BA Photography with Foundation Year
About this course
BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation Year is a four-year undergraduate degree centred on BA (Hons) Photography. Core topics include Research Methods. This Association of Photographers accredited course features an integrated foundation year followed by three degree-level years of study, supported by technical workshops and access to darkrooms and shooting studios. The first year introduces creative practice and research methods through Introducing Creative Research Practice, Seeing, Thinking, Making Meaning, Ideas, Images and Objects, Innovation Lab, Creative Industries Toolkit, and Creative Playbook. The second year focuses on technical skills, culture and collaboration via Photographic Image Capture, Cultural Contexts, Picturing Place: Culture & Identity, and Collaborative Practice. The third year examines community projects, digital and analogue experimentation, industry briefs and critical theory through Networks & Narratives: Photography in the Community, Immersive Image-Making, The Photographic Interface: Industry Experience, and Theorising Photography. The final year involves refining personal work and independent research through Blueprint of Practice, Independent Research Paper, and Resolution of Practice.
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
48 UCAS Tariff Points. You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table . A-levels: A. T-levels: P (D or E) All subjects are accepted for entry to this course. Access to HE: 45 Credits at Pass. Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points. Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points. Other experience: Pearson Level 3 National Diploma MP. Selection criteria: As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to this programme. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing Photography and reflect upon any experience you have gained. All places are offered subject to successful interview and portfolio. Please prepare your portfolio carefully to show evidence of your photography, creativity, art work and idea development. There is no one, ideal portfolio and we are used to looking at the work of students from many different courses and colleges. At interview you have the opportunity to demonstrate what inspires you and what interests you in life and this is what will inform your work and your career as a photographer. The Integrated Foundation Year programme supports your return to education and are specifically designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but may not have all the necessary qualifications, skills or experiences to join the degree in Year 1
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What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 77%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 81%
- Organisation and management: 62%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 70%
- Gained a higher qualification: 20%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 35%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 25%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 185 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 11%
- North West: 54%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 11%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 5%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 3%
- Scotland: 5%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 50%
- Other HE qualification: 40%
- Other qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introducing Creative Research Practice
- Seeing, Thinking, Making Meaning
- Ideas, Images and Objects
- Innovation Lab
- Creative Industries Toolkit
- Creative Playbook
- Photographic Image Capture
- Cultural Contexts
- Picturing Place: Culture & Identity
- Collaborative Practice
- Networks & Narratives: Photography in the Community
- Immersive Image-Making
- The Photographic Interface: Industry Experience
- Theorising Photography
- Blueprint of Practice
- Independent Research Paper
- Resolution of Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Photography with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £17,000 after 3 years, £19,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £15,500 and £24,500. The £19,500 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
What do graduates of BA Photography with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Photography with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria?
77% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Photography with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria?
The average entrant had 107 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Photography with Foundation Year at University of Cumbria?
70% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.