Photography

Challenge conventions, take risks and be imaginative on this well-established and renowned photography degree. You’ll become a highly creative and technically experienced photographer.

Derby has been ranked 2nd for career prospects (Film Production and Photography) Guardian University Guide 2025.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
We have over 50 years’ experience of teaching photography and have built up a reputation for excellence. You’ll have access to facilities that many experienced professional photographers dream of, including the latest high-spec cameras, extensive photographic studios, black and white and colour darkrooms, film processing facilities and dedicated digital suites.

IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?
If you think you have it in you to be a brave and inventive photographer, who’s not afraid to learn from your failures, then you belong on this photography degree.

HOW YOU WILL LEARN
You'll learn through a combination of technical workshops, lectures, seminars, group discussions, group critiques and individual tutorials. You will also hear from high-profile visiting professors and go on regular gallery visits.

OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES.
You and your work will be highly visible. You’ll have opportunities to complete genuine work for clients and go on placements or study visits to organisations like the Association of Photographers, The Observer newspaper, Derby Museum and Art Gallery and MAC Birmingham and Print Space. Some students win the right to exhibit at FORMAT, the international festival of photography and related media, staged in Derby.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY
Our photography graduates are visually literate, independent, confident and adaptable. The course also develops analytical, writing, oral communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, so you’ll be equipped for many roles in the photo-imaging sector. Past students have become artists, academics, teachers, curators, critics, commercial photographers, picture editors, and news and sports photographers.

Fund out more: www.derby.ac.uk/undergraduate/photography-courses/photography-ba-hons/

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, we were named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality. Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027