About Photography, BA (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Overview

Pursue your photographic interests on this BA (Hons) Photography degree, ensuring you are well-prepared for the dynamic landscape of the creative and cultural industries.

You'll explore photographic practice through research, critical analysis and reflective experimentation to develop your knowledge and portfolio during your studies.

Experiment in our cutting edges photography studios, digital suite, loan store and darkroom. Engage with advanced technologies like computer-generated imagery (CGI) and virtual reality (VR) in our state-of-the-art facilities. 

You'll have the chance to gain professional experience through optional work placements, to showcase your work at exhibitions, and to attend guest lectures and networking events with renowned photographers to gain industry insights and prepare for future opportunities.

You'll also collaborate with students studying related subjects to expand your creative horizons and foster shared learning.

After you graduate, you’ll have many career options at your fingertips. Want to work for a business or by yourself on client projects? Planning to pursue a postgraduate degree? Join the 94% of our graduates who have taken these paths (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22).

Course highlights

• Create exceptional work in our newly renovated photographic facilities, featuring £1.6 million in state-of-the-art studios, a modern digital suite and advanced darkrooms

• Post-produce and print at a professional level in our colour calibrated production suite

• Enjoy access to our loan store and experiment with professional-grade gear to enhance your learning experience, such as digital and analogue cameras, lighting equipment, Capture One and Adobe Suite Software

• Benefit from a Connected Degree that prepares you for the industry, with opportunities for placements after your studies, helping you establish valuable professional networks

• Promote your portfolio to potential employers by participating in self-produced exhibitions, industry portfolio reviews, and the annual Graduate Show

• Enhance your understanding of photography by visiting galleries and attending festivals in major cities, exploring both historic and contemporary works that enrich your creative perspective

• Forge valuable connections by attending guest lectures and networking events with renowned photographers and industry leaders, creating opportunities for your future

Careers and opportunities

When you finish the course, you'll have a range of options within the creative industries to start your career. You can also continue your studies to postgraduate level.

Graduate roles

Previous students have gone on to work as:

• studio photographers
• video directors
• picture editors
• retouchers
• photojournalists
• curators
• artists
• fashion photographers
• teachers/lecturers

Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Placement year (optional)

After your second or third year, you can complete a work placement to gain professional industry experience and enhance your skills. Placements are an excellent way to increase your employability after graduation.

You can work for a company or organisation, or go independent by setting up and running your own business as a group or alone.

Whatever you choose, you can get full support from our Creative Careers team.

Supporting your creative career

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team have extensive recruitment experience across a multitude of areas including the creative sector.

They can provide you with supporting and advice, including:

• Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
• Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
• Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
• Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route
• Researching placement opportunities and applying for creative opportunities 

The team will continue to support you throughout your placement year and beyond, providing you with help for up to 5 years after your graduate.

Placement roles

Our students have done placements in a variety of roles, such as:

• Photographer
• Picture Editor
• Junior Stylist
• Studio Assistant
• Archival Assistant

Placement destinations

Our students have either run their own businesses or worked with prominent companies, including:

• Camera Work London
• Miraculous Entertainment
• Dimples & Daisies Photography
• Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust
• Hermione De Paola 

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Portsmouth to find course entry requirements.

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