BA Photographic Practice in Nottingham

Cost£8,250.00
Duration3 years
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

BA (Hons) Photographic Practice Degree in Nottingham. Classes run full-time at Nottingham College City Hub, a modern campus in the city centre with professional industry-standard studios and equipment. The course runs over three years and covers studio practice, sports photography, photojournalism, and product photography. You'll also develop skills in Photoshop, digital marketing, and business management, including finance and working with clients. Tuition fees apply per year, and various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses. This BA (Hons) Photographic Practice Degree qualification prepares you to work as a freelancer or in the wider creative industries.

Who this course is for

The new BA (Hons) degree in Photographic Practice is designed to enable you to build the skills to work effectively as a professional as a freelancer or in the creative industries.

You'll develop a detailed understanding of the technical aspects of photography work including units on studio practice, sports photography, photo journalism and product photography. You will develop your understanding of the use of software such as Photoshop throughout. You will also learn how to manage a business effectively – through units that look at managing finances and working with customers.

Crucially, you will be given the skills and understanding to use digital marketing in creating your own online presence and also explore how this is used by a wide range of employers and organisations. As a result you will be able to use your photographic talents in this rapidly-developing area.

The programme will be delivered at our ultra-modern City Hub campus in Nottingham City Centre, providing access to professional industry-standard equipment, studio spaces and software such as Adobe Creative Suite. You'll also have numerous opportunities to engage and collaborate with other students aiming to get into the creative industries and work in response to live industry briefs.

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of 64 UCAS points from study at Level 3:

At least two A Levels at A2 BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma International Baccalaureate Access to HE Diploma T levels

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

Mature applicants not meeting the standard entry criteria but with relevant industry or life experience are very welcome to apply.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop technical photography skills across studio, sports, photojournalism, and product photography.
  • You'll use professional image-editing software including Photoshop to a high standard.
  • You'll build an online presence using digital marketing tools and platforms.
  • You'll learn how to manage a freelance or small photography business, including finances and working with clients.
  • You'll understand how digital marketing is used across a wide range of organisations and industries.
  • You'll work with professional, industry-standard equipment in a dedicated studio environment.

How you will learn

You'll study full-time on campus at Nottingham College City Hub, attending daytime classes across the week. Learning is delivered through practical studio sessions, project-based work, and taught units covering both technical and business skills. Assessment is through coursework, practical projects, and portfolio development. You'll build a body of work throughout the three years that demonstrates your skills to future employers or clients.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Nottingham College City Hub will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Freelance photographer: work independently across commercial, editorial, or event photography.
  • Photojournalist: capture news and documentary images for media outlets.
  • Product photographer: shoot images for e-commerce, advertising, and brand campaigns.
  • Sports photographer: cover live events for agencies, clubs, or publications.
  • Studio photographer: work in portrait, fashion, or commercial studio settings.
  • Social media content creator: produce visual content for brands and organisations.
  • Photography assistant: support senior photographers on professional shoots.

What you could study next

A BA (Hons) opens the door to postgraduate study. An MA in Photography or Visual Communication lets you specialise further or move into academic and research roles. If you want to teach photography in further education, a PGCE or Diploma in Education and Training is the recognised route. Some graduates also pursue an MA in Digital Marketing to build on the business and online presence skills developed during the degree.