BA (Hons) Photography

If you’re thinking about studying BA (Hons) Photography at the University of Salford, this programme is designed to help you turn your creative passion into a professional craft through real-world, hands-on learning. You won’t just study photography—you’ll live it every day, developing both your artistic vision and the technical skills that make your work stand out.

From day one, you’ll be working with industry-standard equipment and studios inside the university’s purpose-built School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology. It’s a space made for creators, where you’ll learn by doing—from capturing your first images to preparing exhibition-ready projects. You’ll be guided by experienced photographers and visual artists who help you experiment with both traditional and contemporary techniques, so your portfolio truly reflects your unique voice.

You’ll also become part of a vibrant creative community within the £55 million New Adelphi building, surrounded by peers in film, design, and other media arts—all exploring the power of visual storytelling together.

Here’s what you’ll experience throughout the course:

• Professional studios and equipment: Work hands-on with high-end cameras, lighting systems, print labs and digital editing suites.

• Analogue and digital workflows: Learn the best of both worlds—from darkroom film processing and print enlargement to digital photography using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

• Dedicated Mac suites: Perfect your post-production skills using the latest software and tools used by creative professionals.

• A self-directed final-year project: Bring everything together in a major creative project—research, shoot, edit and present your own photographic series in an exhibition setting.

• Industry engagement: Meet guest speakers, attend curated visits and connect with professionals from the photography and media industries to understand how the creative world really works.

• State-of-the-art facilities: Make use of print and scan labs, darkrooms, workshops, an equipment store and specialist technical support—all under one roof.

• Comprehensive resources: Access a well-equipped library and digital tools to support your research, theory and creative development.

• Collaborative learning: Work closely with other students across creative disciplines, sharing ideas and experimenting in a supportive studio environment.

This course is for those who want to immerse themselves fully in photography—to explore, take risks, and create work that makes an impact. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a strong professional portfolio, the confidence to express your vision, and the skills to move into roles such as exhibiting photographer, digital artist, studio manager, visual content creator, or curator.

If you’re thinking about studying the BA (Hons) Photography at the University of Salford, this course is designed to help you grow as both a creative image-maker and a confident professional. You’ll gain hands-on experience from day one, learning by doing in real studio environments that mirror the creative industries.

You’ll be based in the School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology, where you’ll have access to industry-standard equipment and facilities. From capturing your first images to preparing exhibition-ready work, you’ll develop practical skills alongside your artistic vision. Teaching is led by photographers and artists who are active in the field, giving you real insight into both experimental and traditional photographic practices. You’ll also be part of a vibrant creative community within the £55 million New Adelphi building, surrounded by students exploring everything from analogue to digital and mixed media.

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll experience:

• Professional studios and equipment: You’ll use high-end cameras, lighting gear, print labs and digital post-production suites—just like you would in professional studios.

• Analogue and digital workflows: In your first year, you’ll explore both traditional darkroom methods (like processing 35mm black-and-white film and enlarging prints) and digital processes using tools such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

• Digital editing and production: Work in Mac suites equipped with all the industry-standard software needed to refine and enhance your images.

• Final-year project: You’ll design and deliver a major self-directed project, combining research and practice to produce a distinctive photographic body of work—culminating in your own public exhibition.

• Industry engagement: Through guest talks, field visits and collaboration opportunities, you’ll gain exposure to professionals working across photography and media sectors.

• Creative facilities: The New Adelphi building offers workshops, equipment stores, print and scan labs, darkrooms, and expert technical support to help bring your projects to life.

• Academic and creative resources: You’ll have access to the university’s extensive library and digital archives to support your research and portfolio development.

• Collaborative learning: You’ll work alongside other students in studios and workshops, sharing ideas and experimenting together across different media forms.

This course isn’t just about studying photography—it’s about living it every day. You’ll graduate with a strong portfolio, the technical confidence to take on professional work, and the creative edge to stand out. If you’re passionate about exploring visual storytelling, experimenting with image-making, and shaping your own artistic identity, the BA (Hons) Photography at Salford is a perfect fit.