Senior Lecturer in Photography
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology
Photography BA (Hons)
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Key Facts
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UCAS Code
BA: W640
BA with Foundation: W642 -
Level
UndergraduateUG BA (Hons)
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Duration
Full Time: 3 years
Full Time Foundation: 4 years
Part Time: 4 - 6 years -
Starting
September
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BCC at A-Level or,
DMM at BTEC or
a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design -
Full Time: £9,250
Part Time: £1,540 (per 20 credits)
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 -
Full Time: £15,200
Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200 -
Waterside
Updated 30/10/2024
Get in touch
For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:
UK/EU STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Our BA Photography degree takes a practical approach to exploring the photograph within a range of contemporary practices and contexts. This will extend to a critical understanding of photography subjects and allows the scope for you to develop your creativity and professionalism.
During our undergraduate photography course, we will challenge you to consider traditional silver processes and digital technologies, evaluating photographic production and studying the still image in relation to both the moving image and newer interactive technologies.
Students studying BA Photography at the University of Northampton will also benefit from our industry standard photography studio facilities, which you can explore via the virtual tours below.
Ask a staff member. Senior lecturer in Photography, John Hunt, is now available on Unibuddy to answer any questions you may have about this course.
Highlights
- You can receive FREE student membership of the AOP as part of your studies, enhancing your CV and helping you stand out from the crowd when you graduate and pursue a career in photography.
- Photography degree students have use of dedicated specialist facilities – view our Photo Studio 1, Photo Studio 2, and Dark Room Tours.
- We also organise external exhibitions of our BA Photography students’ work and in addition we regularly host Visiting Lecturers and Portfolio reviews.
- Final Year students will take part in the Degree Show which provides graduating students with the opportunity to showcase their work to industry contacts.
- HP Laptop and software included with this course, see Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions.
Image shows aerial view of the Creative Hub; a modern, curved building surrounded by greenery, paths, and people sitting or walking near a river on a partly cloudy day.
Image shows the main entrance to the Learning Hub, which is a large, multi-storied building with many large windows, with ‘Learning Hub’ in large letters on the front. It is a sunny day, and several blurred people are walking outside.
Image shows a modern library interior with people reading at tables and seated on cushioned chairs in the Learning hub. Shelves filled with books are visible in the background under circular ceiling lights.
Image shows view of the lawn and courtyard outside the Learning Hub, featuring a bare tree, ornamental grasses, and an abstract sculpture. The building has several stories and features large windows.
Image shows the ground floor of the Learning Hub; it is a large, modern atrium with high ceilings, a large clock on the wall, turnstile gates, and an angular black staircase. A student carrying a backpack is walking through the space.
Image shows a large, modern lobby with high ceilings, circular light fixtures, and an upper floor visible. People are sitting on yellow seats and moving around. Stairs and a black staircase are also present.
Image shows external view of the Creative Hub, which is a large modern multi-story building with curved design, large windows, and white façade. In front of the building, people walk and sit on a landscaped plaza with trees and benches.
Image shows a study area on the ground floor of the Creative Hub; it has bright and modern with large windows, light fixtures on the ceiling, colourful chairs, and students seated at tables.
Entry Requirements
A typical offer for BA Photography would be:
- BCC at A-Level or,
- DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Pass (C and above) at T Level or,
- a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.
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Applicants for our degree in photography are requested to send in a digital portfolio of their own work in Art and Design, which will then be reviewed by the University Photography team. Receiving an offer may also be subject to qualifications and standard entry requirements.
International students may also submit their portfolio electronically. Students with a relevant HND or Foundation Degree with a suitable profile of achievement may be admitted onto year two or three.
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Admission to this foundation photography programme is normally:
- DEE at A-Level or,
- MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Pass (D or E) at T Level
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.
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Once your application has been reviewed, you may be invited to attend an interview with us.
Prior to your interview you will be asked to send in a digital portfolio, which should include 5-10 pieces of your work. Your portfolio should include examples of your visual research/journal work, and short piece of writing on photography or other lens-based mediums (essay, contextual report, exhibition review etc). This will give us some insight into how you write formally, and your familiarity with key texts. There is no minimum or maximum word count for this, and a piece of school/college coursework is fine. We’re looking to see your interests and ideas, as well as your photographic skills, experience, and working/research methods. You may also include a link to your website or Instagram page.
Your interview will be with a member of the programme team and you’ll go over your portfolio with them. They’ll ask you some questions around your work and your interest in the course. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask them any questions you may have about the course.
We hold our Photography interviews online and it will take around 30 minutes.
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All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
for study at undergraduate level.
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
Changing Futures Week
Every year, our Photography students take part in Changing Futures Week, which is aimed at showcasing industry careers and opportunities. The week includes masterclasses, key-note speakers, demonstrations and specialist events. This year, our Photography students took part in an ‘Industry Day’, which included a professional photoshoot!
Course Content
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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.
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Content Production Skills (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO1020Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Digital Imaging Skills (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO1021Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Engaging with a Client (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO1022Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Presenting the Image (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO1023Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Skills for Specialist Workflows (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO1024Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Reading the Image (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO1025Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Content Production Skills (20 Credits)
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Advanced Fashion Imagery (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO2017Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Cinematography (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO2018Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Commercial Campaign (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO2019Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Engaging with the Industry
Module code: PHO2020Status: Compulsory
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Experimental Image Making (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO2021Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Photography and Visual Culture (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO2022Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Advanced Fashion Imagery (20 Credits)
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Professional Futures (20 Credits)
Module code: PHO3006Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Project Foundations: Research & Concept (40 Credits)
Module code: PHO3007Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Final Major Project (60 Credits)
Module code: PHO4002Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Professional Futures (20 Credits)
This Photography degree has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
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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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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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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.
Fees and Funding
2024/25 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
- International – Full Time: £15,200
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200
Information on the scholarships available to you can be found on our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
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Study Trips Abroad
We organise annual international 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.
There are usually one or two trips to Europe each year and at least one long haul trip further afield. Study trips to Europe cost approximately £400-450 while trips to America/Asia cost approximately £1,000-£1,200.
Additional costs to be considered (prices can vary):
- Own camera (cameras are available to loan from the University – with potential added cost for film, paper, external hard drive and SD/CF cards)
- External hard drive
- Producing a physical portfolio – both the case and the prints.
- Printing photographs
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- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
- International – Full Time: £14,750
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750
Careers and Employability
Our Photography degree is excellent preparation for a range of careers in fields such as the commercial and public sectors, marketing, public relations and specialised fields.
With the skills and knowledge developed on our photography undergraduate programme, our graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of different photography careers. Opportunities in the field of photography include, but are not limited to;
- Photographer (event/press/product/etc.)
- TV camera operator
- Graphic designer / web designer
- Video editor
- Advertising art director
- Multimedia specialist
- Museum/gallery curator
You could develop your practice as an independent artist and pursue collaborations, commissions, publication and exhibition opportunities. You would also be well positioned for master’s study.
Master’s Opportunities
Our master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on master’s courses to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.
Facilities
While studying for a degree in photography, you can make use of the top facilities available, such as our black and white darkroom in line with industry standards. Two large studios (one with daylight, and the other with artificial lighting) provide professional standard facilities for a wide range of studio-based photography using film or digital cameras.
There is a digital Mac suite, which is a dedicated digital photography training room. You will have access to a range of film and flatbed scanners (including the Hasselblad Flextight Scanner), and fully colour managed computers which are linked to the digital print room. You will also have access to a video editing suite, with industry standard software.
An in-house exhibition-standard printing and mounting service is also available.
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