Photography BA (Hons)

This course will give you the confidence and skills you need to reach your potential as a photographer. You will focus on your practical photography skills and develop an understanding of photography theory to support your practical work. While studying with us you will:

• Learn techniques for processing images both digitally and in a dark room
• Create images in studios with controlled lighting
• Work on location with available light
• Work with a range of camera formats, lenses and technologies
• Study the theories and histories of photography
• Consider the impact your photography has on society, culture and the creative industries

You will apply this learning to different genres of photography. This might include documentary, art, editorial and studio photography.

Our facilities are available for you to use outside of taught classes. Our photography studio, Mac suite and dark room provide everything you need to create inspiring photographs. You can borrow equipment to try out different brands and lenses.

When you choose to study with us, you get more than the skills you need to succeed. You gain experiences that make you stand out. We give you opportunities to:

• Learn from visiting photographers
• Take part in work placement opportunities and projects with local businesses
• Showcase your work at our annual degree show and national graduate exhibitions
• Visit cities around the world to enrich your cultural awareness

View student work

Year 1

In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study: 

• 3 compulsory modules in semester 1 
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 2

If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 2

In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:

• 1 compulsory module across semesters 1 and 2
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 1 
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 2

If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 3

In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:

• 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 2

If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

We deliver your modules through:

• Tutorials
• Practical workshops
• Group critiques
• Seminars
• Lectures
• Studio demonstrations

Each module has 3-6 hours of contact time a week. We schedule our taught sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.

You will need to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include creative exploration, reading, writing tasks and research. You can also arrange individual tutorials with your module tutors throughout the semester to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

There are no exams on this course. Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:

• Portfolios of work
• Sketchbooks and developmental work
• Exhibitions
• Research reports
• Essays
• Personal critiques and reflections
• Presentations

On each module you will receive ongoing feedback on your work from staff and fellow students. This will help you reflect and refine your work before your final submission or exhibition at the end of the module. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve your work.

Your future with a degree in Photography

On this course you will gain the specialist creative and practical skills you need to pursue a career in photography. You will also build skills in project management, independent working and practical problem solving that can lead to a range of other creative roles.

This degree could be the first step toward your career as an:

• Advertising photographer
• Digital image editor
• Editorial photographer
• Events photographer
• Gallery curator
• Picture editor
• Small business owner

Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.

You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.

Postgraduate degrees at York St John University

Photography MFA

MA by Research

PGCE at York St John University

Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.

Discover more about PGCE

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.

Qualifications

Calculate your UCAS Tariff points

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Portfolio Day

If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work to our tutors and discuss your work and the ideas behind it. You should prepare your portfolio with a range of work that may include finished projects, sketch books, digital work, paintings, photographs, drawings, 3D work, storyboards, short films or animations.

Mature Learners Entry Scheme

If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.

Mature entry offer scheme

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:

• £9,250 per year for full time study
• £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time

These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students

You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:

Funding Opportunities

Placement year funding

If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.

Tuition fees

International 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your degree:

International fees and funding

Accommodation and living costs

For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.

Financial help and support

Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses. 

For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.