Our Photography course will provide you with the opportunity to develop your creative and practical expertise and engage with a wide range of topics and themes that deepen your understanding of photography’s social and cultural significance.
The curriculum encompasses a broad range of photographic disciplines including editorial, documentary, photojournalism, landscape, and portraiture, alongside moving image, film, advertising, and fashion. Through collaborative and self-directed project briefs you will experiment with various creative processes, establishing your unique visual language. Applying extensive contextual research, you will explore and expand on ideas to form engaging portfolios of work, whilst Creative Futures modules support your on-going development as a creative industry professional.
Please note this course is subject to validation.
Year 1
This full-time, studio-based Foundation year will develop your creative and critical practice and challenge your understanding of the Art & Design disciplines. These experiences will expand on both your contextual and practical knowledge and introduce you to the Creative Industries and inform your course options for Year 2. An extensive range of Art & Design disciplines will be explored, including lens-based, providing you wth the opportunity to develop a wide range of creative skills.
Year 2
This year will focus on developing your technical and creative photographic skills, with dedicated photographic projects based in-studio/darkroom and on location. You will learn how to apply your technical knowledge to deliver high-quality outcomes, whilst simultaneously developing the critical, contextual and visual skills, that are key to communicating your chosen themes and ideas.
Year 3
You will undertake a series of project briefs that enable you to expand on both your technical and critical contextual knowledge. You will explore a wide variety of topics and develop a portfolio of work that based on your personal ambitions and interests. You will consider your practice within a professional context and produce a portfolio of work that also demonstrates your awareness of ethical approaches to image making.
Year 4
Through in-depth exploration, experimentation and critique of your chosen topics and themes, you will be guided by briefs that support the development of your self-directed projects. You will produce a creative body of work and portfolio in response to your interests and professional career ambitions and exhibit at our annual Degree Show.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
You will explore photography within a variety of studio and darkroom settings that facilitate collaborative learning experiences using both traditional techniques and the latest digital technologies. Our critical and contextual studies modules explore visual culture and context while our creative futures activities embed an enterprising outlook.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of external facing activities throughout the duration of the course including field study trips, national competitions, and live collaborative projects with a wide variety of external businesses and organisations.
Activity Summary
Year 4
- Lectures - Approx 15-20 students per group, around 2 hours per week
- Seminars - Approx 10 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Tutorial - Approx 10 students per group, 30 minutes per week
- Project Supervision - 15-20 students per group, 1-3 hours per week
- Demonstration - 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Practical class or workshop - 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Supervised time in studio / workshop - 15-20 students per group,length of time varies per week
- Independent Study - 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Field Work - 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- External Visits - 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Placement / Work Based Learning - 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
Unless specified, activities vary between 1-5 hours per week depending on the module you are undertaking. More detailed information about indicative student workload hours can be found within each module's detailed information page.
How long is a BA (Hons) Photography course?
This course can be completed in 4 years. This includes lectures, tutorials, independent study and other activities.
Independent Study
As you progress through the course increasing emphasis is placed upon the development of independent learning which culminates in self-directed project/s. The year will afford you the opportunity reflect on your previous experiences and apply your knowledge and skills at a level approaching professional practice.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our dedicated team of academic and technical staff have extensive knowledge and understanding of the field and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Their experience and expertise will provide you with a deep understanding of the photography disciplines.
Our Professional Associates and industry experts also contribute to the course in a variety of ways and our Guest@Grays lecture programme invites national and international artists, designers and photographers to speak about their work. The course works closely with the University’s Library, Study Skills and Careers Centre and staff at other academic institutions.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 3 portfolios
Year 2
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 3 portfolios
- 1 oral assessment
Year 3
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 1 report
- 3 portfolios
- 2 oral assessments
Year 4
- 1 dissertation
- 1 portfolio
- 1 degree show
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
There is no placement option in this one-year course however you will have the opportunity to participate in a number of live projects briefs with external industry partners and enter national and international photography competitions.
Job Prospects
The choice of projects and the wide range of experiences offered by our course ensures that you will have a number of employment opportunities in various roles across a range of industry sectors post-graduation. The department is mindful of employer expectations, and we adapt the curriculum accordingly whilst continuing to closely monitor emerging and future employment trends and opportunities.
Our graduates are adaptable and capable competing in the job market; securing employment locally and nationally across a wide range of creative and commercial sectors with many also establishing their own studios while others are working as freelance photographers for major creative design agencies and media organisations. A number have extended their education through Postgraduate study.
Is Photography a good career choice?
Previous Photography graduates have gone on to pursue careers as:
- Studio/Portrait Photographers
- Scientific Photographers
- Advertising & Fashion Photographers
- Commercial & Digital Photo Editors
- Photography Technicians
- Photojournalists
- Videographers
- Drone Operators
What is needed for a BA (Hons) Photography course?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
- GCE A Level: CC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English e.g. History).
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H4 to include Art (or a creative design and/or technology subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
- IB Diploma: 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
All applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) will be invited to attend a portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: CCC to include Art / Design (or a creative design and/or media subject such as Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English or a written subject requiring the use of English
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3, subject to successfully meeting the partner course criteria.
Advanced Entry
- Higher National Diploma: A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to successfully meeting the partner course criteria.
All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria stated will be invited to attend an 'advanced' portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Alternative Qualifications
Those who may not hold the standard qualifications, are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate/relevant creative work, qualifications and/or life experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the Student Admissions Service for further advice and guidance.
A portfolio review/interview is still a requirement for this type of candidate.
Portfolio Review
Suitable applicants should submit a digital portfolio through a Flickr account. Details of the process are in the downloadable portfolio guidance. After viewing digital portfolios all successful applicants will be offered a place. If we feel more information would be useful to your application we will invite you for an interview. All offer holders will be invited to the school for an Applicants Event, which will allow you to meet staff and students while experiencing the teaching environment. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
Portfolio Guidance
Our online and in-person Portfolio Guidance courses help support and prepare you for applying for an undergraduate course at Gray's School of Art.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page.
Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £7220 |
| Year 2 | £7220 | |
| Year 3 | £7220 | |
| Year 4 | £7220 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £18300 |
| Year 2 | £18300 | |
| Year 3 | £18300 | |
| Year 4 | £18300 | |
Additional Costs
- £25 Studio fund – annual fee
- £50 – £150 Materials
- £250 Field Study (optional)
- £300 Camera (optional, may be borrowed from school loan store)
- £1,000 Laptop (optional, on campus facilities may be accessed)
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.