• Undergraduate

Photography BA (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023**
  • Our Cinema and Photography courses are ranked #3 in England - National Student Survey 2023**

Are you looking for a photography degree that will help you develop your own individual style behind the camera and put you on a path towards a creative career?

On our BA (Hons) Photography course you will have the opportunity to learn creative and technical skills from professional photographers, artists, curators and guest lecturers.

Your hands-on work with conceptual and practical briefs will also allow you to build your confidence and your portfolio, and ensure you graduate with sought-after skills.

View some of our students' recent work.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Photography with us?

Why study Photography with us?

What our students say…

I thoroughly enjoyed being on the BA (Hons) Photography course. Not only did my love for photography grow but my practical, theoretical and technical knowledge and skills developed in areas I hadn't anticipated. In particular, I relished the chance to use both digital and analogue photography in various modules. My professors and technicians were always willing to help. The course has encouraged me to develop my own style and given me confidence in my abilities. 

Keren Sequeira (Class of 2020)

The staff and tutors at UWL are so knowledgeable and supportive. They gave me a platform to enhance my creativity and also the independence to develop my unique photographic practice. 

Benjamin Akie Palmer (Class of 2021)
Next
Access our darkroom, geared toward traditional and digital crossover experimentation.
Accredited by the Association of Photographers (AOP)
Industry focused teaching
statistic announcing this course has been ranked 23rd overall in the UK by the Guardian University Guide
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

You will produce creative work which combines a strong conceptual and aesthetic approach with high technical quality on this course.

You will experience many different aspects of photography and acquire a solid overall grounding in the medium. Recent workshop activities have included working with a walk-in camera, using alternative analogue processes, working with high-end digital capture and output and making handmade photo books.

We pride ourselves on the close contact we have with our students through small group discussions and tutorials. Our strong and enthusiastic team of teaching staff and guest lecturers bring a wealth of experience to your studies. Join our creative community and we can help you build your own professional network.

As a result, many students pick up valuable work experience and paid jobs while they are on the course. We offer a wide range of photographic facilities, including well-equipped studio space, an analogue darkroom, photographic equipment hire and high-end scanning and digital printing. Thanks to the University's good transport links into central London, you can access many world-class museums and galleries.

Our degree shows are one of our great strengths and always demonstrate a strong mix of high-quality technical production and thought-provoking conceptual thinking, helping you to prepare for the outside world. To study this course, you need to have personal access to a computer and digital SLR camera.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Photography: Identity

    On this module you will be introduced to ideas of identity while taking an experimental technical and aesthetic approach to image production. You will explore ideas of portraiture, self-portraiture and other ways in which the broad concept of identity can be represented.

  • Photographic Histories

    This module will introduce you to the history and theory of photography. The module aims to familiarise you with key concepts in photography, developing your awareness of ideas and arguments that have shaped the development of photography as a medium in its own right and as part of other media. You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. The module is designed to enhance your own photographic production and to nurture the cross-fertilisation between knowledge of theory and informed practice.

  • Experimental Approaches to Image Production

    On this investigative module, you will develop and explore your creativity, visual skills and conceptual knowledge. You will reassess your preconceptions about photographic practice and processes, enabling you to gain a broader understanding of your own potential as image-maker.

  • Introduction to Photography: Place

    The module explores a wide range of ideas relating to the subject of ‘place’. Areas covered include ideas of landscape, non-place, journeys and the urban environment. You will end up producing your own portfolio, and accompanying workbook, that explores the ideas covered in class.

  • Exhibiting Photographs

    This module explores the world of photographic exhibitions. You get the chance to visit a range of galleries and produce reviews and other work about the exhibitions you see. Examples of galleries visited in the past are The Photographers’ Gallery, Tate Britain, Hamiltons, Waddington Custot, Flowers East and many more.

  • What is Documentary?

    This module is designed to explore different approaches to documentary practice within photography. It will encourage you to question what is meant by ‘documentary’ in relation to notions of style, convention, evidence, truth and fiction. You will be able to explore your own position in relation to these ideas and produce a body of work that reflects your research findings and ideological stance.

Compulsory modules

  • Technologies of Seeing

    This module allows you to build on the conceptual and technical knowledge gained in year 1 to produce more experimental work. You will explore a range of areas relating to the transformation of perception in modernity and associated with the introduction of new technologies. Areas covered will include the camera obscura, how the camera sees, the layering of images and the city as a visual spectacle.

  • Photography Theory

    You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. You will learn how to put your own photographic work in context, draw upon theory to inform your practice, and develop critical tools to improve your writing, reading, analytical and communication skills.

  • Narrative Photography

    You will look at the storytelling possibilities of the photographic image, and explore how narrative and story can be signified photographically. Through discussion, critique, set exercises and creative experimentation, you will produce a themed portfolio in appropriate formats that explores narrative techniques.

  • The Photographic Object

    In this module, you will think and work with photographs as material artefacts. You will also experiment with a range of alternative photographic processes.

  • Industry Experience

    You will begin with a structured induction process, during which you will be guided in researching the job market, understanding professional responsibilities, preparing a CV plus cover letter and undertaking a mock interview. Additionally, you’ll be guided in contacting and negotiating with a potential host organisation/employer or client to secure your industry experience.

  • Photography and Society

    In this module, you will be introduced to ways of connecting your own image production to broader cultural issues, and to contemporary and current affairs. You will explore a range of strategies for engaged practice and examine the work of contemporary and historical photographers working across a range of genres. You will be encouraged to develop an engaged practice that demonstrates an awareness of political, ethical and cultural issues.

Compulsory modules

  • The Published Photograph

    You will learn how to make complex and coherent photographic statements in the form of a published or publishable book. Alongside independent research and a self-initiated project you will develop an understanding of good book design, typography and visual/verbal narrative in the finished artefact.

  • Professional Photographic Practice

    On this module you will learn how to work professionally in industry-related business contexts, critically evaluate your own photographic practice, turn abstract ideas to a stated purpose with minimum guidance, and build confidence in using your own judgement to challenge received opinion.

  • Critical Essay

    In this module, you'll go through the development process of producing a critical essay, which is an extended piece of written work equivalent to a minor dissertation. This will encourage you as a practitioner to conceptualise and theorise your process and products in greater depth.

  • Image and Text

    This module traces the dialogue between image and text, especially with the rise of Instagram, in the history of modern visual culture, from the early 1920s to today. You will explore how photographers and artists incorporate text into their work and how photography was used by writers. You will also examine the role that photography played in artistic and literary movements such as Surrealism. 
     

  • Photography Major Project

    This module will provide you with a high degree of independence. You will be allocated a supervisor and then given the freedom to create a piece of work, which you feel really represents you as a photographer. You will be given guidance and support but this is your vision and your chance to show the world what you have achieved while you’ve been at university.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Photography: Identity

    On this module you will be introduced to ideas of identity while taking an experimental technical and aesthetic approach to image production. You will explore ideas of portraiture, self-portraiture and other ways in which the broad concept of identity can be represented.

  • Photographic Histories

    This module will introduce you to the history and theory of photography. The module aims to familiarise you with key concepts in photography, developing your awareness of ideas and arguments that have shaped the development of photography as a medium in its own right and as part of other media. You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. The module is designed to enhance your own photographic production and to nurture the cross-fertilisation between knowledge of theory and informed practice.

  • Experimental Approaches to Image Production

    On this investigative module, you will develop and explore your creativity, visual skills and conceptual knowledge. You will reassess your preconceptions about photographic practice and processes, enabling you to gain a broader understanding of your own potential as image-maker.

  • Introduction to Photography: Place

    The module explores a wide range of ideas relating to the subject of ‘place’. Areas covered include ideas of landscape, non-place, journeys and the urban environment. You will end up producing your own portfolio, and accompanying workbook, that explores the ideas covered in class.

  • Exhibiting Photographs

    This module explores the world of photographic exhibitions. You get the chance to visit a range of galleries and produce reviews and other work about the exhibitions you see. Examples of galleries visited in the past are The Photographers’ Gallery, Tate Britain, Hamiltons, Waddington Custot, Flowers East and many more.

  • What is Documentary?

    This module is designed to explore different approaches to documentary practice within photography. It will encourage you to question what is meant by ‘documentary’ in relation to notions of style, convention, evidence, truth and fiction. You will be able to explore your own position in relation to these ideas and produce a body of work that reflects your research findings and ideological stance.

Compulsory modules

  • Technologies of Seeing

    This module allows you to build on the conceptual and technical knowledge gained in year 1 to produce more experimental work. You will explore a range of areas relating to the transformation of perception in modernity and associated with the introduction of new technologies. Areas covered will include the camera obscura, how the camera sees, the layering of images and the city as a visual spectacle.

  • Photography Theory

    You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. You will learn how to put your own photographic work in context, draw upon theory to inform your practice, and develop critical tools to improve your writing, reading, analytical and communication skills.

  • Narrative Photography

    You will look at the storytelling possibilities of the photographic image, and explore how narrative and story can be signified photographically. Through discussion, critique, set exercises and creative experimentation, you will produce a themed portfolio in appropriate formats that explores narrative techniques.

  • The Photographic Object

    In this module, you will think and work with photographs as material artefacts. You will also experiment with a range of alternative photographic processes.

  • Industry Experience

    You will begin with a structured induction process, during which you will be guided in researching the job market, understanding professional responsibilities, preparing a CV plus cover letter and undertaking a mock interview. Additionally, you’ll be guided in contacting and negotiating with a potential host organisation/employer or client to secure your industry experience.

  • Photography and Society

    In this module, you will be introduced to ways of connecting your own image production to broader cultural issues, and to contemporary and current affairs. You will explore a range of strategies for engaged practice and examine the work of contemporary and historical photographers working across a range of genres. You will be encouraged to develop an engaged practice that demonstrates an awareness of political, ethical and cultural issues.

Compulsory modules

  • The Published Photograph

    You will learn how to make complex and coherent photographic statements in the form of a published or publishable book. Alongside independent research and a self-initiated project you will develop an understanding of good book design, typography and visual/verbal narrative in the finished artefact.

  • Professional Photographic Practice

    On this module you will learn how to work professionally in industry-related business contexts, critically evaluate your own photographic practice, turn abstract ideas to a stated purpose with minimum guidance, and build confidence in using your own judgement to challenge received opinion.

  • Critical Essay

    In this module, you'll go through the development process of producing a critical essay, which is an extended piece of written work equivalent to a minor dissertation. This will encourage you as a practitioner to conceptualise and theorise your process and products in greater depth.

  • Image and Text

    This module traces the dialogue between image and text, especially with the rise of Instagram, in the history of modern visual culture, from the early 1920s to today. You will explore how photographers and artists incorporate text into their work and how photography was used by writers. You will also examine the role that photography played in artistic and literary movements such as Surrealism. 
     

  • Photography Major Project

    This module will provide you with a high degree of independence. You will be allocated a supervisor and then given the freedom to create a piece of work, which you feel really represents you as a photographer. You will be given guidance and support but this is your vision and your chance to show the world what you have achieved while you’ve been at university.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Photography: Identity

    On this module you will be introduced to ideas of identity while taking an experimental technical and aesthetic approach to image production. You will explore ideas of portraiture, self-portraiture and other ways in which the broad concept of identity can be represented.

  • Photographic Histories

    This module will introduce you to the history and theory of photography. The module aims to familiarise you with key concepts in photography, developing your awareness of ideas and arguments that have shaped the development of photography as a medium in its own right and as part of other media. You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. The module is designed to enhance your own photographic production and to nurture the cross-fertilisation between knowledge of theory and informed practice.

  • Experimental Approaches to Image Production

    On this investigative module, you will develop and explore your creativity, visual skills and conceptual knowledge. You will reassess your preconceptions about photographic practice and processes, enabling you to gain a broader understanding of your own potential as image-maker.

  • Introduction to Photography: Place

    The module explores a wide range of ideas relating to the subject of ‘place’. Areas covered include ideas of landscape, non-place, journeys and the urban environment. You will end up producing your own portfolio, and accompanying workbook, that explores the ideas covered in class.

  • Exhibiting Photographs

    This module explores the world of photographic exhibitions. You get the chance to visit a range of galleries and produce reviews and other work about the exhibitions you see. Examples of galleries visited in the past are The Photographers’ Gallery, Tate Britain, Hamiltons, Waddington Custot, Flowers East and many more.

  • What is Documentary?

    This module is designed to explore different approaches to documentary practice within photography. It will encourage you to question what is meant by ‘documentary’ in relation to notions of style, convention, evidence, truth and fiction. You will be able to explore your own position in relation to these ideas and produce a body of work that reflects your research findings and ideological stance.

Compulsory modules

  • Technologies of Seeing

    This module allows you to build on the conceptual and technical knowledge gained in year 1 to produce more experimental work. You will explore a range of areas relating to the transformation of perception in modernity and associated with the introduction of new technologies. Areas covered will include the camera obscura, how the camera sees, the layering of images and the city as a visual spectacle.

  • Photography Theory

    You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. You will learn how to put your own photographic work in context, draw upon theory to inform your practice, and develop critical tools to improve your writing, reading, analytical and communication skills.

  • Narrative Photography

    You will look at the storytelling possibilities of the photographic image, and explore how narrative and story can be signified photographically. Through discussion, critique, set exercises and creative experimentation, you will produce a themed portfolio in appropriate formats that explores narrative techniques.

  • The Photographic Object

    In this module, you will think and work with photographs as material artefacts. You will also experiment with a range of alternative photographic processes.

  • Industry Experience

    You will begin with a structured induction process, during which you will be guided in researching the job market, understanding professional responsibilities, preparing a CV plus cover letter and undertaking a mock interview. Additionally, you’ll be guided in contacting and negotiating with a potential host organisation/employer or client to secure your industry experience.

  • Photography and Society

    In this module, you will be introduced to ways of connecting your own image production to broader cultural issues, and to contemporary and current affairs. You will explore a range of strategies for engaged practice and examine the work of contemporary and historical photographers working across a range of genres. You will be encouraged to develop an engaged practice that demonstrates an awareness of political, ethical and cultural issues.

Compulsory modules

  • The Published Photograph

    You will learn how to make complex and coherent photographic statements in the form of a published or publishable book. Alongside independent research and a self-initiated project you will develop an understanding of good book design, typography and visual/verbal narrative in the finished artefact.

  • Professional Photographic Practice

    On this module you will learn how to work professionally in industry-related business contexts, critically evaluate your own photographic practice, turn abstract ideas to a stated purpose with minimum guidance, and build confidence in using your own judgement to challenge received opinion.

  • Critical Essay

    In this module, you'll go through the development process of producing a critical essay, which is an extended piece of written work equivalent to a minor dissertation. This will encourage you as a practitioner to conceptualise and theorise your process and products in greater depth.

  • Image and Text

    This module traces the dialogue between image and text, especially with the rise of Instagram, in the history of modern visual culture, from the early 1920s to today. You will explore how photographers and artists incorporate text into their work and how photography was used by writers. You will also examine the role that photography played in artistic and literary movements such as Surrealism. 
     

  • Photography Major Project

    This module will provide you with a high degree of independence. You will be allocated a supervisor and then given the freedom to create a piece of work, which you feel really represents you as a photographer. You will be given guidance and support but this is your vision and your chance to show the world what you have achieved while you’ve been at university.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Photography: Identity

    On this module you will be introduced to ideas of identity while taking an experimental technical and aesthetic approach to image production. You will explore ideas of portraiture, self-portraiture and other ways in which the broad concept of identity can be represented.

  • Photographic Histories

    This module will introduce you to the history and theory of photography. The module aims to familiarise you with key concepts in photography, developing your awareness of ideas and arguments that have shaped the development of photography as a medium in its own right and as part of other media. You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. The module is designed to enhance your own photographic production and to nurture the cross-fertilisation between knowledge of theory and informed practice.

  • Experimental Approaches to Image Production

    On this investigative module, you will develop and explore your creativity, visual skills and conceptual knowledge. You will reassess your preconceptions about photographic practice and processes, enabling you to gain a broader understanding of your own potential as image-maker.

  • Introduction to Photography: Place

    The module explores a wide range of ideas relating to the subject of ‘place’. Areas covered include ideas of landscape, non-place, journeys and the urban environment. You will end up producing your own portfolio, and accompanying workbook, that explores the ideas covered in class.

  • Exhibiting Photographs

    This module explores the world of photographic exhibitions. You get the chance to visit a range of galleries and produce reviews and other work about the exhibitions you see. Examples of galleries visited in the past are The Photographers’ Gallery, Tate Britain, Hamiltons, Waddington Custot, Flowers East and many more.

  • What is Documentary?

    This module is designed to explore different approaches to documentary practice within photography. It will encourage you to question what is meant by ‘documentary’ in relation to notions of style, convention, evidence, truth and fiction. You will be able to explore your own position in relation to these ideas and produce a body of work that reflects your research findings and ideological stance.

Compulsory modules

  • Technologies of Seeing

    This module allows you to build on the conceptual and technical knowledge gained in year 1 to produce more experimental work. You will explore a range of areas relating to the transformation of perception in modernity and associated with the introduction of new technologies. Areas covered will include the camera obscura, how the camera sees, the layering of images and the city as a visual spectacle.

  • Photography Theory

    You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. You will learn how to put your own photographic work in context, draw upon theory to inform your practice, and develop critical tools to improve your writing, reading, analytical and communication skills.

  • Narrative Photography

    You will look at the storytelling possibilities of the photographic image, and explore how narrative and story can be signified photographically. Through discussion, critique, set exercises and creative experimentation, you will produce a themed portfolio in appropriate formats that explores narrative techniques.

  • The Photographic Object

    In this module, you will think and work with photographs as material artefacts. You will also experiment with a range of alternative photographic processes.

  • Industry Experience

    You will begin with a structured induction process, during which you will be guided in researching the job market, understanding professional responsibilities, preparing a CV plus cover letter and undertaking a mock interview. Additionally, you’ll be guided in contacting and negotiating with a potential host organisation/employer or client to secure your industry experience.

  • Photography and Society

    In this module, you will be introduced to ways of connecting your own image production to broader cultural issues, and to contemporary and current affairs. You will explore a range of strategies for engaged practice and examine the work of contemporary and historical photographers working across a range of genres. You will be encouraged to develop an engaged practice that demonstrates an awareness of political, ethical and cultural issues.

Compulsory modules

  • The Published Photograph

    You will learn how to make complex and coherent photographic statements in the form of a published or publishable book. Alongside independent research and a self-initiated project you will develop an understanding of good book design, typography and visual/verbal narrative in the finished artefact.

  • Professional Photographic Practice

    On this module you will learn how to work professionally in industry-related business contexts, critically evaluate your own photographic practice, turn abstract ideas to a stated purpose with minimum guidance, and build confidence in using your own judgement to challenge received opinion.

  • Critical Essay

    In this module, you'll go through the development process of producing a critical essay, which is an extended piece of written work equivalent to a minor dissertation. This will encourage you as a practitioner to conceptualise and theorise your process and products in greater depth.

  • Image and Text

    This module traces the dialogue between image and text, especially with the rise of Instagram, in the history of modern visual culture, from the early 1920s to today. You will explore how photographers and artists incorporate text into their work and how photography was used by writers. You will also examine the role that photography played in artistic and literary movements such as Surrealism. 
     

  • Photography Major Project

    This module will provide you with a high degree of independence. You will be allocated a supervisor and then given the freedom to create a piece of work, which you feel really represents you as a photographer. You will be given guidance and support but this is your vision and your chance to show the world what you have achieved while you’ve been at university.

Assessment


Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Photography: Identity

    On this module you will be introduced to ideas of identity while taking an experimental technical and aesthetic approach to image production. You will explore ideas of portraiture, self-portraiture and other ways in which the broad concept of identity can be represented.

  • Photographic Histories

    This module will introduce you to the history and theory of photography. The module aims to familiarise you with key concepts in photography, developing your awareness of ideas and arguments that have shaped the development of photography as a medium in its own right and as part of other media. You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. The module is designed to enhance your own photographic production and to nurture the cross-fertilisation between knowledge of theory and informed practice.

  • Experimental Approaches to Image Production

    On this investigative module, you will develop and explore your creativity, visual skills and conceptual knowledge. You will reassess your preconceptions about photographic practice and processes, enabling you to gain a broader understanding of your own potential as image-maker.

  • Introduction to Photography: Place

    The module explores a wide range of ideas relating to the subject of ‘place’. Areas covered include ideas of landscape, non-place, journeys and the urban environment. You will end up producing your own portfolio, and accompanying workbook, that explores the ideas covered in class.

  • Exhibiting Photographs

    This module explores the world of photographic exhibitions. You get the chance to visit a range of galleries and produce reviews and other work about the exhibitions you see. Examples of galleries visited in the past are The Photographers’ Gallery, Tate Britain, Hamiltons, Waddington Custot, Flowers East and many more.

  • What is Documentary?

    This module is designed to explore different approaches to documentary practice within photography. It will encourage you to question what is meant by ‘documentary’ in relation to notions of style, convention, evidence, truth and fiction. You will be able to explore your own position in relation to these ideas and produce a body of work that reflects your research findings and ideological stance.

Assessment


Compulsory modules

  • Technologies of Seeing

    This module allows you to build on the conceptual and technical knowledge gained in year 1 to produce more experimental work. You will explore a range of areas relating to the transformation of perception in modernity and associated with the introduction of new technologies. Areas covered will include the camera obscura, how the camera sees, the layering of images and the city as a visual spectacle.

  • Photography Theory

    You will become familiar with historical and contemporary debates that relate to photography. You will learn how to put your own photographic work in context, draw upon theory to inform your practice, and develop critical tools to improve your writing, reading, analytical and communication skills.

  • Narrative Photography

    You will look at the storytelling possibilities of the photographic image, and explore how narrative and story can be signified photographically. Through discussion, critique, set exercises and creative experimentation, you will produce a themed portfolio in appropriate formats that explores narrative techniques.

  • The Photographic Object

    In this module, you will think and work with photographs as material artefacts. You will also experiment with a range of alternative photographic processes.

  • Industry Experience

    You will begin with a structured induction process, during which you will be guided in researching the job market, understanding professional responsibilities, preparing a CV plus cover letter and undertaking a mock interview. Additionally, you’ll be guided in contacting and negotiating with a potential host organisation/employer or client to secure your industry experience.

  • Photography and Society

    In this module, you will be introduced to ways of connecting your own image production to broader cultural issues, and to contemporary and current affairs. You will explore a range of strategies for engaged practice and examine the work of contemporary and historical photographers working across a range of genres. You will be encouraged to develop an engaged practice that demonstrates an awareness of political, ethical and cultural issues.

Assessment


Compulsory modules

  • The Published Photograph

    You will learn how to make complex and coherent photographic statements in the form of a published or publishable book. Alongside independent research and a self-initiated project you will develop an understanding of good book design, typography and visual/verbal narrative in the finished artefact.

  • Professional Photographic Practice

    On this module you will learn how to work professionally in industry-related business contexts, critically evaluate your own photographic practice, turn abstract ideas to a stated purpose with minimum guidance, and build confidence in using your own judgement to challenge received opinion.

  • Critical Essay

    In this module, you'll go through the development process of producing a critical essay, which is an extended piece of written work equivalent to a minor dissertation. This will encourage you as a practitioner to conceptualise and theorise your process and products in greater depth.

  • Image and Text

    This module traces the dialogue between image and text, especially with the rise of Instagram, in the history of modern visual culture, from the early 1920s to today. You will explore how photographers and artists incorporate text into their work and how photography was used by writers. You will also examine the role that photography played in artistic and literary movements such as Surrealism. 
     

  • Photography Major Project

    This module will provide you with a high degree of independence. You will be allocated a supervisor and then given the freedom to create a piece of work, which you feel really represents you as a photographer. You will be given guidance and support but this is your vision and your chance to show the world what you have achieved while you’ve been at university.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

112 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

 

Looking for BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_uk_eu_main_fee.name) }} per year
Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for students in the fields of film, media and design are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year
Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary. 

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Peter Bennett

Peter Bennett

My work explores the aesthetic representation of memory and forgetting through the use of photographic and other visual metaphors. It reflects upon the processes of loss, forgetting and erasure in relation to the hastening structures of temporality that have accompanied the rise of modernity. I work mainly within the genres of landscape and still life. My recent work examines the book, the sea, and the materiality of the photograph and photographic processes, as metaphoric and material repositories of memory.

My work explores the aesthetic representation of memory and forgetting through the use of photographic and other visual metaphors. It reflects upon the processes of loss, forgetting and erasure in relation to the hastening structures of temporality that have accompanied the rise of modernity. I work mainly within the genres of landscape and still life. My recent work examines the book, the sea, and the materiality of the photograph and photographic processes, as metaphoric and material repositories of memory.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A woman having her photo taken in a studio

Once you graduate, you could go on to work as a:

  • photographer
  • photographer’s assistant
  • retoucher
  • picture editor
  • researcher.

You could work in a variety of industries, including:

  • advertising
  • fashion
  • photojournalism
  • documentary photography
  • web content production
  • art buying
  • exhibition curation.

You may decide to specialise in a related area or explore a new subject. Please see our postgraduate courses for a range of options.

How to apply

How to apply

ARTSFEST

line drawing of a girl's head

Find out more about the work our students produce and view some of their recent work by visiting our Design ARTSFEST page. 

Student work

.

Imaani Erdogan

Imaani Erdogan

Student photo of the subject sitting on a chair with a black suit and white shirt on.
A photo of the subject sitting on the floor, smiling and wearing a black suit and white shirt.
A photo of two individuals sat on the floor next to each other, wearing white clothing and staring straight at the camera.
Student photo of the subject sitting on a chair with a black suit and white shirt on.
A photo of the subject sitting on the floor, smiling and wearing a black suit and white shirt.
A photo of two individuals sat on the floor next to each other, wearing white clothing and staring straight at the camera.

‘We Are Enough’ explores the intersectional issues of being a Black Queer person within the Black community. The feeling of being rejected by your own people or the sense that you cannot relate to others in your community can be a hard pill to swallow; there are many Black Queer folks who unfortunately experience such negative emotions. I feel that there is a divide within the Black community between heterosexual and homosexual people. There’s often a struggle between different ideologies that can come from personal and religious beliefs and it can sometimes segregate the Black community. This series contains images of individuals from the queer community whom I have previously collaborated with. My goal is to create photographic portraits that capture joy and also empowerment of their queer identity.

Holly Chapman

Holly Chapman

Photography Student polaroid photos entitled 'Autumn'.
Photography Student poloroid photos entitled 'Winter'.
Photography student poloroid photos entitled 'Spring'
Photography Student polaroid photos entitled 'Autumn'.
Photography Student poloroid photos entitled 'Winter'.
Photography student poloroid photos entitled 'Spring'

“Outside minus Ten Days” is a project which documents the past six months of my life. What started out as a post-pandemic piece, ended up as a documentation of my life as normal. The title itself responds to Bo Burnham’s Inside, which is a self-directed comedy sketch summarising Burnham’s day-to-day life spent in isolation. Since this project started in October 2021, life has changed dramatically for me personally, which I have coped through music and art (just like Bo). This piece is the outcome of those times. I have handwritten each lyric to demonstrate the personal connection I have with the songs.

Matthew Gibbons

Matthew Gibbons

Subject taking a photo of himself in a mirror with wet hair and a silver necklace on.
A photo of an individual posing, wearing a red translucent vest, red hat and black shorts.
A photo of a photographer behind the camera with no clothes on.
Photo of the subject posing with red and black clothes on, sitting on a brick wall.
Photo of individual posing in front of an chrome shutter, showing an orange lit wall behind.
Photo of individual posing in front of a window, naked, with a purple bandana on.
Photo of subject wearing knee-high boots and translucent grey top, holding a pair of large boots.
Photo of subject putting on knee high boots on with no other clothes on.
Subject taking a photo of himself in a mirror with wet hair and a silver necklace on.
A photo of an individual posing, wearing a red translucent vest, red hat and black shorts.
A photo of a photographer behind the camera with no clothes on.
Photo of the subject posing with red and black clothes on, sitting on a brick wall.
Photo of individual posing in front of an chrome shutter, showing an orange lit wall behind.
Photo of individual posing in front of a window, naked, with a purple bandana on.
Photo of subject wearing knee-high boots and translucent grey top, holding a pair of large boots.
Photo of subject putting on knee high boots on with no other clothes on.

Holly Laskey

Holly Laskey

Photo of jeans folded up on a raised stone surrounded by water.
A photo of four folded up jeans on stone slabs.
A photo of three pairs of jeans draped over stone slabs near the sea.
A photo of a pair of jeans laying partially submerged in the sea
A photo of jeans neatly folded up on a stone slab near the sea.
Photo of jeans folded up on a raised stone surrounded by water.
A photo of four folded up jeans on stone slabs.
A photo of three pairs of jeans draped over stone slabs near the sea.
A photo of a pair of jeans laying partially submerged in the sea
A photo of jeans neatly folded up on a stone slab near the sea.
Photo of jeans folded up on a raised stone surrounded by water.
A photo of four folded up jeans on stone slabs.
A photo of three pairs of jeans draped over stone slabs near the sea.
A photo of a pair of jeans laying partially submerged in the sea
A photo of jeans neatly folded up on a stone slab near the sea.
Photo of jeans folded up on a raised stone surrounded by water.
A photo of four folded up jeans on stone slabs.
A photo of three pairs of jeans draped over stone slabs near the sea.
A photo of a pair of jeans laying partially submerged in the sea
A photo of jeans neatly folded up on a stone slab near the sea.

"Make It Last" aims to raise awareness of fast fashion and the negative impact it is having on the planet. I hope that the series will influence the viewer to buy less clothing and make it last longer. I decided to focus my project specifically on denim as this aspect of fast fashion is one that is having the most damage to the environment. I am inspired by Duane Michal’s use of text in his photographs as well as Prarthna Singh’s still life fashion photographic series.

Lidia Lopez

Lidia Lopez

A photo of a couple embracing, face to face.
A photo of a couple laying down and embracing, with green leaves covering their legs.
A photo of a female playing with her partner's hair, surrounded by green leaves.
A photo of a couple holding each other close, face to face, surrounded by green leaves.
A photo of a female resting her partner's head on her shoulder.
A couple embracing - female holding her partner's head close to her shoulder.
A couple holding each other, surrounded by green leaves.
A couple holding each other, surrounded by green leaves.
A couple holding each other, surrounded by green leaves.
A photo of a male resting his head on his partner's leg, surrounded by green leaves.
A photo of a couple embracing, face to face.
A photo of a couple laying down and embracing, with green leaves covering their legs.
A photo of a female playing with her partner's hair, surrounded by green leaves.
A photo of a couple holding each other close, face to face, surrounded by green leaves.
A photo of a female resting her partner's head on her shoulder.
A couple embracing - female holding her partner's head close to her shoulder.
A couple holding each other, surrounded by green leaves.
A couple holding each other, surrounded by green leaves.
A couple holding each other, surrounded by green leaves.
A photo of a male resting his head on his partner's leg, surrounded by green leaves.

As a black person, we’ve been told that we are ugly, we are dangerous, and we could never be someone admirable. This project is not to show off to the rest of the world how beautiful and powerful we are. This is for us, the black community. This is a message to remember that we do not need to change the way we are or the way we look to feel more validated in society. “Eve and Adam” aims to spread a message: the importance of loving yourself, who you are and how you look, before trying to love someone else. I focused on the black community because I believe that we need a reminder about how beautiful we are. Our skin, our features, our hair and our culture. We are black and we should be proud.

James Murray

James Murray

A photo of a metal chandelier in a church setting.
A photo of books and a picture frame on a window sill.
A photo of a crucifix and religious painting on a shelf.
A photo of a religious setting with a man pouring liquid into a wine glass.
A photo of pew chairs in a church, with people seated.
A photo of a church setting with a priest presenting a ceremony
A photo of a crucifix and religious paintings.
A photo of a metal chandelier in a church setting.
A photo of books and a picture frame on a window sill.
A photo of a crucifix and religious painting on a shelf.
A photo of a religious setting with a man pouring liquid into a wine glass.
A photo of pew chairs in a church, with people seated.
A photo of a church setting with a priest presenting a ceremony
A photo of a crucifix and religious paintings.

In the Western world, when we think of Christianity, Catholicism and Protestantism often come to mind. Rarely is the Eastern Orthodox sect mentioned. With 22 million followers worldwide, it is the second most practised sect of Christianity. Eastern Orthodoxy is known for its devotion to faith and governance by consensus unlike Roman Catholicism, which relies on a head or figure - the Pope. Both share a lot in common regarding rituals and hierarchies despite multiple ideological differences created from the Great East-West Schism. "Orthodox" is a series taken at St. Andrew's Greek Cathedral in Kentish Town. It gives us a glimpse of what an Eastern Orthodox Church looks like inside, from an outsider's point of view.

Fatbardha Salihu

Fatbardha Salihu

Student photography of a female wearing a martial arts uniform.
Student photography of a female wearing a martial arts uniform and kicking into the air.
Student photography of a female wearing a martial arts uniform, ready to fight.
Student photography of a female wearing a martial arts uniform.
Student photography of a female wearing a martial arts uniform and kicking into the air.
Student photography of a female wearing a martial arts uniform, ready to fight.

In this work I took portraits of my cousin who is a Taekwondo practitioner and a practicing Muslim. With these portraits I am exploring a young Muslim woman's modesty, empowerment and freedom. The hijab which represents her religion is a part of my cousins’ identity. Contrary to some of the prevailing misconceptions, the hijab gives women the freedom to make choices such as practicing a sport like Taekwondo. I feel as though these images truly represent her strength, her modesty and her dedication to the sport.

Shanice Samra

Shanice Samra

A photo of a lady in an elaborate yellow and purple dress, waving a flag with red rose petals falling down.
Female with elaborate yellow and purple dress, holding a pot over her head.
A lady standing in an elabroate yellow and purple dress, with a pot and rose petals on the floor.
A photo of a lady in an elaborate yellow and purple dress, waving a flag with red rose petals falling down.
Female with elaborate yellow and purple dress, holding a pot over her head.
A lady standing in an elabroate yellow and purple dress, with a pot and rose petals on the floor.

My photographs are inspired by the story of "Heer and Ranjha", in particular its themes of immortal love, romance, tragedy and music. Drawing upon my Indian heritage, I included vibrant colours such as green, red, and bright yellow as well as Hindu and Sikh objects such as jaago (jug), pankha (fan) and mor pankh (peacock feathers) in my images. By focusing solely on Heer, I want to portray her as the dominant and central figure in this narrative of love and romance.

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.