The Fashion Photography BA (Hons) at Nottingham Trent University equips students to become innovative visual storytellers, blending technical skill with creative vision. It suits aspiring photographers eager to explore both traditional and cutting-edge approaches to fashion imagery, while collaborating across creative industries.
Curriculum Structure:
Year One:
Students begin with foundational skills in Fashion Behind the Lens, learning traditional and digital photography techniques, alongside History, Context and Near-Future of Photography, which explores photography’s cultural, ethical, and technological impact. The CoLab: Research, Exploration and Risk-Taking module encourages collaborative problem-solving on creative briefs, preparing students for real-world challenges.
Year Two:
The focus shifts to experimentation and professional practice through Fashion Beyond the Lens, where students explore moving image, immersive technologies, and AI in fashion contexts. Fashion Assignments allows them to respond to live client briefs, while optional modules such as Fashion Styling or Digital Marketing and Communication help tailor learning to individual career goals.
Year Three:
Final-year students consolidate their creative identity in Fashion Lab, developing experimental projects that reflect personal vision and industry awareness. The Sketchpad module encourages practical reflection and creative experimentation, while Fashion Assignments continues to engage students with real-world briefs, preparing them for professional practice. Students can also opt for a Placement Year, gaining industry experience and potentially earning a Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice.
Focus Areas: Fashion imagery, immersive media, creative collaboration, technical photography, fashion storytelling
Learning Outcomes: Develop professional technical skills, conceptual creativity, collaborative working, and industry-ready portfolio
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Industry-relevant practice with opportunities for professional placement
Reputation (Employability Rankings): Ranked top 15 in the UK for Art and Design in the Complete University Guide 2026
At Nottingham Trent University, the Fashion Photography BA (Hons) program immerses students in a hands-on, industry-focused learning environment. You’ll gain practical experience across all stages of the creative process—from inspiration and concept development to production and post-production—using both traditional and cutting-edge techniques. Students collaborate with dancers, filmmakers, musicians, and designers, learning directly from an award-winning academic team with experience working for brands like Vogue, GQ, and Levi’s. This real-world exposure ensures you develop the technical, creative, and professional skills needed to succeed in the competitive world of fashion photography.
Experiential learning opportunities include:
Industry Collaboration: Work on live projects, competitions, and briefs from real clients, enhancing professional skills.
Professional Portfolio Development: Showcase work to creative industry professionals, building a tailored portfolio.
Placement Year (Optional Sandwich Route): Gain up to a year of work experience, with the possibility of earning a Certificate or Diploma in Professional Practice.
Fashion Lab: Access a creative space to experiment with ideas, aesthetics, and innovative approaches to fashion imagery.
Digital Tools & Technology: Use industry-standard cameras, film-based and digital equipment, immersive technologies, AI tools, and sound design software.
Collaborative Projects: Participate in team-based problem-solving through modules like CoLab, focusing on sustainability, social justice, and creative innovation.
Field Experience & Workshops: Engage in live assignments and workshops, interpreting client briefs and creating fashion narratives.
Specialized Modules: Explore optional modules in areas like Digital Marketing, Music Video, Virtual Production, Fashion Styling, and more.
Guest Lectures & Industry Insights: Learn from visiting photographers and professionals across various photographic disciplines.
Research & Conceptual Development: Benefit from dedicated modules such as “History, Context and Near-Future of Photography” to strengthen critical and contextual understanding.
This structure ensures that every student graduates not just with technical ability, but with a rich portfolio of practical, professional experience ready for the fashion photography industry.
Future Progression & Opportunities:
Graduates from the Fashion Photography BA (Hons) at Nottingham Trent University leave with a strong creative and professional portfolio, ready to enter the fast-evolving world of fashion and visual storytelling. Career paths typically include Fashion Photographer, Creative Director, Photo Editor, and Digital Content Producer:
University Careers Services: NTU’s Careers & Employability team supports students with CV workshops, portfolio reviews, networking events, and one-on-one career coaching.
Employment Stats & Salary: Graduates often secure positions in leading fashion, media, and creative industries, with starting salaries typically ranging from £22,000–£28,000, progressing with experience.
Industry Partnerships: Students collaborate with high-profile clients such as Vogue, i-D, Rolling Stone, GQ, Paul Smith, Levi’s, and Swiss Army through live projects, competitions, and guest lectures.
Accreditation Value: The program’s professional focus and industry links provide long-term credibility and recognition in creative sectors worldwide.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni develop versatile skills in photography, digital media, and visual storytelling, equipping them to work internationally or launch independent creative ventures.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue their studies with Master’s programs in Fashion Photography, Photography, Visual Communication, or Creative Media, enhancing both technical skills and professional networks for more advanced creative or leadership roles.
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