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DEGREE GUIDE

Photography

What do Photography degrees involve?

Photography degrees teach you how to capture powerful images, develop technical skills, and tell visual stories through different mediums. You will explore key areas such as digital and film photography, lighting, composition, editing, and visual storytelling. These courses help you refine your artistic style while learning about photojournalism, fashion photography, commercial photography, and fine art photography. You will also develop skills in post-production, industry-standard software, and professional portfolio building. Many degrees offer hands-on projects, exhibitions, and industry collaborations, preparing you for careers in commercial photography, editorial work, and creative industries.

     Example
Modules

  • Introduction to Photography: Get to grips with how cameras work, learning the core techniques of composition, lighting and exposure. Develop your visual eye through creative and technical practice.


  • Digital Imaging and Editing: Build skills in software like Photoshop and Lightroom to refine, manipulate and edit your images with confidence. Explore digital workflows used in professional photography.


  • Studio Photography: Learn how to use controlled lighting in a studio setting. Experiment with portrait and still-life photography while mastering the creative direction of shoots.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are commonly available, especially in creative industries, publishing, galleries, or freelance roles.
🌍 Study abroad is available at many universities.



BA (Hons) Photography
BA (Hons) Commercial Photography
BA (Hons) Documentary Photography and Photojournalism
BA (Hons) Fashion Photography
BA (Hons) Photography and Visual Communication
BA (Hons) Digital Photography
BA (Hons) Photography and Media

Table with camera equipment including different types of lenses, different cameras and headphones

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)


Photography degrees develop your technical skills, creative vision, and visual storytelling ability. Universities want to see evidence of your creative potential and commitment to image-making – your portfolio matters as much as (or more than) specific subjects.


Subjects that strengthen your application:


  • Photography – directly relevant, but not required by all courses

  • Art or Art & Design – builds visual awareness and creative skills

  • Media Studies – develops understanding of visual communication

  • Graphic Design or Design Technology – useful for composition and digital skills

  • Film Studies – relevant for visual storytelling


✨ At least one creative subject is preferred by most courses and required by some. A strong portfolio can sometimes compensate if you haven't studied a creative subject – see Other Requirements.


Universities may also accept:


  • BTEC Extended Diplomas in Art and Design or Creative Digital Media Production

  • BTEC National Extended Certificates or National Diplomas alongside relevant A-Level subjects

  • UAL (University of the Arts London) Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

  • IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) with at least two IB Higher Level subjects (ideally three) alongside your Career-Related Study; an Art & Design pathway would be directly relevant


Always check specific course requirements.

Level 2 (GCSE / MYP / Nat 5) There may be a requirement for English and Maths at GCSE (or equivalent) at some institutions

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

  • Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths

  • How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values

  • Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in X degree
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Skill Name

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Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations, Values, Work identity and skills that people who thrive in this course tend to have?

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Not sure what these things are?  Explore your Identity Tree with us first.

Interests that connect well with a Photography degree

Students who enjoy this degree often share these interests. You don't need to feel strongly about all of them, and interests develop over time. If one or two catch your curiosity, or sound like something you'd like to know more about, that's a good sign.

Film, Photography & Screen Media: The degree is centred on the photographic image. You'll learn camera techniques, lighting, composition, and editing, developing your ability to capture powerful images across genres from portraiture and documentary to fashion and fine art photography.


Visual Art, Craft & Design: Photography is a creative practice. You'll develop your artistic vision, experiment with composition, colour, and form, and build a portfolio of work that reflects your personal style and visual sensibility.

Careers that a degree in Photography

Studying Photography doesn’t just set you up for Photography-related careers—it also equips you with versatile skills that apply to many creative and communication roles. Discover the range of possibilities in the list below.

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