Our one-year BA Photography articulation course will build upon and enhance your existing technical and contextual understanding via a range of creative briefs that investigate photography across both fine art and design contexts. The curriculum encompasses editorial, documentary, photojournalism, landscape, and portraiture alongside moving image, film, advertising, and fashion.
Through the application of research and development methodologies and associated processes you will experiment, test and expand your knowledge of the discipline. You will explore the work of key practitioners and further enhance your understanding of photography through historical, cultural, and economic contexts. Our creative futures module will also afford you the opportunity to participate in a series of new business start-up activities which encourage you to adopt an entrepreneurial outlook.
1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction in Art and Design (Complete University Guide 2024).
1st in Scotland and top 3 in the UK for teaching quality in Art and Design (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
1st in Scotland* for overall student satisfaction in Design Studies (National Student Survey 2023, *excluding colleges, small, specialist and private institutions).
Years 1 & 2
The first two years are delivered by our partner Further Education Colleges.
Year 3
You will undertake a series of project briefs that enable you to expand on both your technical and critical and contextual knowledge. You will explore a wide variety of topics and develop a portfolio of work based on your personal ambitions and interests. You will consider your practice within a professional context and exhibit your work at our annual Degree Show Exhibition.
Articulation
On successful completion of year 3 of this course, you will have the opportunity to articulate onto one of our two courses within a specialist photography pathway:
or
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Our sustainability commitment
Making positive contribution to today’s contemporary society, the course provides the necessary knowledge and skill sets that challenge you to build a more sustainable world. We are all accountable for the footprints we leave, and our curriculum is designed to nurture and respect individuality in all our learners whilst actively prioritising the UN Sustainable Development Goals through our course conscience, where students align their creative project work with at least one of the identified targets. We highlight our student’s positive contributions by publishing our course response to sustainability at our annual Degree Show. This is further supported by our Creative Futures module that equips students with practical knowledge and meta-skills for sustainable career development and enterprise at every stage of study.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 3, 8 and 11. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
You will explore photography within a variety of studio and darkroom settings that facilitate collaborative learning experiences using both traditional techniques and the latest digital technologies. Our critical and contextual studies modules explore visual culture and context while our creative futures activities embed an enterprising outlook.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of external facing activities throughout the duration of the course including field study trips, national design competitions, and live collaborative projects with a wide variety of external businesses and organisations.
Activity Summary
Years 1 and 2 are delivered by our partner Further Education Colleges.
Year 3
- Lectures - Approx 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Seminars - Approx 12 students per group, 1 - 2 hours per week
- Webinar - Approx 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Tutorial - 1 - 12 students per group, 0.5 hour per week
- Project Supervision - Approx 15-20 students per group, 1 - 2 hours per week
- Demonstration - Approx 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Practical class or workshop -Approx 15-20 students per group,length of time varies per week
- Supervised time in studio / workshop - Approx 15-20 students per group,length of time varies per week
- Independent Study - Approx 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Field Work - Approx 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- External Visits - Approx 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Placement / Work Based Learning - Approx 15-20 students per group, length of time varies per week
Unless specified, activities vary between 1-5 hours per week depending on the module you are undertaking. More detailed information about indicative student workload hours can be found within each module's detailed information page.
How long is a BA Photography course?
This course can be completed in 1 year. This includes lectures, tutorials, independent study and other activities. On successful completion of this course, you will have the opportunity to articulate onto the BA (Hons) Communication Design or BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice courses within a specialist photography pathway.
Independent Study
As you progress through the course increasing emphasis is placed upon the development of independent learning which culminates in self-directed project/s. The year will afford you the opportunity reflect on your previous experiences and apply your knowledge and skills at a level approaching professional practice.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our dedicated team of academic and technical staff have extensive knowledge and understanding of the field and come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Their experience and expertise will provide you with a deep understanding of the photography disciplines.
Our Professional Associates and industry experts also contribute to the course in a variety of ways and our Guest@Grays lecture programme invites national and international illustrators, designers and photographers to speak about their work. The course works closely with the University’s Library, Study Skills and Careers Centre and staff at other academic institutions.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed:
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 3 portfolios
- 1 practical skills assessment
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
There is no placement option in this one-year course however you will have the opportunity to participate in a number of live projects briefs with external industry partners and enter national and international photography competitions.
Job Prospects
The choice of projects and the wide range of experiences offered by our course ensures that you will have a number of employment opportunities in various roles across a range of industry sectors post-graduation. The department is mindful of employer expectations, and we adapt the curriculum accordingly whilst continuing to closely monitor emerging and future employment trends and opportunities.
Our graduates are adaptable and capable competing in the job market; securing employment locally and nationally across a wide range of creative and commercial sectors with many also establishing their own studios while others are working as freelance photographers for major creative design agencies and media organisations. A number have extended their education through Honours and Postgraduate study.
Is Photography a good career choice?
Previous BA Photography graduates have gone on to pursue careers as:
- Studio/Portrait Photographers
- Scientific Photographers
- Advertising & Fashion Photographers
- Commercial & Digital Photo Editors
- Photography Technicians
- Photojournalists
- Videographers
- Drone Operators
What is needed for a BA Photography course?
Entry to Year 3 (only)
Higher National Diploma: A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to successfully meeting the partner course criteria.
All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria stated will be invited to attend an 'advanced' portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3, subject to successfully meeting the partner course criteria.
Alternative Qualifications
Those who may not hold the standard qualifications, are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate/relevant creative work, qualifications and/or life experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the Student Admissions Service for further advice and guidance.
A portfolio review/interview is still a requirement for this type of candidate.
Portfolio Review
Suitable applicants should submit a digital portfolio through a Flickr account. Details of the process are in the downloadable portfolio guidance. After viewing digital portfolios all successful applicants will be offered a place. If we feel more information would be useful to your application we will invite you for an interview. All offer holders will be invited to the school for an Applicants Event, which will allow you to meet staff and students while experiencing the teaching environment. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
Engage - Portfolio Guidance
Our online and in-person Portfolio Guidance courses help support and prepare you for applying for an undergraduate course at Gray's School of Art.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page.
Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £17670 |
| Year 2 | £17670 | |
| Year 3 | £17670 | |
Academic Year 2023-2024
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £1820 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6750 |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6750 |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 1 year | Year 1 | £16990 |
Additional Costs
- £25 Studio fund – Year 3
- £50 – £150 Materials
- £250 Field Study (optional)
- £300 Camera (optional)
- £1,000 Laptop (optional)
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2024 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.