BA (Hons) Commercial Photography

Entry requirements

Although many of our students do come in with top grades and high UCAS points, these aren’t necessarily essential for entry. We typically ask for between 104 - 120 UCAS points, earned through an Art & Design Foundation Diploma, A-levels, BTEC Extended Diploma MMM grade, Access to HE Art & Design, T-Levels, Irish/Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, the International Baccalaureate, or other international qualifications.

Applicants also need to submit a portfolio.

We understand that talented artists, designers and makers can have a wide range of relevant strengths and skills beyond formal qualifications. We’re just as interested in exploring your portfolio and discussing your creative experiences as we are in seeing your grades, and we welcome applications from students who have followed less traditional routes.

We also accept a range of international qualifications and will look at each application individually.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Prepare for Success in today’s dynamic and competitive photography industry

Our BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course will equip you to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive photographic industry, providing you with the knowledge and skills to flourish. You’ll combine visual awareness and innovation with technical excellence, professional understanding, and business competencies.

Why choose this course at Arts University Plymouth?

• Attend photography festivals, symposiums, and industry events.
• Learn skills such as visual awareness, creativity, innovation, business acumen, and enterprise in a commercial photography course.
• Work to live briefs and get involved with placements within a wide range of businesses.
• Thrive in a commercial-focused environment with business and professional practice sessions, preparing you for a degree in photography and how to become a commercial photographer.
• Gain the expertise needed for a Commercial Photography Degree.
• Explore various commercial photography courses and the benefits of studying photography at university.

Arts University Plymouth is a unique environment – unlike standard universities, every person studying here is involved in creativity, everyone is making something. The equipment here is the same as what I use in the industry now, and the chance to get to grips with it before you head out into the working world is a massive bonus. The quality and quantity of facilities was much better than most of the other places I visited, and that’s proof of the Arts University Plymouth’s progressive mindset; it’s a place that’s looking to thrive, not just survive.

PHOTOGRAPHER ANDY FORD

Unlock Your Potential with Advanced Technical Skills

Our BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course will equip you with advanced technical skills in studio and location lighting, digital capture, and post-production techniques. This is an integrated programme of study with industry-oriented assignments, hands-on workshops, and expert tuition using sophisticated camera and lighting equipment. You will also develop your industry knowledge and professional skills to enable you to find work in high-end commercial photographic practice.

Cultivate Your Unique Creative Voice

Working both individually and in interdisciplinary groups and with real-world mentors, you’ll gain vocational experience to flourish both academically and professionally. You will acquire a broad range of entrepreneurial abilities in marketing, self-promotion, and business development, enabling you to develop a financially sustainable practice, fundamental to your success in the industry.

Access Cutting-Edge Facilities and Industry Partnerships

Our photographic resources boast industry-standard studios, featuring an infinity cove for creating seamless backdrops and a series of well-equipped studios ideal for portrait and product photography. Access to lighting and high-end digital camera equipment, large-format scanners, and post-production suites is readily available. Additionally, our Equipment Resource Centre offers a vast array of 6000 pieces of kit that are free to hire.

Gain Real-World Experience and Industry Exposure

With support from our teaching and technical team, as well as practitioners from industry, you’ll develop your confidence in responding to client briefs while demonstrating creative problem-solving and conceptualisation skills. Then, in your second year, you’ll work with real industry clients to build a professional portfolio. Recent course contributors include Getty Images, The Met Office, Mercedes-Benz, and Pro-Direct Sport. You’ll also benefit from our affiliation with the prestigious Association of Photographers (AOP).

Our students actively participate in esteemed events such as the annual Visual Culture Symposium in London. Notable speakers, including picture editors from The Telegraph and The Guardian, alongside acclaimed international photographers, offer invaluable insights and networking opportunities.

Industry partners & connections

China Fleet Club, Royal William Yard, B Kinda, Hubbox, BB Excell Designs, Donna’s Dungarees, The Box, WonderZoo, Charlotte Eatock Jewellery, Getty Images, Morph Retouch, Alex Bailey Photography, Catling Creative, Amy Currell Photography, Female Collective, The Range Plymouth, Pro:Direct Sport.

Fees and funding