Program Overview

Photography BA (Hons)

Overview

The University of Chester’s Photography degree fosters a distinct approach to the craft of photography, encouraging independent practice and a critically reflective mindset.

Study Options

• Full-Time (BA) at Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester
• Full-Time with Foundation Year (BA) at Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester

Level

• Undergraduate

UCAS Code

• 72W9

UCAS Points

• 112

Start Date

• Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration

• 3 years

Location

• Creative Campus, Kingsway, Chester

UK Fees

• £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

International Fees

• £14,450 per year for a full-time course* (2025/26)

Course Leader

• Dr Cian Quayle

Why You'll Love It

• Visiting and Guest Lecturers from Industry
• Showcase your Work in a Professional Environment
• Independent Practice, Postgraduate Study, Jobs in Lens-based/New Media

What You'll Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Modules

• Materials, Methods and Possibilities - Introduction to Fine Art and Photography (100 Credits) Core
• Materials, Methods and Possibilities - Exhibition (20 Credits) Option
• Language Module Options
• Fine Art + Photography: Developing Independent Practice (40 Credits) Core
• Photography: Industry & Practice (40 Credits) Core
• Creative Futures: ADI (40 Credits) Option
• Creativity in the Modern Workplace (40 Credits) Option
• Professional work placement/Language module/Term abroad
• Fine Art + Photography: Contexts and Strategies (40 Credits) Core
• Fine Art and Photography: Audience & Networks (40 Credits) Core
• Photography: Negotiating the Major Project (20 Credits) Core
• Photography: Presenting the Major Project (20 Credits) Core

How You'll Learn

• You will be assessed in a variety of ways
• This course is designed around in-person study
• Curriculum developed to match workforce priorities
• There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

• Home Students
  • UCAS points: 112 points
  • GCE A Level: Typical offer – BCC-BBC
  • BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 Scottish Highers: BBBB
  • Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
  • T Level: Merit
  • OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
  • Extra Information: Shortlisted applicants will be required to produce a portfolio and attend an interview. Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.
• International Students
  • UCAS points: 72 UCAS points
  • GCE A level: 72 points overall, including grade D in one of the following subjects: Art & Design, Fine Art or Textiles.
  • BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma (Art and Design): MMP
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 points including 4 in HL Visual Arts
  • Irish / Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 including Art Scottish Highers: CCDD including Art and Design
  • Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design) – Pass overall
  • T Level: T Level (Craft and Design): Pass (D or E on the core)
  • Extra Information: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course* (2025/26)
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Cian Quayle: Associate Professor
• Dr Tracy Piper-wright: Deputy Head
• Lynne Connolly: Senior Lecturer
• Dr Tim Daly: Senior Lecturer
• Stephen Clarke: Lecturer in Fine Art, Graphic Design and Photography

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: During the course, students have the opportunity to meet with practitioners, curators and writers, who provide invaluable advice and insights. These experiences help you to move into a diverse range of photography careers, including art practice, documentary and fashion, as well as specialist areas such as medical illustration and cinematography.
• Careers service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.