BA Photography
About this course
BA (Hons) Photography, a BA (Hons) Photography degree centred on artistic interests, contemporary image making, and professional photography skills. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students access photography studios, Mac suites, and dark rooms outside of scheduled classes and exhibit work at an annual degree show. The first year covers core analogue and digital techniques through Establishing Practice, Material Explorations, Photography: The History, Technology and Theory of Practice, and Developing Practice. The second year introduces societal contexts and professional preparation via modules such as Photography and Society, Making, Sensing, Thinking, Professional Networks, Realisation and Exposition, and Art: Ethics and Aesthetics. The final year involves independent portfolio development and contextual writing through Advanced Studio, Dissertation, Degree Show, and Professional Futures.
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
Minimum entry requirements: 104 UCAS Tariff points; and 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language. Portfolio Day: If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work to our tutors and discuss your work and the ideas behind it. You should prepare your portfolio with a range of work that may include finished projects, sketch books, digital work, paintings, photographs, drawings, 3D work, storyboards, short films or animations.
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What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 81%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 63%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 30%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 30%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 20%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 13%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 63%
- East Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 5%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Establishing Practice
- Material Explorations
- Photography: The History, Technology and Theory of Practice
- Developing Practice
- Photography and Society
- Making, Sensing, Thinking
- Professional Networks
- Realisation and Exposition
- Art: Ethics and Aesthetics
- Professional Networks (Exchange)*
- Advanced Studio
- Dissertation
- Degree Show
- Professional Futures
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Photography at York St John University earn?
The median salary is £22,000 after 15 months, £18,500 after 3 years, £23,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,500 and £26,000. The £23,000 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
What do graduates of BA Photography at York St John University 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 at York St John University?
81% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Photography at York St John University?
The average entrant had 117 UCAS points.
Does BA Photography at York St John University 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 York St John University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.