The BA (Hons) Photography at the University of Lincoln equips students with the practical skills and creative techniques needed to excel in professional photography, whether in commercial, artistic, or academic paths. Students explore photography as a medium to interpret communities and environments, developing unique creative voices while working with industry-standard equipment and facilities.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
Students begin by building foundational skills in photography, exploring methods of producing and distributing images while gaining a critical understanding of lens-based media. Core modules such as Key Concepts in Photography, Photography and Place, and Photography and Documentary guide students through the essential techniques, creative problem-solving, and conceptual frameworks that underpin contemporary photography.
Year 2:
This year allows students to refine their artistic approach and specialise in areas of personal interest. Through modules like Photography and Fictions, Photography and Identity, and Photography and Collaboration, students engage with live briefs from partner organisations and develop collaborative projects that mirror professional practice.
Year 3:
In the final year, students produce a substantial body of work in their chosen specialism, demonstrating mastery of medium and concept. Modules such as Extended Practice and Critical Research Project culminate in a professional exhibition, showcasing the student’s ability to create and communicate complex photographic narratives effectively.
Focus Areas: still and moving imagery, analogue and digital techniques, identity, place, documentary, creative fictions
Learning Outcomes: develop professional-standard photography skills, critically analyse photographic practices, produce independent creative projects, collaborate on live briefs
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): aligns with industry standards; opportunities for professional collaborations and live briefs
Reputation (Employability Rankings): University of Lincoln recognised for strong employability outcomes and creative industry links, with alumni working in leading photography sectors worldwide
At the University of Lincoln, the BA (Hons) Photography programme is designed to immerse students in hands-on learning from the very start. You’ll gain practical skills using industry-standard cameras, lighting, and digital tools while exploring creative projects that cover still, moving, digital, and analogue photography. The programme emphasizes collaboration, professional practice, and independent creative development, ensuring you graduate with a professional-standard portfolio. Students also have the chance to work with real clients, participate in international photography competitions, and exhibit their work publicly. The learning experience is supported by specialist facilities and expert guidance from award-winning practitioners and research-active academics.
Here’s how experiential learning unfolds in this programme:
Specialist Photography Studios: Access fully equipped studios for both analogue and digital photography.
Professional Equipment: Industry-standard cameras, lighting rigs, and editing software to develop technical expertise.
Live Client Briefs: Work on real-world projects with companies and cultural institutions through modules like Photography and Collaboration.
International Competitions: Opportunities to showcase work on a global stage, building professional recognition.
Digital Tools & Software: Training in image editing, retouching, and production workflows using professional-grade software.
Fieldwork & Location Shoots: Practical assignments exploring identity, place, documentary, and creative fictions.
Exhibitions & Portfolio Development: Present major bodies of work in final-year exhibitions, reflecting professional standards.
Research & Academic Support: Guidance from staff engaged in internationally recognized research, supporting critical and conceptual development.
Library & Learning Resources: Access extensive photography collections, journals, and digital archives to enhance study and research.
This programme ensures that by the time you graduate, you are not only confident in your creative vision but also fully equipped with the practical skills and professional experience demanded in the photography industry.
Future Progression & Opportunities
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Photography at the University of Lincoln leave equipped to enter a wide range of creative and professional roles, blending practical skills with conceptual understanding. Many alumni pursue careers as professional photographers, visual content creators, or work in creative industries where storytelling through images is key. Typical roles include: Commercial Photographer, Photojournalist, Creative Director, Visual Content Producer.
Key support and opportunities include:
University Careers and Employability Service: Offers tailored career advice, portfolio reviews, and help with internships and placements.
Employment statistics: Graduates report strong employment rates within six months, with starting salaries for photography-related roles typically ranging from £20,000–£28,000, increasing with experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students collaborate with professional clients on live briefs and participate in international photography competitions.
Accreditation and Long-term Value: Degree recognized for its professional standard, enhancing credibility for freelance or corporate careers.
Graduation outcomes: Students build a professional portfolio, gain industry experience, and join a global network of creative alumni.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can advance their studies through Master’s programs in Photography, Visual Arts, or Creative Media, or explore specialized postgraduate courses in areas such as Photojournalism, Documentary Photography, or Digital Imaging, building on the practical and critical foundation developed at Lincoln.



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