BA (Hons) Photographic Practice Degree (Level 6) — Full-time
Course outline
The new BA (Hons) degree in Photographic Practice is designed to enable you to build the skills to work effectively as a professional as a freelancer or in the creative industries.
You'll develop a detailed understanding of the technical aspects of photography work including units on studio practice, sports photography, photo journalism and product photography. You will develop your understanding of the use of software such as Photoshop throughout. You will also learn how to manage a business effectively – through units that look at managing finances and working with customers.
Crucially, you will be given the skills and understanding to use digital marketing in creating your own online presence and also explore how this is used by a wide range of employers and organisations. As a result you will be able to use your photographic talents in this rapidly-developing area.
The programme will be delivered at our ultra-modern City Hub campus in Nottingham City Centre, providing access to professional industry-standard equipment, studio spaces and software such as Adobe Creative Suite. You'll also have numerous opportunities to engage and collaborate with other students aiming to get into the creative industries and work in response to live industry briefs.
What you will cover:
Year 1 (Level 4) is designed to provide clear foundations on which to build skills in both practical photography and the concepts behind it.
You will undertake practical units in camera, editing and studio technology whilst studying ideas and concepts in analysing visual imagery, interpreting narratives and understanding audiences.
Indicative Year 1 modules:
- Visual imagery
- Finding an audience in photography
- Camera skills
- Technical production skills
Year 2 (Level 5) gives the chance to continue to build and develop skills in specialist areas of photography and exhibiting your work.
Indicative Year 2 modules:
- Exhibiting photography
- Journalism and event photography
- Studio and product photography
- Contextual studies
Year 3 (Level 6) gets you ready to launch your photography career with units designed to give you the ability to exhibit, pitch for work, build a portfolio and build your own brand.
Indicative Year 3 modules:
- Dissertation
- Advanced photography skills
- Enterprise and exhibition
Useful links:
- Programme Specification
- Open University Students Guide 2024-25
- Open University Validation Regulations 2024
Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.
You can view the fantastic works of our Media, Photography & Performance students on our showcase website run by our media faculty team.
View showcaseHow to apply for this course
Entry onto this course is via UCAS. Alternatively, if you are interested in applying directly to us, you can choose our fast track application option below.
- Institution code: N30
- UCAS code: PHT3
Want to find out more first?
Would you like more information? Email our HE team.
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Location:
111 Canal Street
Nottingham NG1 7HB |
Date:Start: Monday 15th September 2025 |
Fees / reductions:The tuition fee is per year. Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses. Tuition fee: £8,250 |
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Course code: C042174 / Q042175 |
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| Qualification | BA (Hons) Degree in Photographic Practice validated by The Open University |
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| Duration | 3 years |
| Level | Level 6 |
| Entry requirements | We expect applicants to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. We accept GCSE passes in English Language and maths at Grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C). Applicants must also have a minimum of 64 UCAS points from study at Level 3:
Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff. Mature applicants not meeting the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply. |
| Teaching & assessment | A mixture of traditional and innovative assessment methods will be used, including individual and group presentations, discussions, report writing, case studies, presentations, research and project work, examinations, reflective journals and work-based projects. |
| Progression | Graduates will be well-equipped to progress to postgraduate study or seek work in a variety of creative roles. Many photographers work in advertising, media, fashion, sports, weddings, and more! Possible careers include: photographer, sports photographer, fashion photographer, press photographer, picture editor, exhibition curator, visual merchandiser, videographer, retoucher, digital marketeer, photo-journalist, blogger or teacher. |
| Additional information | 
You can view the Open University Students Guide 2022 here. In addition, you can view the OU Validated Award Regulations here. |
