BA (Hons) Commercial Photography

If you’re thinking about studying BA (Hons) Commercial Photography at the University of Derby, get ready to learn by doing — this course is built around hands-on experience, real industry tools, and developing a professional mindset from day one.

From your very first term, you’ll be creating real photographic work. You’ll respond to briefs, collaborate with clients, experiment with both analogue and digital workflows, and spend time in professional studios and labs alongside practising photographers and technicians. With access to specialist equipment hubs, darkrooms, digital suites and studios, you won’t just study photography — you’ll live it. Over the course of the degree, you’ll build a strong commercial portfolio, take part in study visits in the UK and abroad, and even have the option to gain experience on placement.

Here’s what that hands-on learning looks like in practice:

Real-world studio and production environments:
You’ll work in the photography lab at Markeaton Street, equipped with black-and-white and colour darkrooms, film processing facilities, and dedicated digital and Mac suites — everything you need to explore both traditional and modern photography.

Industry-standard software and digital tools:
Every student gets an individual Adobe Creative Cloud subscription to use at home, while the campus Mac suites are fully loaded with professional-grade software — the same tools used across the creative industry.

Equipment hire and technical support:
Through the Media Loan Hub, you can hire cameras, lighting, sound, and other specialist equipment for your projects, with expert technical staff on hand to guide and support you.

Professional briefs and commercial work:
This programme encourages you to “work professionally from the outset.” You’ll take on real commercial assignments, learn how to pitch, communicate with clients, and manage productions — all while developing your professional identity.

Workshops, seminars and collaborative projects:
Learning happens through a mix of practice-led workshops, lectures, seminars and tutorials. You’ll collaborate with others, share critiques, and refine your work — just like professionals do in the industry.

Study visits and industry exposure:
National and international study trips are built into the course, giving you first-hand insight into photography cultures, creative practices and professional contexts beyond the classroom.

Placement and employability opportunities:
You can take an optional placement year — or a shorter placement between your second and third year — to gain valuable experience in a real business or studio environment, build networks and strengthen your CV before graduating.

Industry and festival connections:
The course is closely linked with the FORMAT International Photography Festival in Derby and is recognised by the Association of Photographers (AOP). These partnerships open doors for exhibitions, collaborations, and professional exposure.

Dedicated tutoring and personal support:
From your first year, you’ll have a Personal Academic Tutor who supports both your academic progress and career goals, helping you plan your portfolio and reflect on your growth as a creative professional.

Choosing this course means choosing a degree that goes far beyond lectures. You’ll be working in real studios, producing meaningful work, collaborating across disciplines, developing your visual style, and connecting with industry from the start. It’s a truly immersive experience designed to prepare you for a confident, successful career in commercial photography.

Graduates from this programme leave ready to thrive in the creative and visual media industries. Whether you see yourself behind the camera, in a gallery, or curating visual content, you’ll be prepared for roles such as professional photographer, editorial photographer, gallery curator, or picture editor.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University Support and Services

From your very first year, you’ll have access to Derby’s Careers and Employability Service, which continues to support you for up to three years after graduation. This means you can get help with job applications, portfolio reviews, and networking long after you’ve completed your degree.

You’ll also have the guidance of a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who helps you plan your academic journey, identify extra-curricular opportunities, and develop your professional identity throughout your studies.

Employment Stats and Graduate Success

Around 90% of graduates from related cinematics and photography courses at Derby are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree — a strong indicator of real-world success.

The average salary for graduates from this subject area is approximately £21,500, showing that the skills you gain translate directly into employability in the creative industries.

Industry Partnerships and Real-World Experience

One of the standout features of this course is its close connection with major photography and visual arts organisations. Partners include the FORMAT Photography Festival, Association of Photographers, GRAIN Photography Hub, Magnum Photos, and Derby Museum & Art Galleries.

Through these collaborations, you’ll have the chance to work on live briefs, exhibit your work, and gain valuable placement experience, giving you a genuine taste of the professional world before you graduate.

Accreditation and Long-Term Value

The University of Derby has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, recognising its outstanding teaching quality and student outcomes.

Studying within a university that values creativity, employability, and industry relevance ensures that your degree carries genuine weight with future employers and creative clients.

Where Graduates Go

Graduates have gone on to work as artists, academics, teachers, curators, critics, professional photographers, editorial photographers, and picture editors.

Because the programme emphasises transferable skills—like critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving—you’ll be well equipped for roles not only in photography but across the wider visual media and creative sectors.

Further Academic Progression

If you’re inspired to continue your studies, you could progress to a Master’s degree such as the MA in Arts at the University of Derby. Postgraduate study allows you to specialise further in areas like curatorial practice, visual culture, or critical photography studies—ideal if you aim for advanced roles such as senior picture editor, curator, or lecturer, or wish to pursue a path in research and academia.