BA(Hons) Photography (Top-Up) 

Whether you wish to become a practicing photographer - or specialise in supplying a technical service such as image editing - you’ll benefit from the practical skills, knowledge and critical analysis that this course delivers. 

At the end of your studies, you’ll have an internationally-recognised undergraduate qualification.

You will also have an extensive photographic project, that will see you well on your way to making your career aspirations a reality. 

On this course you will:

• Develop specialist practical skills within, and knowledge of, photographic and lens based technologies, materials and processes, to be able to produce inventive and progressive practical outcomes
• Deepen your intellectual powers and understanding of philosophical, cultural and economic contexts and their relation to contemporary photographic practice and visual culture
• Enhance analytical skills and critical self-awareness to enable you to contextualise your practice in a range of formats and to a range of audiences
• Encourage discernment in the making and resolution of practical work, and an ability to develop and enhance a practical project over an extended period of time

• Develop a range of transferable skills, including communication skills, entrepreneurship and independent judgment, that will enhance your employability after you’ve graduated. 

This course is built to help individuals committed to improving the quality of their practice, and to making practical work that contributes to society, the economy and the environment.

The course accomplishes this by equipping you with the real-world capabilities needed to make an impact within the industry. During your studies, you’ll develop the resourcefulness and imagination required to elevate your output – plus the professional skills to navigate the creative sphere.

Your course overview

Join one of our Course Advisors and Course Leader Jesse Alexander for an overview of the Top-Up, the entry requirements and how it can help you achieve your goals. Watch now:

Careers and employability

Upon graduating, you’ll be well-positioned to secure work within your specialism. Your degree can also help you pursue other roles that would benefit from your offering. Some examples include working as an art therapist, digital marketer, gallery curator, or visual merchandiser.

In addition to the guidance offered by our tutors, you can also access our RealWORKS, our careers and employability service throughout your studies, and for up to 5 years following graduation.

Our expert team will help you identify potential opportunities in the UK or internationally, prepare for job interviews, advise you on starting up your own business, and more.

You should have:

240 HE credits in a related subject for example, from the first 2 years of a degree, a completed Foundation Degree or HND. 

A digital portfolio of practice that demonstrates the quality of your photographic practice, and your creative potential. This may include published work, personal projects, or work made on a recent course.

If your first language is not English, you'll need to take one of the following tests to verify your proficiency:

• IELTS - minimum overall score of IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
• TOEFL iBT (online test) - minimum of 80 overall and at least 19 in all 4 components
• LanguageCert (online test) - a High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2 parts)

We accept a number of additional English language qualifications as well. All applications are considered on an individual basis, and may or may not include an interview.

Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are also encouraged to apply. If you have prior learning or experience with this subject, you may even be able to apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). You can learn more about this via our APL guide.

For more information on course requirements, including advice regarding your eligibility, please get in touch via the form at the end of this page.

Before you apply 

Visit our Application process page for detailed information on how to apply.

Should you require assistance with your application, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable course advisors. They are dedicated to guiding you through the application process, ensuring you submit the strongest possible application for your course admission.

Late applications may be considered if places are available. 

Application steps 

• Submit an online application form
• Submit a copy of your first degree certificate or Level 6 equivalent qualification and your IELTS certificate if English is not your first language
• Submit a digital portfolio of practice that demonstrates the quality of your photographic practice, and your creative potential. This may include published work, personal projects, or work made on a recent course.