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Key details

Course area
Media, Digital and Photography
Student type
University Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 6
Start date
Monday 21st September 2026
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Fees
£8,250.00
Course code
Parent course code:C042174 Child course code: Q042175
UCAS course code
PHT3
UCAS institution code
N30
Fast Track Apply
UCAS Apply

Course introduction

The BA (Hons) 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. 

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.

Indicative Year 1 modules:

  • Visual imagery
  • Finding an audience in photography
  • Camera skills
  • Technical production skills

Year 2 (Level 5) gives the chance to continue to build and develop skills in specialist areas of photography and exhibiting your work.

Indicative Year 2 modules:

  • Exhibiting photography
  • Journalism and event photography
  • Studio and product photography
  • Contextual studies

Year 3 (Level 6) gets you ready to launch your photography career with units designed to give you the ability to exhibit, pitch for work, build a portfolio and build your own brand.

Indicative Year 3 modules:

  • Dissertation
  • Advanced photography skills
  • Enterprise and exhibition

Timetable (subject to change)

The current timetable is as follows but this is subject to change:

  • Tuesday 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 and Wednesday 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00
  • Plus self directed study

Please note: Some classes may be delivered online.

Useful links:

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.
 

Course information

3 years

BA (Hons) Degree in Photographic Practice validated by The Open University

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 64 UCAS points from study at Level 3:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T levels

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.

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.

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.

The Open University logo


Nottingham College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)
Meet Harvey Tomlinson, one of our BA(Hons) Photographic Practice students

Careers related to this course

Photographers, Audio-visual and Broadcasting Equipment Operators

Potential Earnings

£52,797.92

Average Earnings

£28,232.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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