About BA (hons) Photography in University of Bolton

Course Details

Photographs are the most exciting and important visual form of global communication, forming a significant part of everyday life. It’s estimated that 4.2 billion people now use the internet and that around 1.2 trillion photos were taken last year*. The image has become the most widely used international language, and the ability to communicate concise visual statements that engage audiences is at the heart of our course and teaching.

Our broad-based degree offers you a unique pathway of visual self-discovery. You’ll benefit from the freedom to pursue your own interests while receiving expert support from our industry-experienced tutors, developed with help from a panel of industry professionals. We offer a supportive market-aware environment, in which you can explore a variety of photographic genres such as documentary, fashion, editorial, photojournalism, commercial advertising, portraiture, architectural, wildlife, landscape and fine art.

We’ll invite industry experts to share their knowledge during guest lectures, and offer you opportunities to work on placements, ‘live briefs’ and commissions. Our industry links will help to enrich your learning experience and provide you with invaluable ‘insider’ information and possible employment opportunities. You can be part of this fully integrated programme of practical and theoretical knowledge, building your confidence and skills ready for a career in this dynamic industry.

Career Opportunities

Photographs are viewed by everyone and are a part of our everyday culture. From advertising products, illustrating stories in magazines and books to appearing on apps and websites, it is an ideal medium to communicate beyond barriers.

A photography career offers opportunities whether you want to work independently or as a staff photographer for an employer. Our BA (Hons) Photography degree helps you to develop valuable transferable skills, such as team working, problem solving, managing large and complex projects to deadline, the discipline of working to briefs and set deadlines, the ability to exploit creative and challenging visual ideas, a comprehensive understanding of digital imaging issues, and the ability to solve and put forward your ideas to address creative problems. These skills can also lead to other professional opportunities such as employment in sales, marketing and customer care, management and other roles.

What Can I Do With This Qualification?

Many BA (Hons) Photography graduates work in areas such as fashion, photojournalism, documentary, fine art, advertising and commercial product photography, as well as in publishing, web design and digital output. Other career prospects include marketing, travel photography, studio management, teaching, medical photography, graphic design, visual media, teaching and camera operation.

Typical employers include Retail sales companies, design companies, publishing including magazines, books and newspapers, film and television, wedding photographers, medical related organisations, the police, holiday companies, universities, and media organisations such as advertising agencies. A large number of photography graduates are self-employed and work on a freelance basis.

There are a range of photography-related postgraduate options available which can support you to develop a strong portfolio career. Some courses look at specific, practice-based areas of photography, such as fine art photography or photojournalism, while others offer a more research focused approach. Other areas of postgraduate research include curatorial, teaching, design, film, editing, journalism and creative enterprise.

Alternative Career Options

• Film, video and picture editing
• Secondary education
• Visual merchandising
• Museum curation
• Art gallery management
• Graphic design
• Web design
• Art direction
• Fashion
• Wedding
• Photographic laboratories
• Conservation
• Forensics

Academic qualification equivalents

• 60% or above at standard XII (all boards) or Successful completion of a 2 year diploma (state board or approved polytechnic)

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS   :   6
• TOEFL :    overall score of 72

University of Bolton Highlights

University of Bolton Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses