Key information
UCAS code:
W640
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Pursue your photographic interests on this BA (Hons) Photography degree, ensuring you are well-prepared for the dynamic landscape of the creative and cultural industries.
You'll explore photographic practice through research, critical analysis and reflective experimentation to develop your knowledge and portfolio during your studies.
Experiment in our cutting edges photography studios, digital suite, loan store and darkroom. Engage with advanced technologies like computer-generated imagery (CGI) and virtual reality (VR) in our state-of-the-art facilities.
You'll have the chance to gain professional experience through optional work placements, to showcase your work at exhibitions, and to attend guest lectures and networking events with renowned photographers to gain industry insights and prepare for future opportunities.
You'll also collaborate with students studying related subjects to expand your creative horizons and foster shared learning.
After you graduate, you’ll have many career options at your fingertips. Want to work for a business or by yourself on client projects? Planning to pursue a postgraduate degree? Join the 94% of our graduates who have taken these paths (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22).
Course highlights
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Create exceptional work in our newly renovated photographic facilities, featuring £1.6 million in state-of-the-art studios, a modern digital suite and advanced darkrooms
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Post-produce and print at a professional level in our colour calibrated production suite
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Enjoy access to our loan store and experiment with professional-grade gear to enhance your learning experience, such as digital and analogue cameras, lighting equipment, Capture One and Adobe Suite Software
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Benefit from a Connected Degree that prepares you for the industry, with opportunities for placements after your studies, helping you establish valuable professional networks
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Promote your portfolio to potential employers by participating in self-produced exhibitions, industry portfolio reviews, and the annual Graduate Show
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Enhance your understanding of photography by visiting galleries and attending festivals in major cities, exploring both historic and contemporary works that enrich your creative perspective
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Forge valuable connections by attending guest lectures and networking events with renowned photographers and industry leaders, creating opportunities for your future
3rd
for film production and photography in the UK
(Guardian University Guide, 2024)
94%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Read Aurora's storyI wanted to study at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú because of its beautiful location and vibrant art community. The decision was made when I met the lecturers at my interview; I could see how excited they were about the course, and I instantly knew it was right for me.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Photography
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs -
Selection process
All applicants will be asked to provide a digital portfolio of work.
For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our Photography creative portfolio guide.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
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We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Facilities
Careers and opportunities
When you finish the course, you'll have a range of options within the creative industries to start your career. You can also continue your studies to postgraduate level.
Graduate roles
Previous students have gone on to work as:
- studio photographers
- video directors
- picture editors
- retouchers
- photojournalists
- curators
- artists
- fashion photographers
- teachers/lecturers
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year (optional)
After your second or third year, you can complete a work placement to gain professional industry experience and enhance your skills. Placements are an excellent way to increase your employability after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation, or go independent by setting up and running your own business as a group or alone.
Whatever you choose, you can get full support from our Creative Careers team.
Creative Careers
Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.
They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:
- Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
- Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
- Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
- Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route
The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.
Placement roles
Our students have done placements in a variety of roles, such as:
- Photographer
- Picture Editor
- Junior Stylist
- Studio Assistant
- Archival Assistant
Placement destinations
Our students have either run their own businesses or worked with prominent companies, including:
- Camera Work London
- Miraculous Entertainment
- Dimples & Daisies Photography
- Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust
- Hermione De Paola
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
You'll master professional gear while learning everything from basic camera use to studio tricks and digital processes. Enhance your problem-solving skills and your creative response to project briefs. Team up with others to strengthen your industry skills. We’ll also show you how to manage your time and resources well.
You’ll finish with the technical know-how and flexibility for success in actual photography assignments.
You’ll dive into different photographic styles, techniques, and themes with practical activities. Build essential academic skills, including attending tutorials, giving presentations, and reflecting critically on your work.
We’ll teach you research methods to enhance your photography. Learn how to use your time and resources effectively to achieve your objectives. Practice and polish your practical photography and presentation skills. Get constructive feedback to improve your work. Begin to find and develop your unique style and voice in photography through experimentation.
This module will give you the crucial knowledge and abilities you need to further your studies and grow as a photographer.
You’ll explore how to read photographs and their place in the world through lectures, discussions, and projects. Think about how images relate to society, history, and politics. Seasoned lecturers will help you improve your academic writing and research skills, all focused on photography and other lens-based work. Looking at diverse photos, art, and design will open your eyes to the impact an image can have.
By the end, you’ll be armed with the know-how, words, and techniques to thoughtfully look at and create photos that echo our culture, gearing you up for more advanced studies. This module will deepen your appreciation of the art of photography.
You’ll gain essential professional skills that are vital for industry success. Explore various career options in photography and understand the skills you need for each. Build your experience, portfolio, and connections. Learn to manage your time and resources well. You’ll also focus on important aspects like health and safety, ethics, and getting permissions. Use feedback to improve your techniques.
Get set with the knowledge and practical experience to shine on real photographic projects.
Core modules
You’ll use what you already know and learn advanced methods in photography and CGI software. By tackling practice tasks that mimic real-life situations, you’ll get better at coming up with ideas, working effectively, and using your technical skills.
You’ll discover new ways to approach both commercial and artistic projects.
This module encourages you to try out different software, take bold steps in your visual work, and come up with clever solutions to tricky problems.
By mastering professional digital tools, you’ll feel more confident in bringing fresh ideas to photography and CGI.
You’ll use what you already know to create work that looks at social, personal, and ethical aspects. By exploring current conversations in photography, you’ll improve your professional production and presentation methods. The best part is creating projects after doing thorough research and experimenting.
This module is key to achieving your photographic goals with more purpose and depth. It will make you more adaptable as a photographer and clearer as a visual storyteller, helping you advance your practice at a graduate level.
You’ll begin with a specific brief, planning and carrying out work that enhances your abilities. Working on your own, you’ll use organised approaches and let research shape your technical and artistic ideas.
This project improves your skills in managing time and resources, as well as using modern techniques. You’ll explore and play with different processes, materials, and methods.
Feedback from tutorials will help you sharpen your ideas through thoughtful analysis. You’ll also learn to present your work professionally.
In the end, you’ll have gained practical experience and research abilities to help you with future photographic projects.
By working on simulated briefs, you’ll enhance your ability to be creative even under pressure and limitations. You’ll also learn important project management and business skills for on-location work, like conducting risk assessments and getting permissions.
Apply what you’ve learned in either a simulated or real freelance job. The work you produce can be added to your professional portfolio.
Learn how to effectively manage your time and resources, work independently, and choose the best solutions, all while following safety protocols.
This module will help you become proficient in processes, materials, and presenting your work to a professional level.
Optional modules
Examine historical representation across disciplines to see how images offer bold perspectives throughout history, as you sharpen your analytical skills by comparing different visual histories and academic arguments. You'll discuss critical issues in using visual culture as a form of historical storytelling. When you finish this module you'll be ready to choose a topic for your final year project.
You'll explore design, fashion, illustration, photography, film, television and online materials associated with feminist art canons, representation of disability and the treatment of victims of true crime on screen. You'll also consider research methods and to prepare for your final year project.
Analysing depictions and theories of the body, you will articulate critical perspectives rooted in textual analysis. With scholarly writing as key outcome, your engagement with academic sources and tutorial support will inform identification of coherent research strands. The module provides conceptual building blocks to anchor studies at the intersection of culture, identity and creative practice.
You’ll experience a new culture by exploring art, design, or performance at an international partner university. This adventure adds a global angle to your learning and helps you develop skills for jobs all over the world.
You’ll work by yourself, think deeply about what you’re learning, and see how it connects to your degree. When you return, you’ll have broadened your creative outlook and job opportunities.
Choosing this module lets you explore diverse approaches and build international connections.
Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you.
You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others.
This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.
You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace.
By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.
In a team setting, you’ll engage in debates, workshops, and seminars focused on a theme that interests you. This collaborative effort will lead to an experimental output, such as a pop-up exhibit, a publication, or a pecha kucha presentation.
You’ll hone your skills in research methods, event planning, teamwork, and engaging with the public.
Efficiently managing your time and resources, you’ll sift through information to design an output that considers ethics and safety. You’ll present your work clearly and receive constructive feedback.
In the end, you’ll have hands-on experience in preparing research for public sharing.
As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies.
Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, which will benefit your career.
Core modules
You’ll handle everything yourself, from coming up with the idea to presenting it professionally. Through detailed research and experimenting, you’ll create an impressive collection of photos. By looking at different methods and results, you’ll be able to explain your ideas and take on board what others say.
This module helps you learn how to use various techniques for creating powerful public displays. Be prepared for a career in photography by improving your skills in managing your time, working with others, and connecting with the industry.
Show what you know by discussing key concepts and assessing different viewpoints. We’ll guide you in using research in new ways, expressing the ideas behind your work through scholarly writing and exhibition projects. You’ll look closely at ethics, shaping your distinctive style through experimentation and feedback. Finish the module prepared to place your work in modern discussions with assurance.
You’ll use this module to hone your unique photographic style and focus, supported by critical thinking and academic prowess.
This module includes lectures, workshops and real business trips to help you discover various job opportunities that align with your skills and interests. We will assist you in identifying your strengths and creating an online portfolio to showcase your work.
The crux of this program is to help you develop a five-year plan for your career, based on what you learn about jobs that excite you. We will teach you about networking, how to apply for jobs, excel in interviews, and present yourself professionally.
Upon completion of this module, you will have gained more knowledge, a sense of confidence, and valuable contacts to assist you in kickstarting your creative career after graduation.
Optional modules
With the guidance of your tutors, you get to select a theme for an extensive research project, commonly known as a dissertation. Your project will showcase your in-depth research and analysis, which will be based on both original and secondary sources.
You will meticulously examine your sources, conduct your own research, and learn the best practices for writing a compelling academic paper. This dissertation project will enhance your ability to formulate research questions, consolidate information, make persuasive arguments, and present your ideas clearly.
Once you complete the project, you will have conducted an in-depth and thorough study. It will demonstrate your profound understanding and interest in a particular aspect of visual culture.
Critically analysing cultural artefacts and debates to formulate a response, you'll engage theory, historical contexts and academic conventions. You'll carry out practice-based research through prototyping and visual studies.
This will culminate in a scholarly body of work and a reflective portfolio that will showcase research mastery and creative thinking.
You’ll look at modern settings and come up with creative ideas and professional ways of working. By experimenting, you’ll produce eye-catching photos that meet industry standards.
After this module, you’ll have a wide range of technical skills. Harness the power of the newest digital techniques to create powerful images for professional use.
You’ll explore different writing, including exhibition texts, press releases, blogs, and reviews. You’ll learn how to keep readers interested and explain complex ideas clearly.
You'll practice expressing visual culture, writing for online platforms, and applying your skills in real-life situations like grant applications.
You’ll also learn to describe your own art in a way that non-specialist people can understand, using historical and cultural contexts.
This module will teach you to write effectively in various situations, helping you succeed in many jobs in the creative industries.
Complete relevant tasks demonstrating your specialized skills and independence. Gain global perspective, reflect deeply on personal growth, and build valued transferable abilities for professional life after university. Return home with experiences that inspire your practice and understanding of art’s global connectivity.
During this module, you'll spend 6 months working on your own business venture, then 3 months gaining industry experience. This opportunity allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting while exploring different career options. You'll also have the chance to develop professional relationships and expand your network.
Assess your personal strengths and weaknesses to set goals for the future. Throughout the module, you'll demonstrate increasing independence while still valuing the support of others. Gain a broader understanding of the world through real-world experiences and insights. Additionally, you'll earn valuable credits for your CV and enhance your skill set.
By the end of this module, you'll graduate with the practical experience that employers are seeking.
This experience lets you learn firsthand how to set up and run a small business. You’ll absorb professional practices and business situations that matter to your entrepreneurial goals. Make important connections while working independently within set rules. Think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, criteria for success, and future plans.
This opportunity is useful for your career. It lets you use what you’ve learnt in your degree in the real world and helps you understand your capabilities.
After finishing this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get more credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable step in developing an entrepreneurial way of thinking.
You’ll spend 24–48 weeks at a chosen company, learning from professionals and helping out with actual projects. Gain confidence, knowledge, and skills by taking on more responsibility with gradually less help. As you progress, you’ll make professional connections and think about how you’re doing. Take in what you learn about how industries and businesses work.
This placement is an ideal chance to grow in your career. By using what you’ve learnt in a workplace, you’ll understand more about your own strengths, what you need to work on, and your plans after you graduate.
After this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get extra credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable part of your education.
Evaluating international contexts, you'll critically relate on-site activities to your disciplinary knowledge, gaining global creative insights. Working independently abroad, you'll complete relevant assignments, honing skills transferable to your future creative career.
Upon returning, thoughtful reflection will reveal your personal growth as you process new worldviews and cross-cultural competencies. This invaluable opportunity provides a chance to expand your creative knowledge while developing adaptability as a global citizen.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- photography assignments projects
- industry and innovative projects
- professional practice, work and freelance experience projects
- research and development reports and journals
- essays and presentations
- portfolios and artist books
- screen-based and moving image work
- exhibition projects
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- workshops
- lectures
- project
- seminars
- individual tutorials
Teaching on this course has a practical focus.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops, tutorials, fieldwork, project supervision, external visits and supervised time in studio or workshop for about 11 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Our online will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You may have to cover the cost of professional finishing of prints and portfolios in your final year. The estimated cost is £250–£1,200.
You will incur extra printing costs on portfolio work of around £100–£600.
Material and production costs vary from around £300–£800 per year.
All study trips are optional and you'll need to cover the full cost of these.
Optional study trips abroad cost around £200–£800. Optional UK trips cost £50–£150.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – W640
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our .
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.