Photographic Practice BSc (Hons) Degree (Level 6) — Full-time
Course outline
The new Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours degree in Photographic Practice is designed to enable you to build the skills to work effectively as a professional as a freelancer or in the creative industries.
You'll develop a detailed understanding of the technical aspects of photography work including units on studio practice, sports photography, photo journalism and product photography. You will develop your understanding of the use of software such as Photoshop throughout. You will also learn how to manage a business effectively – through units that look at managing finances and working with customers.
Crucially, you will be given the skills and understanding to use digital marketing in creating your own online presence and also explore how this is used by a wide range of employers and organisations. As a result you will be able to use your photographic talents in this rapidly-developing area.
The programme will be delivered at our ultra-modern City Hub campus in Nottingham City Centre, providing access to professional industry-standard equipment, studio spaces and software such as Adobe Creative Suite. You'll also have numerous opportunities to engage and collaborate with other students aiming to get into the creative industries and work in response to live industry briefs.
Currently subject to validation with a first intake planned for September 2023.
What you will cover:
Year 1 (Level 4) is designed to provide clear foundations on which to build skills in both practical photography and the concepts behind it. You will undertake practical units in camera, editing and studio technology whilst studying ideas and concepts in analysing visual imagery, interpreting narratives and understanding audiences. Your final project will be an opportunity to produce a project of your own design to demonstrate the skills you have developed and or photographic subjects/techniques you are especially interested in.
- Indicative Year 1 modules - (120 credits):
- Analysing Visual Imagery
- Interpreting Narratives
- Understanding Audiences
- Creative Production Project
- Technical Production Skills (covers Camera, Editing and Studio Technology
Year 2 (Level 5) gives the chance to continue to build and develop skills as you explore units on production management, how to effectively exhibit your work as well as the knowledge needed to build a freelance business. The exhibition unit allows you to show your work at the end of the year. You will also start to focus on exploring your specialist areas of photography by choosing two optional units:
- Indicative Year 2 modules - (120 credits):
- Exhibiting Photography
- Pre-production management
- Working Freelance
- Plus two of the following options:
- Sport/Events Photography Production
- Documentary/Journalism Photography Production or
- Studio/Product Photography Production
Year 3 (Level 6) gets you ready to launch your photography career with units designed to give you the ability to pitch for work, build a portfolio and use digital marketing techniques to build your own brand. You will choose one of two final optional modules:
- Indicative Year 3 modules - (120 credits):
- Digital Marketing
- Professional pitching
- Creating a portfolio for employment
- Plus one of the following options:
- Photography Production and Exhibition or
- Creating a Photography Business
You can view the fantastic creative works of our students on our Creative Showcase website below.
View showcaseHow to apply for this course
Entry onto this course is via UCAS.
- Institution code: N30
- UCAS code: PHT3

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Location:
111 Canal Street
Nottingham NG1 7HB |
Date:Start: Thursday 5th October 2023 |
Fees / reductions:The tuition fee is per year. Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses. Tuition fee: £8,250 |
Course code: C042174 / Q042175 |
Qualification | Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Photographic Practice |
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Duration | 3 years |
Level | Level 6 |
Entry requirements | We expect applicants to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes in English Language and maths at Grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C). Applicants must also have a minimum of 48 UCAS points from study at Level 3:
Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff. Mature applicants not meeting the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply. |
Teaching & assessment | A mixture of traditional and innovative assessment methods will be used, including individual and group presentations, discussions, report writing, case studies, presentations, research and project work, examinations, reflective journals and work-based projects. |
Progression | Graduates will be well-equipped to progress to postgraduate study or seek work in a variety of creative roles. Many photographers work in advertising, media, fashion, sports, weddings, and more! Possible careers include: photographer, sports photographer, fashion photographer, press photographer, picture editor, exhibition curator, visual merchandiser, videographer, retoucher, digital marketeer, photo-journalist, blogger or teacher. |
Additional information | This programme is subject to validation |