Photography BA (Hons)

At Nottingham Trent University, the Photography BA (Hons) program emphasizes hands-on learning that equips students with practical, industry-ready skills. From mastering exposure, digital workflows, and studio lighting to creating professional portfolios and moving-image projects, you’ll gain experience that bridges both analogue and digital photography. Students benefit from access to industry-standard equipment and facilities, fostering creativity and personal photographic practice. The course also encourages self-directed projects and collaborations, ensuring you leave with both technical expertise and a professional mindset.

Experiential learning includes:

• State-of-the-art facilities: Traditional darkrooms, digital studios, and professional lighting equipment.

• Software and digital tools: Industry-standard editing and workflow software for photography and moving image projects.

• Live assignments and client briefs: Opportunities to work on projects simulating real-world commercial, editorial, and artistic photography contexts.

• Collaborative projects: Team-based problem-solving in modules like Co Lab, focusing on themes such as sustainability and social innovation.

• Optional placement year (Sandwich): Up to a year of industry experience to develop practical skills and build professional networks.

• Field trips and external collaborations: Engage with real-world photographic environments and exhibitions.

• Guest lectures and industry insights: Learn directly from practising photographers across art, documentary, fashion, and commercial sectors.

• Research and creative exploration: Access to libraries, workshops, and resources for both independent and guided study.

• International opportunities: Option to participate in exchanges with partner institutions such as RMIT, Australia.

This structure ensures you graduate with not just theoretical knowledge, but practical experience, a polished portfolio, and strong industry connections.

Future Progression & Opportunities:
Graduates from the Photography BA (Hons) at Nottingham Trent University leave ready to shape the creative industries, with strong portfolios and professional experience. They often secure roles in areas such as commercial, editorial, or fine art photography, combining technical skill with creative vision:

• University Employability Support: NTU’s Career and Employability Service provides tailored advice, networking events, and placement opportunities to help students secure roles in the creative sector.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: NTU graduates are highly sought after, with many entering roles offering starting salaries in the range of £22,000–£28,000, with opportunities for progression as they gain experience.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with real-world clients, guest lecturers, and international partners like RMIT in Australia give students direct exposure to industry standards and expectations.

• Accreditation Value: The course equips students with industry-recognised skills and a professional portfolio, ensuring long-term career credibility.

• Graduate Outcomes: Alumni work as professional photographers, photo editors, visual storytellers, or creative directors, often advancing into leadership or entrepreneurial roles in the arts.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as MA Photography, MA Documentary Photography, or other specialized creative arts master’s degrees, further developing their expertise and expanding international career opportunities.