BA Photography
About this course
BA (Hons) Photography. Core topics include Critical & Analytical Thinking and Design & Creative Practice. The programme includes a placement learning module and culminates in a major exhibition project. The School of Arts was one of the first UK institutions to launch a photography degree, offering a free equipment loan centre and extensive darkroom and digital facilities.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff: 104 A level: BCC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
See the highest paying Art, Design, Music & Drama degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 5 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 70%
- Learning resources: 83%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 25%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 45%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 12%
- East Midlands: 50%
- West Midlands: 14%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 3%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement Learning and Professional Development
- Photographic Practice
- Photographic Studio Production - People
- Photographic Studio Production - Objects
- Histories of Photography
- Theories of Photography
- Expanded Media
- Image Musing Text
- Raising Your Voice
- Making Your Future
- Writing the Image
- Realisation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Photography at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £17,500 after 3 years, £21,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £18,500 and £27,500. The £21,500 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
What do graduates of BA Photography at University of Derby do next?
70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Photography at University of Derby?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Photography at University of Derby?
The typical offer is BCC at A level. The average entrant had 112 UCAS points.
Does BA Photography at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Photography at University of Derby?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.