BA (Hons) Photography

Here’s how you’ll gain real, practical skills studying BA (Hons) Photography at the University of Derby — with strong facilities, professional tools, and hands-on opportunities built into your course, you’ll learn by doing, creating, and collaborating, not just by listening.

At Derby, you’ll study in dedicated photography and media environments where you’re encouraged to experiment and develop your creative voice. You’ll have access to both black & white and colour darkrooms, along with film-processing facilities, giving you the chance to work with traditional and modern photographic techniques.

You’ll also use digital imaging and editing suites equipped with industry-standard software, including the full Adobe Creative Cloud on campus Macs. Plus, every student receives their own Adobe subscription for home use, so you can continue creating wherever inspiration strikes.

The Media Loan Hub allows you to borrow professional cameras, lighting kits, and sound equipment — giving you the freedom to shoot, experiment, and refine your craft from your very first semester.

Learning at Derby is hands-on and project-based. You’ll work on real image-making briefs, both in the studio and on location, often collaborating with other students from creative disciplines. Your work will be guided by experienced tutors and visiting professionals who bring real-world insight to your projects.

You can also choose to take an optional placement or industry-experience year, where you’ll work with photographers, studios, or creative agencies — building professional contacts, tackling live briefs, and developing your confidence in real-world settings.

In your final year, you’ll showcase your best work in the Degree Show, presenting to a live audience of industry guests, peers, and the public — a perfect opportunity to gain visibility and celebrate how far you’ve come as a creative professional.

Throughout your degree, you’ll benefit from access to specialist studios, creative workshops, and the wider artistic community. Derby’s strong photography heritage and its links with the FORMAT International Photography Festival mean you’ll be part of a respected network that connects you to industry events and professional opportunities.

And from day one, you’ll have the support you need to succeed — a Personal Academic Tutor, technical staff, library and studio resources, plus learning tools like LinkedIn Learning to help you grow both creatively and professionally.

In short, your degree is a hands-on creative journey — one that equips you with the tools, experience, and confidence to build your future as an independent visual storyteller and image practitioner.

Choosing the BA (Hons) Photography at the University of Derby is a smart move if you’re aiming to turn your creativity into a professional career within photography, media, or the arts. This course is designed for people who want to tell visual stories, work with clients, or develop their own artistic practice. Graduates from Derby have gone on to become commercial photographers, photojournalists, picture researchers, and media professionals. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, portfolio development, and real-world briefs, you’ll leave not just with a degree, but with a professional body of work ready to show potential employers or clients.

Here’s how your future could unfold:

University support to help you launch your career
From your very first day, you’ll be matched with a Personal Academic Tutor who’ll help you set clear goals for both your academic progress and career direction. You’ll also have access to professional-standard equipment through the University’s Media Loan Hub — from cameras and lighting gear to sound equipment — plus dedicated photographic studios and both analogue and digital darkrooms. These facilities are designed to help you experiment, produce, and refine your creative vision, just like you would in a professional environment.

Employment prospects and success stories
About 80% of graduates from this course are working or continuing further study within 15 months of finishing their degree — a strong indicator of how well this course prepares you for industry life. On average, photography and cinematic arts graduates in the UK earn around £22,000 to £26,000 within that same period. The University of Derby is also ranked 2nd in the UK for career prospects in Film Production and Photography by The Guardian University Guide 2025 — reflecting how effectively this course connects creative study to real employment outcomes.

Industry connections and opportunities
As a Photography student at Derby, you’ll have the chance to exhibit your work at the internationally acclaimed FORMAT International Photography Festival — the UK’s leading event for contemporary photography, hosted right in Derby. The programme also maintains strong links with professional bodies such as the Association of Photographers, ensuring you’re aware of current industry standards and networks. You’ll often find yourself learning in spaces used by working professionals, giving you authentic exposure to how the creative sector really operates.

Reputation and long-standing excellence
The University of Derby has a photographic heritage that spans more than 50 years. That legacy — combined with consistently strong rankings for facilities, student support, and career outcomes — adds lasting value to your degree. Employers recognise Derby graduates for their creativity, technical skill, and professional readiness.

Career destinations after graduation
Once you complete the course, you’ll be ready to step into roles such as:

• Commercial, advertising, or editorial photographer

• Picture researcher or photographic curator

• Freelance or studio photographer

• Film stills photographer or image maker for installation and hybrid media

These roles reflect the wide range of directions Derby graduates take — from creative freelancing to visual storytelling in film, arts, and digital media.

Further academic progression
After earning your BA (Hons) Photography, you might choose to continue into postgraduate study with an MA in Photography, Arts, or Visual Media, deepening your specialisation or exploring research and curatorial practice. Alternatively, you could branch into related areas like film and high-end television production, visual communication, or media content creation, building on your strong photographic foundation to develop a broader creative media career.