BA Photography with Foundation
About this course
BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation BA (Hons), a undergraduate degree in the BA (Hons) Photography subject area. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can complete an optional year-long paid internship or placement between years 2 and 3. The course begins with a foundation year covering Critical Thinking in a Changing World, Explorations in Art and Design, and Fundamentals of Art and Design, helping students build essential academic and practical methods before advancing. Year 1 introduces core principles through Constructing Photographs, Creativity and Collaboration, and Photography: Image and Idea, with optional modules such as Fashion Photography and the Street and Photography in the Street: Documentary. Year 2 advances professional competencies via Developing a Photographic Voice, The Self-Directed Brief, and Work-Based and Placement Learning, alongside options including CGI and Photography and Photobooks, Magazines and Zines. The final year focuses on independent research and final portfolios through Photography Final Major Project, Photography Major Project Research, and Research Project, complemented by optional professional preparation in Professional Futures.
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Entry requirements
A Levels – DD (48 UCAS Tariff points). T levels – 48 UCAS Tariff points. International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis. BTEC Extended Diploma – PPP. BTEC Diploma – MP. Access – 48 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course. In addition to one of the above, you should have: GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass - IB Pass If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component. You will be required to submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 images of art and design work to reflect your course of interest. This might include drawing and painting, graphic design, illustration, photography, printmaking and digital prints, sculpture and 3D work, installations, animations or video. Video and animation files may need to be uploaded to YouTube or a similar online platform, and then embedded in your portfolio website or with links also provided. There should be a maximum of three video files, each no longer than three minutes duration. We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries. Portfolio guidance: Number of recommended portfolio pieces.: We are very interested in your potential as a student, and in support of your application we ask you to select a concise visual portfolio of 3 to 5 items of art, design or media work to reflect your course of interest. What should I include in my portfolio submission?: We accept a wide range of art, design and media work, including drawing and painting, graphic design and illustration, photography, printmakin
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What students say
Based on about 104 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 79%
- Learning opportunities: 75%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 82%
- Organisation and management: 61%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 230 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 6%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 35%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 55%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 25%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 14%
- London: 49%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 185 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 79%
- Baccalaureate: 4%
- Access course: 1%
- Foundation course: 3%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 12%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Critical Thinking in a Changing World
- Explorations in Art and Design
- Extended Project in Art and Design
- Fundamentals of Art and Design
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Themes in Art and Design
- Constructing Photographs
- Creativity and Collaboration
- Expanded and Immersive Photography
- Photography: Image and Idea
- Fashion Photography and the Street
- Photography in the Street: Documentary
- Developing a Photographic Voice
- The Self-Directed Brief
- Work-Based and Placement Learning
- CGI and Photography
- Collaborative Practices
- Photobooks, Magazines and Zines
- The Networked Photograph
- Videography
- Photography Final Major Project
- Photography Major Project Research
- Research Project
- Professional Futures
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Photography with Foundation at University of Westminster earn?
The median salary is £22,000 after 15 months, £20,500 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,500 and £32,000. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
What do graduates of BA Photography with Foundation at University of Westminster do next?
90% 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 at University of Westminster?
79% 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 at University of Westminster?
The typical offer is DD at A level. The average entrant had 130 UCAS points.
Does BA Photography with Foundation at University of Westminster include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Photography with Foundation at University of Westminster?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.