BA (Hons) Photography

At Plymouth, studying photography means getting behind the camera from day one. You won’t just study techniques; you’ll apply them — shooting in the studio, experimenting in darkrooms, editing digitally, and working out in the field. Every project encourages you to make, test, reflect, and refine your craft. You’ll build real-world confidence through collaboration, feedback, and public exhibitions that take your work beyond the classroom.

Your creative space — designed for photographers

The course is based in the Scott Building, purpose-built and refurbished for the arts. You’ll have access to:

• Analogue darkrooms for both black & white and colour film processing

• Digital suites and Apple Mac labs equipped with scanners and the full Adobe Creative Suite

• Three professional studios, including a daylight studio ideal for location-style shoots

• Large-format, inkjet, and minilab printing facilities for professional-quality outputs

• On-campus exhibition spaces where student and touring shows are regularly displayed

• Letterpress, printmaking, and silkscreen workshops, plus video and sound editing suites for multimedia exploration

• An extensive library and artist book archive to spark creative and conceptual inspiration

Real projects, real clients, real learning

From your very first year, you’ll work on live and collaborative briefs that mirror industry practice:

• Year 1: Respond to a live brief from an external partner and create a narrative tableau project — either in studio or on location.

• Year 2: Collaborate on projects tackling sustainability or global issues, often linked to themes like the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Most modules are 100% coursework-based, meaning your creative portfolio is your assessment — no written exams, just your photographic output.

Beyond the classroom — learning on location

You’ll have opportunities to work beyond campus, whether it’s shooting on Dartmoor, exploring coastal landscapes, or joining field trips to develop your documentary and environmental photography.
There are also study abroad and European exchange options, giving you the chance to expand your perspective and experience new visual cultures.

In your final year, you’ll showcase your major project in the Summer Degree Show — a public exhibition that often attracts industry professionals and local audiences.

Guided by professionals — and preparing for your future

You’ll benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and portfolio reviews with practising photographers and creatives. External critique sessions give you genuine insight into professional expectations.
Modules like “Professional Futures” help you plan your creative career — developing a clear strategy for entering the photography or wider visual arts industries.

Many graduates from Plymouth’s BA (Hons) Photography go on to build exciting creative, media, and visual careers. The degree gives you the flexibility to work independently or as part of a team, with many alumni choosing self-employment or freelance routes. Graduates often shape their paths as photographers, visual storytellers, or creative media specialists—using their professional networks and portfolio to open doors. With the right ambition, this course can also lead to leadership positions, gallery roles, or advanced study later on.

Typical graduate roles include:

• Photographer / Commercial Photographer

• Picture Editor / Photojournalist

• Content Creator / Visual Storyteller / Creative Producer

• Lecturer, Curator, or Art Director

How Plymouth Supports Your Career Journey

University services that help with employment
Plymouth’s Careers Service is there every step of the way—offering one-to-one advice, workshops, and guidance on placements and internships. You’ll also get help perfecting your CV, preparing for interviews, and refining your portfolio.

Throughout the course, modules such as Professional Futures are designed to prepare you for industry realities—covering essential skills like pitching your ideas, managing clients, and presenting your creative work confidently.

The University’s active alumni network is another major strength. Regular events, guest lectures, and industry talks bring in professionals and former students who share insights and open doors to collaboration and employment opportunities.

Employment Outlook & Salary Expectations

• Around 85% of Photography graduates (and similar courses) are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

• Average earnings 15 months after graduation are about £24,000, typically ranging from £22,000–£25,000.

• Over time, salaries show steady growth—around £18,500 after three years, and £21,500 after five years.

• Roughly 45% of employed graduates work in “highly skilled” professional or managerial roles soon after finishing the course.

Industry Links & Professional Connections

Students benefit from real-world exposure through collaborations, guest briefs, and field trips. Past graduates have worked with creative companies such as Daisy D Photography, Pinnacle Advertising, and Sloth Productions, and have gone on to roles including brand ambassadors, event photographers, and e-commerce photographers.

The course regularly hosts Artist Talks and industry sessions, where professionals discuss trends, practices, and opportunities in the field. You’ll also engage in live projects and community collaborations that build your confidence and client experience.

Long-Term Value of the Degree

A degree from Plymouth carries weight within the UK’s creative sector, offering credibility whether you’re applying for jobs, freelance contracts, or gallery exhibitions.

The course’s blend of technical expertise (analogue, digital, and print) and conceptual thinking ensures your skills stay relevant as technology evolves. Plymouth’s strong reputation, national exhibitions, and celebrated alumni all add to the long-term recognition of your qualification.

What You’ll Graduate With

By the end of the degree, you’ll have:

• A professional, diverse portfolio across studio, editorial, documentary, and experimental photography.

• Hands-on experience gained through internships, live projects, and industry events.

• A network of professional contacts to help launch your creative career.

Many graduates start as freelancers or contractors, while others join creative agencies, studios, or in-house teams. Some take on assistant roles that lead to long-term positions, while others pursue personal projects or exhibitions to build their profile.

Further Study & Academic Progression

If you decide to continue your studies, Plymouth offers excellent postgraduate options:

• MA Communication Design – Deepen your understanding of visual communication, strategy, and creative direction.

• MA Experience Design – Explore how photography and design intersect with user experience, interactive media, and spatial design.

Alternatively, you could pursue a specialised MA or MFA in Photography, Visual Arts, Photojournalism, or Documentary Practice at other institutions. For those drawn to research or academia, progressing to a PhD or practice-based research degree can open paths into teaching, curating, or leading creative research in visual culture.