Photography

Single Honours 

• Photography 

• Contemporary Photography 

• Digital Photography 

Joint Honours 

• Photography and Film Studies 

• Fine Art with Digital Photography 

• Photography and Creative Writing 

• Photography and Graphic Design 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options 

• Foundation years Foundation years in photography are a good way to build a solid foundation in the technical skills and principles of photography so you’ll already have mastered the basics when you begin your undergraduate course. You can begin to develop a portfolio at the same time. 

• Sandwich degrees Sandwich degrees in photography are generally taken between Years 2 and 3, and often include opportunities for placements with professional photographers or media organisations, allowing you to gain experience and build industry connections. 

• Integrated Master’s An integrated Master’s program in photography offers the opportunity to extend your undergraduate course by one year and upgrade your degree to a postgraduate qualification. Benefits include saving significant costs compared to the traditional Master’s degree route. 

• Degree apprenticeships While less common in photography, degree apprenticeships can offer opportunities for practical training and mentorship in photography studios, media agencies, or creative industries. You’ll earn a wage, and your employer will cover your tuitions fees. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

Universities are likely to want you to have studied an A-level (or equivalent) in art, media, or a design-related subject. However, they’re more likely to ask to see a portfolio of creative work demonstrating artistic ability, technical skills, and a passion for photography. 

There are many ways to approach photography, from variation in medium and format, to the way that photos are published or used to tell stories. Some of these specialisations can form the basis for an entire career, and include regions within the field such as: 

• Fashion photography From high-end fashion editorials to street photography and commercial campaigns, fashion photographers work closely with models and stylists, using lighting, poses, and a variety of shooting locations to create images that define trends and inspire creativity. 

• Macro photography Macro photography focuses on capturing extreme close-up images of small subjects, revealing intricate details often unnoticed by the naked eye. From flowers and insects to food advertising and everyday objects, macro photographers use specialised lenses and techniques to explore the hidden beauty of the miniature world. 

• Landscape photography Landscape photography celebrates the beauty of natural environments, capturing wide views and vast expanses of scenery, from mountains and lakes to ocean sunsets, desert skies, deep forest worlds and much more. This specialism requires an adventurous spirit and brings great opportunities to travel. 

• Fine art photography Fine art photography is more than simply documenting existing artworks. It involves translating the nuance and meaning of sensitive art media into photographic format, and in some cases, the photograph is as much part of the artwork as the object itself. 

• Documentary photography This medium is essential to news reporting and the discussion of current events. Documentary photography tells stories and captures moments through unscripted images, provides a glimpse into real-life events and social issues, and builds compelling visual narratives. 

• Lighting techniques 

• Image editing and post-production 

• Visual storytelling  

• Composition 

• Portfolio development 

• Ethics and representation 

• Principles of photography 

• Photography and place 

• Professional practice   

You’ll gain a comprehensive appreciation of the history and theory of photography, as well as competencies with a variety of photographic equipment. This can include both film and digital methods, as well as appropriate editing techniques.

You’ll develop your own visual language and personal style and build a creative portfolio that represents the way you see the world, and which will form the foundation of your professional work. 

Additionally, you’ll pick up a range of transferable skill, such as: 

• Visual communication 

• Presentation 

• Responding to briefs 

• Creative thinking 

• Independent work 

While there is no formal accreditation that is necessary to work as a professional photographer in the UK, some photography degrees are accredited by professional organisations like the Association of Photographers (AOP). 

If you're interested in visual arts but are open to considering alternative pathways to photography, you can look into other media options that offer a different creative pathway. These alternatives can include: 

• Art and design 

• Illustration 

• Film studies 

• Journalism 

Graduates pursue careers as professional photographers, photo editors, digital retouchers, art directors, and visual storytellers, able to work across various types of visual media. Skilled in composition, colour, and lighting, they can apply their skills in a range of specific environments, from commercial settings like fashion and advertising, to photojournalism and news media, or fine art and portrait work. 

Another significant benefit of working as a photographer is the relatively straightforward ability to work on a freelance basis. If you like organising your own schedule and having a great deal of autonomy within your weekly work, then this is an obvious advantage. Since images transcend language and culture, it is also a job which allows you to travel freely, and search for stories in new and unexpected places. 

Some career roles suitable for photography graduates include: 

• Photographer 

• Photographic assistant 

• Visual artist  

• Exhibition curator 

• Art director 

• Studio manager 

• Photojournalist 

• Visual merchandiser 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in photography or a related subject.