Photography

UCAS code: W640

Here's what University of Northampton says about its Photography course.

Why choose this course?

Our Photography degree takes a practical approach to exploring the photograph within a range of contemporary practices and contexts.

You’ll develop your understanding of the place of photographic work within leisure, commercial and cultural contexts, to understand the impact photography can have and the change it can inspire. We encourage you to explore the photograph within art, editorial, product, services and industry, communications, performance and entertainment. You’ll develop skills independently, so you can work to client commissions and function as a professional following graduation in photography.

As well as your assessed coursework, we encourage you to present your work to the public. There will be additional costs included in contributing to and setting up exhibitions, such as gallery hire, printing, mounting/framing and transport. These will vary depending on the venue and the number of participants.

We don’t expect students to arrive with their own high-end cameras, we have a range of Nikon digital cameras which can be loaned (subject to availability). You may wish to go on to purchase your own camera in your second year.

Our Photography course has been successful in the 2026 Guardian University Guide as part of the Film Production and Photography subject grouping:

Ranked 16th nationally for Film Production and Photography Ranked 10th for Satisfied with Feedback for Film Production and Photography*

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one-to-one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study, you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026***.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand-new laptop**** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course textbook is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

• In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that If you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

? Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide Film Production and Photography Subject table, filtered by Year ?? Data taken from the 2026 Guardian University Guide Film Production and Photography Subject table, filtered by Satisfised with Feedback ??? eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information ???? eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

STAGE 1: • Content Production Skills (Compulsory) • Digital Imaging Skills (Compulsory) • Engaging with a Client (Compulsory) • Presenting the Image (Compulsory) • Skills for Specialist Workflows (Compulsory) • Reading the Image (Compulsory)

STAGE 2: • Advanced Fashion Imagery (Compulsory) • Cinematography (Compulsory) • Commercial Campaign (Compulsory) • Engaging with the Industry (Compulsory) • Experimental Image Making (Compulsory) • Photography and Visual Culture (Compulsory)

STAGE 3: • Final Major Project (Compulsory) • Professional Futures (Compulsory) • Project Foundations: Research and Concept (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 25/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly. 26/27 entry modules will be released in June 2026.

Theory is assessed through essays, a dissertation and presentations.

Practical work is judged through portfolio presentations and exhibitions, and aligned with individual module criteria.