Photography

A Falmouth University photography student developing her skills (Falmouth University)

What courses? Photography; photographic studies; fine art photography; digital photography; documentary photography; photography and video; photography in Europe; photographic practice; cinema and photography; contemporary lens media; photography and film; professional photography. Plus some fine arts degrees offer photography as a specialisation in your second year.

What do you come out with? Most likely a BA- this is an artistic degree after all.

Why do it? "A degree in photography encourages learning through doing. It offers the opportunity to explore different photographic disciplines, to build exposure to research, critical observation and evaluation – all crucial to the development of ideas. Premier courses like those at Falmouth are heavily practice orientated. Live briefs, placement opportunities and guest lecturers ensure that graduates leave with the industry insight needed to compete in professional Photography sectors.’

"Photography is an incredibly competitive discipline. Today it is essential to differentiate yourself from your peers and a degree offers just that. Graduate destinations prove that dedicating three years to hone professional practice and theoretical knowledge really pays dividends in securing a successful creative career." - Julian Rodriguez, head of Falmouth University's department of media.

What’s it all about? Developing expert skills as a practicing professional photography, combined with the thinking ability to understand artistic concepts and create your own original work. Most courses will help you focus on how best to publicise yourself and your work outside university, in order to provide you with the know-how needed to excel in the creative sector. First year typically involves theory lectures and exploring the fundamentals, while second and third year allow for greater freedom to refine your own style. Years abroad are often an option too.

Study options: Opportunities to create an impressive portfolio- from documentary and fine art projects to digital editing and film making. Many photography degrees include traditional dark room analogue photography alongside the teaching of newer digital media techniques.

What will I need to do it? A portfolio is the main necessity to showcase artistic ability, in addition to normal UCAS entry requirements which range depending on the university. UCA Farnham asks for a minimum of 220 to 240 UCAS points, while Bournemouth requires 320 from 3 A-levels or equivalent.

What are my job prospects? Many opportunities for photography graduates as the skills developed can be transferred to a range of creative professions, including but not limited to freelance photography; photojournalism; teaching; visual artistry; publishing and printmaking.

Where’s best to do it? Universities with strong reputations for photography include Brighton; Coventry; the Cambridge School of Art at Anglia Ruskin; UCA; Glasgow School of Art; Westminster; Falmouth; Manchester Metropolitan; Cumbria; Bedfordshire; Nottingham Trent and Southampton Solent.

Related degrees: Art, design, film studies and graphic design.