BA (Hons)

Commercial Photography FAQ

1) What do you need to see in my portfolio?

We like to see a combination of photography skills, creativity, strong individuality and clear focus within the students’ work. We also expect to see strong sketchbooks that evidence not only project development and a commitment to photography, but also a diverse range of interests that have helped to inform student work.

2) What facilities do you have?

Well-equipped production facilities from analogue through to digital (including colour and black and white darkrooms, and a specialist photo digital suite). The use of 5 large photographic studios. Good location and studio stores for the majority of students needs (equipment includes various formats from 35mm to 5×4, pro-digital DSLR’s- Nikon and Canon, digital backs for our Hasselblad’s, lighting kits etc.).

3) Is there an opportunity for visits to exhibitions within the UK or abroad?

The course makes one international trip a year, historically to New York due to the course industry connection and also with the Photography degree at Parsons Institute of Design/New School. Whilst in New York we arrange guest speakers from the industry, live photographic projects, including fashion and editorial, lectures and exhibition visits. The course also makes regular gallery based visits once a term.

4) Do you have guest speakers from within the industry?

We have a lively Guest Speaker Programme with visits from industry professionals from a variety of areas such as advertising, fashion, portraiture and editorial photographers as well as those whom graduates would expect to work alongside in the industry such as stylists and assistants. We also invite potential clients such as picture editors, art directors and those who represent photographers including agents and agencies.

5) What are the employment prospects?

Employment prospects are very good, majority of graduates have gone on to work as freelance photographers, on picture desks, advertising agencies, production houses, assistant photographers, fashion and editorial or have gone on to further postgraduate study. Alumni include those who work for Conde Nast, the Guardian, Times, Dazed & Confused, Mother, Telegraph Magazine etc. In recent years more students are getting commissioned and published while still on the course, as well as winning prestigious competitions.

6) Do I need a Foundation Diploma or can I apply straight from A Levels?

The majority of our students do come from Foundation Diploma’s or 2 year National Diploma’s, however, it is not a course requirement, and we are happy to look at strong applications from a variety of educational backgrounds.