Photography

Explore all aspects of what it means to be a professional photographer in the 21st Century on this degree course.

Learn practical skills including exposure and metering, digital workflow, colour and black and white printing, studio lighting, large and medium format, planning and installing exhibitions, professional photographic portfolio development and moving image.

You’ll work across the subject of photography choosing to focus on areas such as art, documentary, editorial, commercial, advertising and critical writing on photography, tailored to your own personal interests and career aspirations.

With access to traditional and digital photographic facilities with industry-standard equipment, you’ll learn how to use and adopt skills to develop your creativity, working between analogue and digital. Explore a range of self-directed learning experiences combining practice with theory, enabling you to develop your creative style and establish your unique photographic practice.

Our graduates are leaders within the creative industries and you will be joining an extended alumni club who help us to create opportunities for you in terms of work experience and graduate career prospects.

Key features


• Gain hands-on industry experience: You’ll have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement of up to a year in length. Dependent on the duration of your placement, you could gain an additional Diploma or Certificate in Professional Practice.



• Develop industry-ready skills: Work broadly across the subject, including art, documentary, editorial, advertising and fashion photography, and critical writing.



• Collaborate with real-world clients: Develop your professional skills through live projects, industry competitions, and collaborations with organisations. You will also benefit from our guest lecturer series, with speakers from a range of photographic practices.



• Take part in global opportunities: Opportunity to apply for a European or international exchange to one of our partner institutions, such as RMIT in Australia.



Employability

The course prepares you for a career in photography or photo-related activities. Depending on your particular interest, you will identify your practice, and research picture agencies, image libraries, arts organisations, and photographers' agents.

You'll learn about proposals and CVs; how to cost your work; how to prepare estimates and invoices; and your rights, responsibilities and obligations as a photographer.

You’ll enhance your employability through things like live projects, guest lectures, industry visits, and work experience.

The following factors also continue to develop, to support the employability of our students:


- live projects


- guest speaker series


- industry visits


- work experience


- increasing contacts with creative businesses


- success of our alumni


- research profile of our academic staff.


Photography students work across the range of the creative Industries when they graduate. Roles include:


- photographer


- picture editor


- artist


- retoucher


- filmmaker


- curator


- teacher


- marketer


- community arts worker


- blogger


- writer


- musician


- stylist


- archivist


- freelancer.


Alumni have gone on to roles such as creative director at Jamie Oliver and companies such as Getty Sports Images.

Every course includes at least eight weeks of professional experience, supported by strong employer links, placement opportunities, and long-term career support. NTU offers Gold-rated teaching (TEF 2023) and is an award-winning university recognised for its high-quality teaching, excellent learning resources and strong support.

Students benefit from world-class facilities, innovative learning spaces, and a vibrant community across five campuses in Nottingham and London. Whether you decide to live away from home or commute, NTU’s campuses are uniquely developed and easily accessible to meet the needs of students. Since 2020, the university has invested more than £200 million across its campuses, creating specialist facilities and industry-standard environments that enhance teaching, learning, and research. Nottingham is ranked among the UK's top student cities and is within one of the most affordable regions in England.

It has held Purple Flag accreditation for more than 16 years, recognising the quality, diversity, and safety of its evening and nighttime economy. With more than 15,000 student rooms within walking distance of NTU you’ll find accommodation to suit every budget. The university guarantees first-year accommodation for all students studying in Nottingham (T&Cs apply). Join NTU this September and experience academic excellence, career-focused learning, personalised support, and a vibrant student community.