Photography (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  On Photography (Top-Up) BA (Hons), 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.

  We encourage you to develop an independent approach to your learning, with a focus on personal research methods and extending your individual practice through experimentation and critical thought.

  Your learning will be informed by historical and current references as well as cultural and social contexts so that you can understand the impact that photography can have and the change it can inspire, as well as developing your professional practice. We will also support you to engage in live projects, competitions and exhibitions so that you are prepared for the professional field of photography when you graduate.

  Want to see some of our students’ work? Follow the University of Northampton’s BA Photography course on Instagram – @uon_photography

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Career Development in Photographic Practices (40 Credits)
      Module code: PHO3003

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop visual and written presentation skills and strategies to support communication within a range of business and professional frameworks. It focuses on the knowledge and skills required to present a creative profile to support professional practice within the breadth of the photographic industry.
    • Practice Exhibition (80 Credits)
      Module code: PHO4001

      Status: Compulsory
      This aims to facilitate development and consolidation of the student?s creative and theoretical interests as well as professional aspirations in the production of a new body of work for public exhibition. The module makes complex demands on the student from conceptualisation to dissemination of their work intended for particular audiences.

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. Applicants are expected to have studied a Photography or Art and Design related subject at Foundation Degree level or equivalent, or as a HND.

  Applicants are requested to send in a digital portfolio of their own work in Art and Design, which will then be reviewed by the Photography team. Receiving an offer may also be subject to qualifications and standard entry requirements.

  International students may also submit their portfolio electronically.

  For more 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.

  English Language Requirements

  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.

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• Fees and Funding

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,500 per 20 credit module
  • International – Full Time: £14,500

  Additional Costs

  • 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

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • International – Full Time: £13,000

  Additional Costs

  • 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

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Partnerships and Accreditation

  Our BA Top-Up (Hons) Photography programme has been ‘Approved’ by the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) as one of the ‘most respected photographic courses in the UK’.

  BIPP Approved Colleges
  Some of the most respected photographic courses in the UK offer their students the opportunity to gain a BIPP professional qualification alongside their academic achievements. If you are a student at a BIPP approved college you are able to receive a reduced membership at £50* per year (while studying). ( * Cost correct as of 2020/21)

  This means that you’re able to gain a BIPP professional qualification alongside your course, at a discounted rate. Professional qualifications can enhance your CV and help you to stand out from the crowd when you graduate.

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• Postgraduate Opportunities

  Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our postgraduate courses to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

  Fine Art MA

  Master of Business Administration (MBA)

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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 £300-350 while trips to America/Asia cost approximately £850-1000.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on Photography (Top-Up) BA (Hons) ?

  Much of this course will be practical, culminating in an exhibition a professional portfolio and  a contextual report. There will be practical workshops on a range of photographic media and studio practice. We also have visiting lectures from a range of industry professionals and artists to form part of your continuing professional development.

  How will I be assessed?

  Theory is assessed through a contextual report and presentations, while practical work is judged through portfolio presentations and exhibitions.

  Will I have access to specialist facilities?

  Facilities available include:

  • We have a black and white darkroom catering for dish processing. Traditional photographic techniques are catered for with rooms for wet processing, and washing and drying film and prints.
  • Two large studios (one day light, 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 suite, which is a dedicated digital training room – a complete Mac suite of 22 workstations.
  • Students 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.
  • Students also have access to a specialist video editing suite, with industry standard software.

  Special course features include:

  • Excellent traditional and digital specialist facilities
  • Research active teaching staff
  • Talks by visiting artists, photographers and art professionals
  • Fine art and commercial approaches to photography

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