BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year

If you want to develop real, hands-on photography skills, the BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year at the University of Derby is designed to get you behind the camera from the very start. You’ll work in professional-standard studios, darkrooms, and digital suites — all created to reflect what photographers actually do in the industry. Throughout the course, you’ll take on both group and individual projects, explore different photography styles, and respond to genuine creative briefs rather than just classroom exercises.

Here’s how the practical, experience-based learning helps you grow:

• Media Loan Hub access: Borrow professional-quality cameras, lighting, and sound equipment — just like you would in a real studio.

• Dedicated photography labs and darkrooms: Experiment with both colour and black-and-white film processing, alongside digital imaging workstations for editing and post-production.

• Adobe Creative Cloud access: Every student gets the full suite for both home and campus use, with Macs in key labs already pre-loaded for photo editing, retouching, and compositing.

• LinkedIn Learning subscription: Take advantage of online tutorials covering creative, business, and tech skills so you can keep learning at your own pace.

• Live briefs and industry projects: Get involved in real-world assignments, placements, and live commissions — including opportunities to showcase work in major events like the FORMAT International Photography Festival.

• Collaborative studio culture: Participate in group critiques, workshops, seminars, and one-on-one tutorials with tutors who are practising photographers themselves.

• Final-year Degree Show: Exhibit your major project in a public setting and create a professional portfolio that helps launch your career.

• Placement opportunities: The course also supports optional placement years, giving you the chance to gain valuable work experience and build industry connections before graduating.

If you study BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year at the University of Derby, you’re setting yourself up for a rewarding and creative career in areas such as commercial and editorial photography, photojournalism, visual content creation, or image research. The course gives you the perfect balance of artistic freedom and practical experience, helping you graduate with strong creative vision and technical skill.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University support and employability services:
From the start, you’ll have access to Derby’s Media Loan Hub, where you can borrow professional cameras, lighting, and sound equipment for your projects — ensuring you’re always working hands-on with industry-standard tools. You’ll also be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who supports you throughout your studies, helping you plan your modules, develop your portfolio, and make confident career choices.

The course offers real-world experiences, including live briefs from clients, gallery visits, overseas study trips, and the chance to exhibit your work at the annual Degree Show. These opportunities help you build a strong professional network and gain valuable industry insight.

Employment outcomes and salary insights:
According to national graduate data, around 90% of Cinematics & Photography graduates from the University of Derby are in work and/or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Typical graduate salaries average around £21,500, with many progressing into higher-paying creative and freelance roles as they build their portfolios and client bases.

Industry links and professional recognition:
The University of Derby has a long-standing reputation in photographic education — it was one of the first UK institutions to launch a photography degree, with over 50 years of experience in the field. Students also have the opportunity to apply to exhibit at the FORMAT International Photography Festival, one of the UK’s leading photography events, which offers direct exposure to professionals, curators, and international audiences.

The course also builds on the heritage of the Derby School of Photography, giving you access to authentic, industry-level facilities and an academic culture that’s deeply connected to the professional photography world.

Graduation outcomes:
By the time you graduate, you’ll have built a professional-level portfolio, gained hands-on experience through live briefs and exhibitions, and developed the creative and technical confidence to thrive in the visual arts sector.

Many alumni go on to successful careers in commercial and editorial photography, fashion stills, freelance image-making, and related creative industries — or even start their own photography businesses.

Further academic progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year, you can take your learning further through postgraduate study — whether that’s an MA in Photography, Visual Media, or Arts, or even advanced research degrees (MPhil/PhD) if you’re interested in exploring conceptual or academic approaches to photography. The strong foundation you’ll build at Derby ensures you’re ready for whichever path you choose — professional practice or further study.