Commercial Photography with Foundation Year

Study Commercial Photography at the University of Derby and become one of the 'most employable' graduates in the UK. On this degree, you will develop skills such as critical thinking and research, to equip you well for diverse roles across the photo-imaging sector and beyond.

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

KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE


• Graduate from this degree being one of the very few specifically commercial photography programmes in Britain that offers the opportunity to work professionally from the outset



• Innovate beyond existing, conventional commercial practices to set new standards of visual language that advocates for contemporary and future-visioning clients



• Hone your skills in an excellent learning environment featuring extensive photographic studies, black and white and colour darkroom, film processing facilities, dedicated digital suites, and Mac suites offering industry-standard software.



• Take a hands-on approach and to apply to exhibit your work for Format International Photography Festival, the UK's leading international contemporary festival of photography and related media.



• Benefit from our partnerships such as FORMAT, Association of Photographers, GRAIN Photography Hub, Derby Museum and Art Galleries, Magnum Photos, MAC Birmingham, ESMAD Porto, the Art Institute of Las Vegas and more.



HOW YOU’LL LEARN:

The programme is delivered through a combination of practice-led workshops alongside lectures, seminars, tutorial support, national and international study visits. Whilst progressing through their studies, students work with the support of both actively working and researching photographic lecturers and industry professionals. Through engaging in exciting and intensive periods of risk-taking and creative explorations, students grow as autonomous practitioners and independent professionals with highly distinctive approaches that separate them from typical industry expectations.

YOUR CAREER:

The course places an emphasis on critical thinking, research, writing and oral communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. As such, you will be well equipped for diverse roles across the photo-imaging sector and beyond, making excellent use of transferable skills.

Our graduates have gone on to become artists, academics, teachers, curators, critics, professional photographers, editorial photographers, picture editors. Here are what some of our graduates are doing now:


• Idris Kahn OBE, leading UK artist



• Jenny Anderson, Director, Argentea Gallery



• Nicola Shipley, director GRAIN Photography Hub



• Michael Sargeant, On-line Education Manager, MAGNUM Photos



• John McLean, leading photographic artist and architectural photographer



• Steve Edwards, leading editorial photographer for UK and US publications



• Bethany Kane, Programming Officer FORMAT Photography Festival

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, the University of Derby was 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