Photography BA (Hons)

Photography Course Content

• Course Details

  On our BA Photography, you will develop your understanding of contemporary photographic and video work within a diverse set of visual art, commercial and fashion contexts, to understand the impact that still and moving images can have and the change they can inspire. We encourage you to explore the photograph and moving image within art, editorial, product, fashion, and entertainment industries. You will develop skills independently, so that you can work to client and exhibition commissions and function as a professional following graduation in photography.

  We also organise annual trips for groups of around 30 students across the arts subjects. These are optional but have proved to be valuable for students’ academic and practical experience.

  Want to see some our of students’ work? Follow the University of Northampton’s BA Photography course on Instagram.

  Local and Regional Exhibition Trips

  All Photography students are encouraged to attend exhibition trips that are organised throughout the year. We usually cover the cost of journeys by coach, but you will be expected to pay for any additional journeys by rail. The cost will depend on how far in advance you book tickets, whether you use a student rail card or if underground travel is required. Some of the bigger exhibitions at established institutions will charge an entry fee, which will be reduced if you show your student card.

  External Exhibitions

  As well as your assessed coursework, we encourage you to present your work to the public. There will be additional costs included in contributing to and setting up exhibitions, such as gallery hire, printing, mounting/framing and transport. These will vary depending on the venue and the number of participants.

  Work Experience

  On the degree in Photography, you will have the opportunity to do photography work experience, either paid and unpaid, alongside your studies. Recently, students have had internships and work-based learning with West Northamptonshire Council, NN Gallery, FrasierShot, The Innovation Centre, The Sunley Hotel, Mind Northampton and Macmillan Cancer Charity.

  List of modules

   

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

  • Stage 1
    • Photographic Techniques and Concepts
      Module code: PHO1001

      Status: Compulsory
    • Photography and its Changing Uses (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO1002

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces students to the transformative uses of photography. The digital environment has changed the boundaries of what is understood as still photography. In the context of digital creation, storage and dissemination of mass-produced imagery, the photograph is considered in relation to digital storytelling, image libraries and social media.
    • Reading the Image (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO1003

      Status: Compulsory
      This theory-based module supports practical Level 4 modules. It provides the theoretical foundations and equips the student with skills for image-analysis, research and writing. Students are introduced to different theoretical positions and questions concerning the social, cultural, political and philosophical impact of images from the perspective of producers and viewers.
    • Converging Practices: Wall, Page, Screen
      Module code: PHO1004

      Status: Compulsory
  • Stage 2
    • Photography and Arts Practices
      Module code: PHO2001

      Status: Compulsory
    • Photography in a Design Context
      Module code: PHO2002

      Status: Compulsory
    • Photography and Visual Culture (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO2003

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to offer a study of photography as part of visual culture in relation to other Level 5 photography production modules. It provides a critical and theoretical framework within which students can consider the complex roles of the photographic image in historical and contemporary contexts.
    • Professional Studies (Photography) (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO2008

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to gain an understanding and to evaluate the structures and organisations which collectively constitute photographic practice at a local, regional, national and international level. It develops knowledge and skills required to prepare for employment in the cultural and commercial creative industries.
  • Stage 3
    • Career Development in Photographic Practices (40 Credits)
      Module code: PHO3003

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop visual and written presentation skills and strategies to support communication within a range of business and professional frameworks. It focuses on the knowledge and skills required to present a creative profile to support professional practice within the breadth of the photographic industry.
    • Practice Exhibition (80 Credits)
      Module code: PHO4001

      Status: Compulsory
      This aims to facilitate development and consolidation of the student?s creative and theoretical interests as well as professional aspirations in the production of a new body of work for public exhibition. The module makes complex demands on the student from conceptualisation to dissemination of their work intended for particular audiences.

  This Photography degree has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

  SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Photography degree at the University of Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree in photography, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year photography courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  Do you need a degree for photography?

  By studying photography at a university, you will build and develop your skills, creativity and technical abilities – which are essential elements to success. You will also have the benefit of accessing our studio facilities, building a portfolio, and participating in external exhibitions to prepare you for your professional career.

  Which course is best for photography?

  Finding the best photography course for you depends on your circumstances and goals. Studying a BA Bachelors in Photography is perfect for developing your wider skills and obtaining an industry standard qualification.

  How will I be taught on the BA Photography?

  We take a range of approaches to teaching throughout our photography degree, including lectures, seminars, practical workshops, individual tutorials and group critiques, to facilitate critical discussion and analysis.

  How will I be assessed on the degree in Photography?

  Theory is assessed through blogs, essays, report, presentations and an extended research proposal. Practical work is judged through portfolio presentations, digital research journals, and displays/exhibitions, and aligned with individual module criteria.

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