BA (Hons) 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

January, September

Course content

Prepare for Success in the Dynamic World of Photography

Our BA (Hons) Photography program is meticulously crafted to cultivate a dynamic blend of creative and critical practice, positioning you for success in the ever-evolving field of photography. With a keen focus on contemporary art practices, we delve into various forms of photographic image-making, empowering you to unleash your creative potential and excel in the dynamic landscape of photography.

Why choose this course at Arts University Plymouth?

• Participate in our week-long Photography Festival.
• Speak to industry experts and present your portfolio at our Photography Symposium.
• We offer annual opportunities for you to refine and position your practice through presentations to industry experts.
• Experiment with a broad range of traditional, digital and emerging technologies.
• Explore a diverse range of photographic practices, from landscape and portrait photography to documentary and found photography.

From being an un-confident student, my time at Arts University Plymouth has moulded me into a bold and powerful artist and human! Presenting in front of the class for three years improved my fear of public speaking. The tutors were always supportive and encouraged me to experiment and to think outside of the box.

ROSE MARY

Unlock Your Potential in Photography

As a student, you will develop technical and critical skills throughout the three years of the course, to become an accomplished, independent photographer and critically informed image-maker. Approaching photography with a spirit of enquiry and experimentation, while developing your technical and communication skills, will open up a range of creative and professional possibilities for you as a photographic practitioner.

Develop and Master Your Photographic Practice

Within the creative environment of our photographic centre at Arts University Plymouth you will learn from teaching staff who have a range of internationally recognised experience in art, documentary, curatorial, and participatory-based forms of practice. As a teaching team, they will help you build your own distinctive and innovative creative practice.

They will assist you in developing your networks and help you to find your place within the world of contemporary photography. Over the three years of studying with us, you will be publishing, exhibiting, and presenting your work and your ideas.

Cultivate Your Unique Creative Voice

In addition, you will examine photography as and in relation to other contemporary art forms, considering its significance within culture, society, and the wider world. You'll be encouraged to find your own independent voice, experimenting and creating work that expresses your creativity, ideas, and skills. Moreover, you'll explore a variety of photographic methods, working with people and places in urban locations, natural environments, and studios. We view photography as both document and object, exploring self-expression and experimental processes, all of which may shape your future as a creative photographer. We're committed to supporting you in discovering different ways of working and finding a photographic language that resonates with you.

Access Cutting-Edge Facilities and Industry Exposure

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.

Regional, national and international study trips are offered to introduce you to a global photographic community and perspective. Recent activities have included trips to Paris Photo, Tate Modern in London, Lacock Abbey and the Royal Photographic Society in Bristol. Our graduating students show their work annually at prestigious venues including Free Range in London, and have been consistently recognised for their innovative and ground-breaking work with numerous awards, prizes, exhibition opportunities and magazine features.

Industry partners & connections

Nudge Community Builders, The Plot, Getty Images, China Fleet Club, Royal William Yard.

Fees and funding