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BA Photography

University of the Arts London

About this course

BA (Hons) Photography, exploring image-making and visual culture over three undergraduate years. Core topics include Research Methods and Design & Creative Practice. Students complete a major practice-based project and undertake live briefs set by industry partners.

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.

Institution
University of the Arts London
Level
undergraduate
Subject
Photography
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
W640
Typical offer
IB 24, UCAS 104
Median salary
£25,000 after 5 years

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in the industry. The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows: 104 UCAS tariff points, which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications: A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences). Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4). Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, IT & Computing, Media). Merit at UAL Extended Diploma. Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production). OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum And 5 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)

See the highest paying Art, Design, Music & Drama degrees in the UK →

What students say

Based on about 29 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Teaching on my course: 76%
  • Learning opportunities: 69%
  • Assessment and feedback: 87%
  • Academic support: 79%
  • Organisation and management: 76%
  • Learning resources: 84%
  • Student voice: 82%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 65 students who started

  • Continued on course: 88%
  • Gained a higher qualification: 3%
  • Left higher education: 9%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 165 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • North East: 2%
  • North West: 2%
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
  • East Midlands: 2%
  • West Midlands: 4%
  • East of England: 2%
  • London: 63%
  • South East: 18%
  • South West: 4%
  • Wales: 1%
  • Scotland: 1%

Who gets in

Based on about 55 students who started

  • A levels: 85%
  • Other HE qualification: 15%

Accreditation & quality ratings

TEF 2023 (whole university): Bronze overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.

Modules

  • Introduction to Photography
  • Approaches to Practice
  • Histories of Photography
  • The Photobook
  • Issues of Representation and Power
  • Experimental Imaging
  • The Live Brief (Industry, Community and Collaboration)
  • Exhibiting Practices
  • Questions in Contemporary Visual Culture
  • Research Project
  • Major Project 1
  • Major Project 2
  • Creative Futures

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of BA Photography at University of the Arts London earn?

The median salary is £20,500 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £17,000 and £32,000. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.

Are students happy with the teaching on BA Photography at University of the Arts London?

76% 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 the Arts London?

The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 119 UCAS points.

Does BA Photography at University of the Arts London include a placement year or year abroad?

The course has an optional placement year.

How many students continue on BA Photography at University of the Arts London?

88% of students continued into their second year, and 9% left higher education.