Photography BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  On our BA Photography programme, 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 BA 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 Northampton Council, NN Gallery, FrasierShot, Actium, Macmillan Cancer Charity and The Guardian.

  List of modules

   

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Content Production Skills (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO1020

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the various uses of digital moving image production within content production skills. What is understood as still photography constantly evolving. The moving-image is also considered in relation to digital storytelling, AI and AR, immersive applications, projections & social media.
    • Digital Imaging Skills (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO1021

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to lay the foundation for practical digital skills, including lens-based techniques. By utilising industry-standard workflow software, and understanding emerging technologies students have the opportunity to respond to a visual brief and through practice start embedding contemporary camera practices while building a portfolio.
    • Engaging with a Client (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO1022

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to acquire an understanding of business and professional creative skills essential for graduate career success? whether being commissioned as a freelancer or being engaged in employment in the creative industries. Students produce and reflect on work for an internal University client.
    • Presenting the Image (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO1023

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to understand the range of methods and strategies of physical and virtual presentation available to present images as printed objects, books and exhibition. They engage with producing a series of images that address a concept from a broad socially engaged theme.
    • Skills for Specialist Workflows (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO1024

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to embed a range of digital, traditional and emerging technologies in studio and on location to provide a wide range of imaging opportunities. Students develop an individual, response to a brief, aligning process and intention to achieve a distinctive creative outcome.
    • Reading the Image (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO1025

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to support the photographic practice developed throughout the academic year. It provides the foundations to develop an understanding of the key theoretical and historical debates surrounding photography. The module also encourages the initial development of research, writing and visual analysis skills.
  • Stage 2
    • Advanced Fashion Imagery (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO2017

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to allows students to explore the different facets of imagery and messaging encompassing fashion Imaging in editorial, commercial, advertising and social media forms, including inherent legal and ethical issues. Students will respond to briefs visually to build digital assets that utilise still, moving image, graphic design and emerging technologies.
    • Cinematography (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO2018

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ? to employ a range of technical and creative techniques to maximise visual storytelling, and explore a range of digital moving image formats and processes.Lens based imaging is being transformed by innovative technology and formats. Industries are experiencing change and through this module students will engage with contemporary practice.
    • Commercial Campaign (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO2019

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to respond to a brief exploring a media campaign with a commercial outcome. Students combine media forms for a variety of commercial uses suitable for different audiences, exploiting digital design and layout, social, still and moving image and emerging technologies.
    • Engaging with the Industry
      Module code: PHO2020

      Status: Compulsory
    • Experimental Image Making (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO2021

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to support students in challenging the definition of photography and the production of work within a broad range of contemporary technical and theoretical contexts. Experimentation is encouraged through engagement with workshops that aim to intersect still and moving images with a range of disciplines.
    • Photography and Visual Culture (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO2022

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to offer a study of photography linked to different fields of cultural knowledge linked to image-making. It provides critical, historical and theoretical frameworks and tools to understand the complex roles of images under different historical and contemporary contexts.
  • Stage 3
    • Professional Futures (20 Credits)
      Module code: PHO3006

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to confidently define their post- graduation trajectory. It focuses on the requirements to present a creative profile to support career development within a defined focus, developing further their preparation for employability. Promotional materials and personal planning will be developed.
    • Project Foundations: Research & Concept (40 Credits)
      Module code: PHO3007

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to begin to develop their final major project by producing an extended contextual and practice research proposal, to experiment with specialist practice techniques for this and to refine their use of their chosen tools within their practice.
    • Final Major Project (60 Credits)
      Module code: PHO4002

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to support students in the realisation of their unique visual voice through the production of a research-informed Final Major Project. This will be displayed for an identified audience. Students will work collaboratively to produce their final group display.

  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 Photography degree, 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.

  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 essays, a contextual report and presentations. Practical work is judged through portfolio presentations and exhibitions, and aligned with individual module criteria.

  What will I need?

  Starting your Level 4 (First Full Year Stage One)

  In the summer before you start studying with the University of Northampton, you will be sent a list of necessities for the course, with recommendations of where to buy the products at a reasonable price. These include external hard drives, SD cards, portfolio boxes, sketchbooks, stationery etc., costing a total of approximately £100-150.

  We have our own Art shop on the Waterside campus, where you will be able to purchase many of these items.

  Photography Equipment

  While students are not expected to arrive with their own high-end cameras, many students do choose to buy their own DSLR by the end of their Level 5 (Stage 2/second year). A range of photography equipment is available to loan, subject to availability. Please be aware that our stocks of digital cameras are Nikon and we have a range of lenses that will fit this make. We also have some Canon lenses to hire. Our equipment can be loaned for longer periods – for example over the summer vacation. However, we do ask that it’s insured for this purpose.

  N.B. There is no cost to hire kit, and costs for this insurance are quite reasonable.

  For independent work off-campus, you may need to provide your own hardware equipment such as laptops (not if you take up the free laptop offer) or MacBooks and printers. Digital imaging software such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro or Adobe Creative Cloud is provided for all Photography students on and off campus.

  On campus, there are digital workstations (Mac and PC) available for you to use as well as a networked top-up card printing facility (including colour) that you would pay per print for. There is also 24-hour Mac Suite access for those studying BA Photography should you need it after hours.

  Film

  You can choose to shoot on film (35mm, medium or large format) or other media such as polaroid. However you’ll need to purchase your own film unless it is part of a Level 4 (First year or Stage One) workshop. Black and white film processing and dish tray printing facilities are available for you to use free of charge. In the first year of your photography degree, you will be given two rolls of 35mm b/w film and one roll of colour film for their technical workshops.

  Photo-Books

  Other costs on the Photography course may involve the production of a self-published book as part of a portfolio, project or exhibition and is usually produced and ordered through an online company.

  Printing

  Some projects will make use of screen-based images or projections, with no additional cost, however you will be required to print your photographs from other projects which will incur a cost. This will be dependent on scale, paper type and so on. We have an in-house printing and mounting service, offering reasonable prices for print orders. Alternatively, you can use professional labs for high-quality exhibition prints and finishing. For exhibition-based modules (in stage two and three), there are additional costs to consider regarding the display & presentation of work such as print mounting and framing. You will be able to use our scanner for colour film and our black and white darkroom facilities to dish tray print B&W film-based images, but you will need to provide your own paper, unless the printing is part of a taught workshop.

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