Photography with Foundation BA Honours

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Westminster

Program Overview

The Photography with Foundation BA Honours at the University of Westminster offers a unique blend of foundational and advanced study, preparing students to develop a distinctive creative voice in photography. It’s ideal for aspiring photographers seeking practical skills, critical understanding, and exposure to industry-standard practices across traditional and emerging photographic technologies.

Curriculum Structure:

Foundation Year:
Students begin with broad exploration across Art and Design, building fundamental skills in Fundamentals of Art and Design and Explorations in Art and Design. In the second semester, they specialise in photography, preparing work for a public exhibition while developing essential academic skills in Critical Thinking in a Changing World and Introduction to Academic Practice.

Year 1:
The first full year of the Photography BA provides an intensive grounding in photography techniques, concepts, and critical frameworks. Modules such as Constructing Photographs, Creativity and Collaboration, and Photography: Image and Idea help students establish a strong technical and creative foundation while exploring different photographic genres.

Year 2:
Students expand their creative boundaries, experimenting with emerging technologies and alternative processes. Modules like CGI and Photography, Developing a Photographic Voice, and Photobooks, Magazines and Zines foster innovation, professional practice, and preparation for work placements or collaborative projects.

Year 3:
The final year focuses on refining a personal artistic vision and professional readiness. Students undertake advanced projects, independent briefs, and may participate in a year-long placement, gaining real-world experience and industry exposure to enhance employability.

Focus Areas: photography techniques, digital imaging, creative experimentation, visual storytelling, industry practice, and professional development.

Learning Outcomes: develop a distinctive photographic style, technical proficiency across media, critical and contextual understanding, and professional readiness for creative industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): supports industry engagement through placements, guest lectures, and collaborations with creative professionals.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): the University of Westminster is ranked 2nd in the UK for Research Quality in Art and Design (Complete University Guide 2025), offering strong international recognition and career prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Westminster, the Photography with Foundation BA Honours course is designed to immerse students in hands-on photographic practice from day one. You’ll develop practical skills across a wide range of photographic techniques, digital imaging, and emerging media, all while engaging with critical thinking and creative experimentation. The program emphasizes professional preparation through real-world projects, industry engagement, and advanced facilities that support both traditional and digital photographic practices. Students also benefit from workshops, field trips, and guidance from experienced staff to build a strong creative and professional portfolio.

Your experiential learning journey includes:

  • Access to state-of-the-art photography studios and emerging media facilities for practical experimentation.

  • Use of digital imaging software and tools for photo editing, CGI, and videography.

  • Collaborative group projects and interdisciplinary modules to foster teamwork and creative problem-solving.

  • Industry engagement via guest lectures, mentorship programs, and field trips to photography-related spaces.

  • Opportunity for an optional year-long paid internship or placement between years 2 and 3.

  • Participation in public exhibitions to showcase work and receive professional feedback.

  • Exploration of camera-less photography, photobooks, magazines, zines, and other alternative processes.

  • Support from experienced academic staff and access to specialist research laboratories and workshops.

  • Opportunities to study abroad through overseas exchange partners.

  • Strong foundation in critical and contextual understanding, enhancing your professional profile in creative industries.

This combination ensures that graduates are fully prepared to thrive in contemporary photographic and visual media environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Future Progression & Opportunities:

Graduates of the Photography with Foundation BA Honours at the University of Westminster leave with a strong creative portfolio and practical skills, ready to enter the competitive photography and visual media industries. They are well-prepared for roles such as Professional Photographer, Visual Content Creator, Photojournalist, and Creative Media Consultant:

  • University Services: The Careers and Employability Service offers one-on-one career coaching, portfolio development support, and industry networking events.

  • Employment Stats & Salary: Graduates enjoy high employability in creative industries, with starting salaries typically ranging from £22,000–£28,000, increasing with professional experience.

  • University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading photography studios, media companies, and cultural institutions provide placements, guest lectures, and mentorship opportunities.

  • Long-Term Accreditation Value: The course is internationally recognized, underpinned by Westminster’s historic legacy in photographic education since 1852, enhancing professional credibility.

  • Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work in commercial photography, fashion, editorial media, and creative industries worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students may advance to MA Photography, MA Visual Communication, or postgraduate courses in digital media and creative arts at Westminster or other leading institutions, deepening both theoretical knowledge and professional practice.

Program Key Stats

£17,600
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Yes
No

Eligibility Criteria

EEE
3.0
12
70

N/A
N/A
6.0
78

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • Commercial Photographer
  • Portrait Photographer
  • Fashion Photographer
  • Event Photographer
  • Fine Art Photographer
  • Freelance Photographer
  • Advertising Photographer
  • Editorial Photographer
  • Travel Photographer
  • Digital Imaging Specialist
  • Photo Editor
  • Gallery Curator
  • Visual Content Creator

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