries, in the UK or abroad.

We’ll help you find great placement(s) through our excellent contacts and growing reputation in the industry.

Previous placements include Magnum New York, GOST Books, The Guardian, Getty Images, Reuters Images, The ITN Archive and The Michael Hoppen Gallery.

---

Overview:

University of Gloucestershire is a public university located in Gloucestershire, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as degree apprenticeships and short courses. The university has a strong focus on graduate employability, with 95% of its students in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.

---

Services Offered:

The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed first-year accommodation on or near campus.

Student Support:

A range of support services, including academic, financial, and personal support.

Student Futures:

Career guidance and support services to help students find employment or further study.

Students' Union:

A vibrant student community with over 80 societies and sports clubs.

Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities.

International Support:

Support services for international students, including visa and immigration advice.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

University of Gloucestershire offers a vibrant and supportive student community. Students can expect to:

Join a vibrant student community:

With over 80 societies and sports clubs, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and pursue interests.

Live in modern accommodation:

The university offers a range of accommodation options, including halls of residence and university-approved private housing.

Experience a diverse campus environment:

The university has campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering a range of cultural and social experiences.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

High graduate employability:

95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.

Guaranteed first-year accommodation:

The university guarantees a place in halls on or near campus for all first-year students.

Vibrant student community:

With over 80 societies and sports clubs, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and pursue interests.

Award-winning university:

The university has been recognized for its teaching excellence and student satisfaction.

---

Academic Programs:

University of Gloucestershire offers a wide range of academic programs across various subject areas, including:

• Accounting & finance
• Architecture, construction & environment
• Art
• Biosciences
• Business
• Criminology & policing
• Computing & cyber security
• Design
• Education & learning
• Engineering
• English & creative writing
• Film, media & television
• Game technologies
• Geography
• Health & social care
• History, religion & philosophy
• Hospitality, tourism & events
• Journalism & communications
• Law
• Marketing
• Music & sound
• Performing arts & production
• Photography
• Psychological sciences
• Sociological sciences
• Sport & exercise

---

Other:

The university has two main campuses:

Cheltenham Campus:

Located in the heart of Cheltenham, a vibrant town known for its festivals and cultural attractions.

Gloucester Campus:

Located in Gloucester, a historic city with a thriving arts and culture scene.

The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. It has been recognized for its efforts in these areas, including being awarded first place in the People and Planet University League 2023-24.