Photographer with camera in studio
Undergraduate BA (Hons)

Photography

Attendance

Full-time

Course

Three year

Next enrolment

September 2026

Introduction

In a nutshell

By providing you with a solid foundation in photographic theory and practice, this photography course will offer you the opportunity to take risks, explore ideas and realise your creative potential. This photography degree course aims to create flexible, resourceful, and creative photographers with well-developed transferable skills, that can be applied to a broad range of commercial, and art-based careers.

You will work with industry-standard equipment and studios to support you from image capture through to exhibition. You will learn to apply a range of practical contemporary photographic and digital skills to explore the creative and intellectual potential of existing, experimental, and digital photographic techniques and their application within the creative arts and media industries.

Some of the career routes that photography graduates go on to include, archivists, art directors, curators, digital artists, exhibiting photographers, freelancers, picture researchers, printers, retouchers, studio managers, teachers, videographers. You will also have the potential to move across into related careers in marketing, branding, technical support, and PR.

Want to learn more about studying a Photography degree course at Salford? You can sign up for an Open Day, or attend a campus tour. Our team is on Instagram as @uos_photography. 

You can also find out about our 'Salford Photography Presents...' events on Eventbrite

You will:

  • develop your skills and gain confidence with access to our outstanding technical facilities and equipment
  • gain real world experience through working directly with industry on live briefs and masterclasses
  • grow your authentic creative vision within an inclusive and ambitious community of photographers
  • learn about sustainability and the power photography has to make positive change in the world
  • explore the potential of photography as a regenerative practice which inspires solutions to global challenges
International

students accepted

This is for you if...

1.

you want to join a transformative programme rooted in social justice and sustainability

2.

you want to advance your professional photography skills and creative confidence with access to industry-standard facilities and supportive tutors

3.

you are a creative thinker who is fascinated by the potential of images to tell a story

Course details

All about the course

Your first year on our Photography degree is all about gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence to let your creativity run wild. With this aim in mind, you’ll explore contemporary photographic practices through a combination of practical and academic modules.

As you progress into your second year, you’ll get a better understanding of photography in a professional context. You’ll learn about the opportunities that are available to you and how you can make a living from photography. As well as that, you will also develop your skills and understanding in areas such as moving image, experimental image making and exhibiting.

The third year of this photography course further develops your independent approach to photography. You will focus on realising your creative potential by undertaking a major self-directed project. This project will be underpinned by extensive practical and theoretical research, and the writing of a dissertation, in which you will explain the reasoning and methods behind your work.

Read about Ishmael's study experience of BA (Hons) Photography

Gain a deeper understanding of what you’ll explore within each module below. The course content is currently subject to approval. 

Year one

Relating (20 credits)

This module supports you in developing connections within your new community as you begin your studies on the Photography programme. Through a series of day shoots you will be supported in developing confidence photographing responsibly in different environments.  

You will engage in creative experimentation with a range of photographic materials and processes, including creative exposure control and selection of focal lengths. You’ll learn industry standard software for developing skills in the editing, design and production of photographic publications.  

By the end of the module, you’ll showcase your skills and experiences through the production of an individual zine and collaborative photo publication. 

Thinking (20 credits)

How do we know what is true anymore? Can our creative practice make positive change? In this module you will develop your critical, reflective and creative thinking skills through experiential learning. Through lectures and seminars, you will explore ideas about the nature of photographic truth in the age of AI and develop your personal perspective on ethical use of social media. 

This critical reflection will inform the development and distribution of a short video to raise awareness of a real-world issue, developing your skills in content production for diverse audiences. 

Practice 1 (40 credits)

This module is your introduction to core learning resources and skills for your creative journey on the Photography programme. You will complete inductions for photographic equipment booking, studios, darkroom and digital print.  

Academic staff will introduce you to university systems and academic standards, supporting you in developing confidence in generating ideas and sharing them with your peers.  

Through the production of digital and analogue photographic prints using New Adelphi facilities you will demonstrate that you can safely and independently access these industry-standard spaces - giving you freedom to explore your photographic practice as a Salford student. 

Practice 2 (40 credits)

This module gives you the opportunity to develop professional experience by responding to industry-led photography briefs. You will be able to choose from a range of professional experiences to support your individual interests, working alongside Level 5 students so you can expand your creative community and get to know other students on the Photography programme.  

Specialised skills sessions led by industry will support you in responding to your chosen brief. You will share your outcomes on social media, beginning to build a professional identity as a photographer. Your year group will also receive training in core professional competencies learning how to apply key legal and intellectual property frameworks to your practice. 

Year two

Being (20 credits)

What inspires you to photograph? What is your professional community of practice? This module will support you to develop an informed ethical and cultural position for your photographic practice, asking you to reflect on how your personal values and lived experience shape what and how you do.  

You will learn strategies to support your creative resilience as a future professional and understand where your practice fits within the photographic industry. Lectures and seminars will help you to develop an informed understanding of ethical practice in photography.  

Tasks will include the creation of a cultural position presentation which shares your core influences and contextualises your work in relation to industry, and a statement of ethical practice. 

Futures (20 credits)

In this module you will act as a global citizen, developing your understanding of sustainability issues through your photographic practice. You will learn how the history of photography is entangled in extraction and colonisation and be introduced to tool kits for sustainable photography. You will put these ideas into practice through hands on workshops, experimenting with alternative sustainable processes, and collaborating on a creative project with an international partner.   

Practice 3 (40 credits)

You will develop a self-initiated project in response to your personally defined career goals, giving you creative freedom to produce the work that interests you in a supportive environment.  

You will have the opportunity to co-create technical content for this module. Masterclasses designed to elevate your photographic skill set will be programmed according to your year groups’ interests and professional needs.  

The creation of a document of research and reflection will support the development of your critical writing skills. Group tutorials and a final showcase of your work will enable you to share your learning with other students in your year group. 

Practice 4 (40 credits)

In this module you will have the choice to either undertake an industry-led brief with associated skills sessions (as you did in Practice 2) or work placement. As a Level 5 student you will have the opportunity to co-create content for this module – staff will respond to your year groups interests and skill needs in developing industry partnerships on briefs.  

You will demonstrate your developing creative expression and professionalism through the responsible and ethical production and presentation of a photographic output. Practical workshops for your year group will support the development of a professional online identity through website design and use of online networking tools. 

Year three

Activate (20 credits)

This module is a supportive framework for your progression from student to professional. You will receive personalised guidance in developing and activating a long-term career plan through professional mentoring and networking opportunities.  

By sharing your knowledge and skills with peers you will show that, as a creative professional, you can make a positive contribution to communities of practice. Tasks will include a log of professional activities and the development of a 5 Year Career Plan to support your confident progression from student to professional. 

Collaborating (20 credits)

Your professional networks are essential to your future success. Photographers work with other people and positively contribute to local and global communities. This module asks you to develop a collaboration, demonstrating your creative problem-solving skills in real world practice.  

You will be introduced to tools to support collaborative practice, with academic support in initiating and managing your project to completion within a time-limited framework. You will define the focus of your project. You can work with a charity, community group, industry or students from other discipline areas to co-produce a project to professional standards. 

Practice 5 (40 credits)

Practice 5 supports your development towards becoming an independent, critically informed photographer. This module emphasises creative play and experimentation as you research and test ideas in practice working on the development of a major body of work in relation to your personally defined career goals.  

By the end of this module, you will have produced a series of test shoots and a proposal of how to further develop, refine and present your work for professional audiences. The development of your creative practice will be underpinned by a written dissertation demonstrating your ability to critically reflect on the cultural contexts which inform your photography.   

Practice 6 (40 credits

On your final module of BA (Hons) Photography you will produce and present a major body of work, showcasing your professional knowledge and skills to industry and public audiences.  

You will define the focus of your creative practice through your personal values and career goals demonstrating that you are a culturally informed and responsible professional ready to make a positive contribution to industry and society. 

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our undergraduate courses are normally made up of 20 credit modules which are equal to 200 hours of learning time. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises a total of 360 credits (120 credits per year).

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

70%

Practical work

30%

Contextual and written work

Teaching

As part of this Photography degree course, your timetable will include a breakdown of your scheduled lessons with timeslots for you to explore your independent research interests. Your classes will be based at our New Adelphi building.

You will learn through a mixture of practice and theory-based activities. These will include lectures, where you will be introduced to the key themes and ideas in photography. You will also have tutorials and workshops which allow you to experiment and learn in a 'hands-on' environment, developing relevant skills through ‘doing’. Seminars are sessions where you will have the chance to discuss what you've been learning with other students on your course.

You’ll also have individual tutorials. These one-to-one sessions with your tutor you are a space for you to discuss ideas and issues related to your work.

Much of your work will be done through self-directed learning, during which it will be down to you to research, manage and complete your projects to your own schedule.

You’ll also have access to Blackboard - a virtual learning environment where teaching materials and announcements will be available to you. This is accessible both on and off-campus.

Assessment

Assessment will be mainly based on project work, presentations and on the ability to incorporate feedback. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate team-building, communication and self-management skills throughout your studies.

Be a part of a creative, supportive community

All our Art and Design courses are delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology. We are a creative community with a focus on creating a collaborative environment where you can thrive and gain the skills needed to pursue your dreams. 

Our Engagement Team coordinates school-wide events such as the Create Student Awards, academic conferences, networking and volunteering opportunities, welcoming and wellbeing fairs and exhibitions like our annual Degree Show. 

For non-course matters, you will have access to our university-wide support service askUS, who will support and guide you to be successful in all aspects of your life.

Throughout your time at Salford, you’ll be mentored and supported by experts. And once you graduate, it won’t end there. You’ll join a thriving alumni network across Greater Manchester and beyond, meaning you’ll be supported professionally and personally whenever you need it. 

Art and design facilities

This degree in Photography is based at our £55 million New Adelphi building, the home of design and creativity on campus.

When you study with us, you’ll learn from our experienced tutors and demonstrators, who’ll teach you how to use our art and design facilities. These include:

  • Studio space – dedicated areas for each course, giving you room to think and create.
  • Marker Space workshop - create digital rapid prototypes using 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters and more.
  • Photography studios - industry standard photographic studios, which you can use in conjunction with darkrooms and digital printing facilities.
  • New Adelphi Theatre – industry-standard live 350-seat theatre at the New Adelphi which is open to the public. It’s three floors of tiered seating, it’s the largest of our performing spaces.
  • Workshops – from print to textiles, wood to metal, our range of workshops allow you to take your ideas from page to reality and work in a variety of media.
  • Mac suites - equipped with the industry-standard software you’ll need during your studies and in the world of work.
  • Explore our Art and Design facilities at New Adelphi, or take a 360 tour of our New Adelphi building.
Employment and stats

What about after uni?

Employment

You’ll open the door to a number of careers with a photography degree. Many graduates go on to set up their own businesses. Other career paths available include E-commerce Photographer, Sports Photographer, Music Photography, Photographer’s Assistant, Studio Manager, Social Media Content Creator, Picture Researcher, Archivist, Teacher, Medical Photographer, Artist, Curator, Post-Production... 

Thanks to the transferrable skills you learn during your time studying a photography degree at University of Salford, you could also move into a related field, such as marketing, branding, project management, technical support or PR. 

Further study

Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further postgraduate path through our Postgraduate programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal. 

A taste of what you could become

A photographer

An art director

A content creator

A lecturer

An archivist

And more...

Career Links

Students have multiple opportunities every year to work with Industry on Live Briefs. In the past students have worked with BBC, Glorious Sport, Suez, ACS, Salford Art Collection, NHS, Getty,  

Requirements

What you need to know

Application profile

We are looking for people with curiosity, energy and enthusiasm. To gain a place on this Photography degree course, you’ll have to submit a UCAS personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply. 

Within your Photography degree UCAS personal statement (up to 4,000 characters), we’ll want to understand: 

  • What motivates you and what current experiences do you have in terms of art and design and photography? 
  • How have you been involved and what did you do? 
  • Do you have any knowledge in the arts and photography techniques; are there any projects that inspire you? 
  • Why do you want to work in the visual communication and the photography sector? 
  • Why is the University of Salford and this Photography degree the right choice for your future goals? 

Once you’ve made your application to study with us, we’ll contact you and let you know the next steps. 

For some applicants, you’ll be asked to provide us with a portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills.

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent) is required.

You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.

UCAS tariff points

104-112 points. Art and Design subjects preferred. 

A level

104-112 points. Grade B/C or above in Art and Design is preferred. 

T level

Merit

BTEC National Diploma

DMM. Art and Design subject is preferred. 

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Distinction = 112 UCAS points - if you have a Pass (80 points) or Merit (96 points), you must have additional qualifications to a total of 112 points.

Access to HE

Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 104-112 points (relevant subject)

Scottish Highers

104112 points. Art and Design subject is preferred. 

Irish Leaving Certificate

104-112 points. Art and Design subject is preferred. 

International Baccalaureate

30-31 points. Art and Design subject is preferred. 

European Baccalaureate

Pass Diploma with 73% overall (relevant subject)

International students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.

We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course. Or if you have finished high school in your country but don’t have the qualifications to gain entry to this course, you can take our International Foundation Year as a pathway to this degree.

Other appropriate qualifications or professional experience

Direct entry to Years 2 or 3 may be possible with appropriate qualifications or professional experience. Please contact us for further details.

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2026/27 £9,535 per year
Full-time international 2026/27 £18,120 per year

Additional costs

Optional costs may include £150 for field trips and £250 for a European visit per year. In addition, students will be required to pay from £100 for show participation in their final year. Costs are approximated based on the current academic year.

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for International Students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

September 2026

Student information

Terms and conditions

UCAS information

Course ID W640

Institution S03