Develop innovative, unique work in one of Europe's leading photography schools.
Photography is at the heart of the creative industries. From gallery to magazine, from breaking news to film set, studying photography gives you access to a huge range of art and commercial opportunities. The course is taught by dedicated, respected photographers who exhibit and publish internationally. Our graduates have won high-profile prizes, shown their work around the world and built diverse careers out of their studies here. We are passionate about photography, encouraging and supporting our students to explore, learn, question and become experts. At Ulster we will help you develop your own creative style and individual voice. You will leave with a valuable set of skills and a fresh way of thinking that help you stand out as you embark on a career in the creative and media industries.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Our photography programme offers concentrated teaching sessions over two and a half days each week to give you dedicated time to work on your own projects. The curriculum includes lectures that delve into the expanded field of contemporary and historical photographic practices, including video and mixed-media work. This is further enriched by class discussions, debates, seminars, group and individual reviews, student presentations, and workshops on ideas and methods. Technical workshops also ensure that you gain the expertise needed to develop your projects and advance your professional practices. Your project outcomes will include photobooks, exhibition prints, moving image/video, research blogs, presentations and portfolios.
Our students have access to a dedicated iMac digital suite, a full photographic studio, a black-and-white printing darkroom, a digital printing area for photobook dummy making, high-end printers, and social spaces to foster collaboration and the development of practical photographic work. Additionally, we provide access to high-end cameras (digital SLRs, medium and large format analogue) and lighting equipment for borrowing at no cost, ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed. We also have two photographic technicians to help you. Our library has the largest collection of art photography books in Northern Ireland, providing an unparalleled resource for research and inspiration, along with a wealth of e-resources and 24 hour study spaces.
We welcome students from all backgrounds and levels of experience, with no prior study of photography or art required. Our course emphasises creativity through ideas-based projects that resonate with contemporary issues such as the climate, identity, health and belonging. Graduates of our programme are adept at communicating, with excellent skills in critical thinking, project management, innovative solutions, and teamwork. These skills are highly valued across numerous roles in the creative industries and many other fields.
The teaching team consists of photographers who exhibit, write and publish internationally. We invite visiting speakers to give lectures and we have hosted photographers Lorenzo Vitturi, Tereza Zelenkova, Matthew Finn and Eleanor Macnair, writers Sean O'Hagan and David Campany, and curator Hannah Watson.
You will have opportunities for funded study abroad through Erasmus/Turing and Study USA as well as placements in industry. Undertaken as an optional year, these lead to additional Diplomas in International Academic Study or Professional Placement as well as invaluable experiences and connections. The close links we have with galleries and photo festivals help you build your own networks and experience from the start of your studies and beyond. Our students and graduates have been selected for high-profile prizes including the Jill Todd award, the RUA Young Artist award, the Irish Early Career Artist Awards and the Kassel Photobook Dummy award.
We have been profiled by the British Journal of Photography as one of the most significant photography schools in Europe. The world is constantly evolving, with technology such as AI bringing new possibilities for the creation and distribution of images, and a wealth of subjects to explore. Photography is probably our most universal language - this is a hugely exciting time to be at the forefront of it.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
The course runs over three or four years with a timetable covering lectures, seminars, critiques, visits and tutorials. Teaching usually takes place over three days each week. On the other days you will be photographing on location or in the studio as well as carrying out your own research.
Year 1 is an exciting, intense year with four practical modules and two contextual modules running alongside. Year 2 consists of four 12-week modules, two practical, one professional and one contextual, which help you build your own voice as a photographer and work towards your career goals. In Year 3 you will complete one major practice module, a dissertation and a professional practice module. There is an optional year between Years 2 and 3 for a study abroad or professional placement which leads to an extra diploma qualification.
You will learn practical skills at all stages. Throughout the course we emphasise independent study to build on what you learn in the taught sessions.
We teach through a combination of illustrated lectures, seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. Throughout the course you will build your ideas and processes through a Research Development Book. This is a really key element in your learning. Its design, format and structure are entirely down to you - the important thing is that it is meaningful and useful for you and that it documents your work as it progresses. You will submit it for each module, along with other outputs such as prints, photobooks and films.
We introduce every module with a clear explanation of what you need to produce and how we will assess it. You are also given a handbook for each module and extra materials and information on our digital learning site Blackboard. This gives you access to helpful information both on and off campus, at any time.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
All members of the teaching team are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy which recognises the quality and extensiveness of teaching experience.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
Beginning with a consideration of the photographic narrative, the module introduces the component parts of narrative structure, the fundamental building blocks upon which storytelling and the communication of ideas are visually created. The module brings the practitioner into contact with the subjects of documentary photography. It introduces an understanding from the outset of some of the central processes and challenges pertinent to documentary practice and examines the potential of articulating specific information through the medium of photography. Whilst consolidating key skills, this module will also encourage a curiosity of the contribution Documentary makes to wider photographic culture and equips the student with the skills to explore the histories, ideas and roles photography plays in our contemporary world.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is an introduction to the construction of meaning in the photograph through the control of language, lighting, staging, stage setting, camera viewpoint and advanced digital technologies. It introduces those photographic/video skills appropriate to working in studio and on location. Students will be involved in the production of group and individual staged photographic projects informed by a critical consideration of constructed or staged images as they occur in n a wide range of contexts, for example advertising, art, editorial, fashion, promotional; as well as within concept art in game design and AI image generation. Most significantly students will develop an understanding of staged methodologies within photography as an essential act in the construction of meaning and as a form of storytelling. With a focus on the creation of a constructed or staged image as a piece of art, students will become attuned to the way in which photographs can be used to communicate a story and/or a message.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module uses lectures, workshops and seminars to introduce students to key ideas about the meaning of photographs. The seminars encourage establishing sound research practice and communicating thoughts and questions. The image analysis and research blog offer students an opportunity to research and present their ideas about topics that interest them more deeply.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module focuses on teamwork and collaboration in the photography-extended field of moving images. It allows students to learn storytelling methods and gain technical skills in video-making. Through group work, students will create a unique and technically proficient short video depicting 'a day in the life of a university student'. The module includes lectures, technical presentations and workshops and encourages active engagement. Its purpose is to improve employability, foster inclusive citizenship and participation, and deepen subject specialisation at the outset of the course.
Year: 1
Status: C
This lecture and seminar-based module introduces students to key ideas about city and narrative that inform and influence current photographic practice. The seminars encourage students in establishing sound research practice and communicating their thoughts and questions. The presentation and essay offer an opportunity to develop more confident and articulate communication of their findings from the module.
Year: 1
Status: C
This practice module will introduce students to the important role that narrative plays in any photographic series, whether it is a photographic book or video. The module will guide students through a range of conceptual methods for telling visual stories via an illustrated lecture programme and group seminars. This theoretical and practical teaching will be further supported through peer review, individual tutorials and practical workshops that provide students with technical skills.
Year: 2
Status: C
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will introduce students to the professional aspects of being an artist/designer in a rapidly changing society. It investigates the role of an independent creative artist/designer and also explores other fields where their attributes and skills are increasingly acknowledged, needed and valued as having wider application.
Year: 2
Status: C
This 40-credit practice module asks students to think and work outside the box by employing photographic strategies that involve construction, performance, intergrated text and archival material, and concept. Experimenting with strategies in new areas, students will develop new ways of working that help to further pinpoint and define their individual voice as author.
Year: 2
Status: C
Introduces a range of publication and exhibition contexts for photographic practice and encourages appropriate project development within specific contexts.
Year: 2
Status: C
Level 5 allows students to work independently and within a team towards the development of a self-directed individual critical perspective or thesis, reflecting major concerns within their photographic practice. The focus is on the refinement of interpretive skills necessary to explore and challenge critical historical and contemporary voices within photography. It encourages increasing independence of research and writing through specialization - drawing out convergences/divergences within the student's individual strands of research/practice towards a greater understanding of a unifying voice. This is towards the production of a piece of critical writing and the selection of a thesis topic at the end of the academic year in preparation for Level 6.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This is an optional placement year for students who have completed Level 5 prior to the final year of study. The placement must be a minimum of 25 weeks duration and can be in a broad range of Art/Professional practice. A programme of work is agreed by the student, the Placement Tutor and the Placement Partner and usually takes place in Europe with respect to the relevant health and safety and disability regulations.(SENDO). The placement is designed to increase experience of workshop/studio/communal and technical practice, while broadening and enhancing the student's social, personal and professional development. Upon successful completion of the placement year the student is awarded a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPP) or a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) International upon graduation from the course.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module is the penultimate contextualising studies module on the photographic course. In this module students individually locate and discursively evolve their own investigative research project related to photographic practice.
The module contextualises photographic and visual cultural enquiry in a focused, critical form either through an academic dissertation or contextualised study for professional exhibition. Moreover, it teaches skills in visual literacy, intellectual enquiry, and research, raising appropriate enquiry, critical writing and cultural understanding.
Year: 4
Status: C
The final, practice-based module of the course is designed to provide a clear and committed direction that will result in a body of photographic work characterised by a refined resolution of ideas and practice and distinguished by a clear, individual vision. From this body of work an appropriate selection will be made for exhibition or publication within the degree show.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module consolidates aspects of the photography sector, including practitioners' experiences, career insights and professional practice. The module also supports the development of a promotional website and examines students' ability to work to a commercial brief.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades CCC
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of MMM
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades CCCCC
Grades DDD
Overall profile is minimum 24 points (including 12 at higher level)
Overall profile of 55% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)
Overall profile of 45 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include distinctions in 15 Level 5 credits/units may be specified.
Pass HNC with overall Merit to include distinctions in 45 Level 4 credits/units may be specified.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Photography students go on to diverse careers in art, design, film and media. These include documentary, editorial, advertising, publishing, project management, gallery curation, fashion photography, writing, picture research, magazine editing, music photography, portraiture, architecture, medical, wildlife, forensic photography and specialist technical support roles.
In addition, many of our graduates work in Northern Ireland's thriving film industry including as film stills photographers.
If you would like to develop your own work to a higher level after the BA (Hons) Photography you can study for an MFA Photography at Ulster or further afield. Beyond this there is a PhD pathway in our highly regarded Research Institute.
There are also opportunities for those wishing to pursue a teaching career with the completion of a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
We have a number of exciting partnerships with other institutions, including MOME Budapest, the Royal Academy in Antwerp, and KABK in the Hague.
Students have undertaken work placements in forensic photography, arts management, education, media content creation and sports journalism.
International Undergraduate Scholarship
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/apply/scholarships/international-undergraduate-scholarship
Value
£2,000 scholarship applied as discount to your annual tuition fee.
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/apply/scholarships
Other awards and prizes:
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/scholarships
Information provided is for guidance only as scholarship details are subject to change - please refer to the source website for up-to-date and accurate information.
Students purchase materials for their own coursework.
Consumable workshop contribution of up to £100 is optional and contributes to materials used by students.
Field trips to museums, galleries and exhibitions may incur additional costs.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
