BA (Hons) Photography Degree

Capture your world through the lens with Northbrook College's Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Photography degree. Shape your vision, build your portfolio, and launch your creative career with our tailored study programme.

The course encourages individual development through experimental, explorative projects that are then developed into a specialist portfolio and major exhibition during your final year.

Course Overview

Location: Northbrook College, Worthing, West Sussex, England
UCAS code: W642
Duration: 3 years full-time
Application deadline: 15 July 2024
Start date: September 2024
Tuition Fees: £16,500

Entry requirements

2 A-Levels and 3 GCSEs in other subjects grade 9-4 or A-C (or equivalent)
OR
1 A-Level, a Foundation course and 3 GCSEs in other subjects grade 9-4 or A-C (or equivalent)

A portfolio of work or audition is also needed to demonstrate ability in the specialist area.

English language requirements

IELTS certificate or equivalent with an overall score of 6.0, 6.0 in the writing element and 5.5 in all other sub-elements.

Your application will be assessed based on your grades, interview, portfolio/audition, and any experience.

Download Course Sheet

Course Information

This course provides hands-on experience in various photography genres using professional equipment and facilities and opportunities to network with industry professionals. Studying photography at Northbrook College means that you will be supported every step of the way. That's not all, the prestigious University of the Arts London (UAL) will award your degree.

Course Content

Course content

This comprehensive course offers conceptual and practical experiences, allowing students to explore various photographic genres and develop essential photographic and visual communication skills.

Our state-of-the-art facilities include three professional studios: the infinity studio, the black portrait studio, and the TV studio. The TV studio is equipped with a product table for capturing professional shots. Our camera inventory features full-frame digital cameras and a diverse range of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto. Additionally, we provide a darkroom suite, cutting-edge digital post-production facilities, and professional-grade lighting and effects equipment.

We regularly host guest speakers to provide networking opportunities and help you prepare for your future career.

Teaching Method

We use a variety of teaching methods, including:

practical and creative studio-based workshops
discussions
lectures/seminars
tutorials
small group study
self-directed study
study trips

Key Features

Be part of a close-knit community of creatives through cross-collaborative work with other arts students.
Excellent connections with the industry allow you to build your professional network.
Client-based projects provide an opportunity for you to work with top professionals

Course Structure

Year One

The first year equips you with the technical skills, critical thinking, and creative exploration needed to build a strong foundation for your journey in photography.
The program starts by equipping you with the fundamentals: camera operation, lighting, composition, studio and outdoor environments, and darkroom practices. You'll also learn to analyse photographs and critically evaluate your work.
You will refine your skills while exploring genres and analysing photographs. You will discover your artistic voice and understand the photographer's role across genres.
The program delves into the theory behind photography, exploring its cultural, historical, and social contexts. You'll develop your research and critical thinking skills through discussions, research, and projects, and you'll learn to communicate your ideas effectively.
You'll then gain hands-on experience in editorial photography, producing work across various genres and formats. You'll also cover ethical considerations, legal issues, and digital manipulation techniques.
Your culminating project lets you explore a topic of your choice with program support. You'll present your proposal and receive guidance throughout its development.

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Photography
Unit 2: Establishing Practice
Unit 3: Cultural and Contextual Studies
Unit 4: Digital Editorial
Unit 5: Minor Project

Year Two

The second year of BA in Photography empowers you to develop your artistic vision and professional capabilities.
Workshops and independent projects will challenge you to experiment and refine your artistic voice. You'll delve deeper into using photography to express your ideas and engage with contemporary issues.
Alongside artistic development, the program strengthens your theoretical foundation through in-depth studies. You'll learn to contextualize your work within the broader cultural and historical landscape, fostering a deeper understanding of photography's role.
The program also equips you with the skills to thrive in the professional photography industry. You'll gain experience working with real-world client briefs, honing skills like pitching, project management, and collaboration. This practical experience prepares you to navigate the professional world confidently.

Unit 6: The Photographic Manifesto
Unit 7: Advanced Cultural and Contextual Studies
Unit 8: Professional Practice
Unit 9: Independent Project

Year Three

The third year, jumpstart your creative and technical development through a series of fast-paced, weekly challenges designed to spark new ideas and responses. You'll then have the opportunity to propose and participate in workshops tailored specifically to your photographic interests, allowing you to refine your skills in a targeted way. Throughout this process, you'll receive individual guidance and feedback to help you hone your specialist photographic practice.
You'll develop teamwork and collaboration skills through various group projects, culminating in a real-world project for an external client. Throughout these projects, you'll have the opportunity to experiment with different collaborative approaches and reflect on how your contribution impacts the overall project. This will give you a well-rounded understanding of how to work effectively in a team setting.
You'll conduct a self-directed research project on a chosen photographic topic, culminating in a final presentation that critiques your research and offers your unique perspective.
You'll propose a self-initiated photographic project for your portfolio. You'll refine it based on feedback from a panel. This final, negotiated project will highlight your graduate show and portfolio and be ready for internal and external exhibitions.
As you progress through the program, you'll be responsible for creating your timetable, ensuring you have the necessary workshops, lectures, feedback sessions, and tutorials to support your chosen direction. Finally, the program equips you with high-level professional skills in production and curatorial practices, ensuring your final photographic outcome is presented in the best possible light.