Explore UAL Short Courses in London or online

Photography Short Courses

Looking to enhance your photography skills, develop a portfolio of work or specialise in areas such as documentary photography, moving image or post production? We have an extensive range of short courses to choose from covering all aspects of the industry and practice.

You can join us at UAL's world-renowned colleges, Central Saint Martins and Chelsea College of Arts and study at the heart of London’s vibrant art scene, with inspiration from world-class galleries, museums, and cultural landmarks.

Choose from week-long courses to evening classes and weekend courses, or study online from the comfort of your own space and get the same, high quality learning experience at a time that suits you.

UAL Short Courses are suitable for every level, all designed with appropriate class sizes, so tutors can help each individual improve their knowledge and get to the next level.

Our courses offer the opportunity to:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities, studios and dark rooms
Gain practical skills through studio-based sessions that encourage creativity and experimentation.
Create a strong body of work to enhance your portfolio
Friendly tutor feedback and helpful critiques to guide your progress
Supportive group sessions to share ideas and get fresh perspectives

Featured short courses

Photography

Studio Photography Short Course

£380.00

Have you ever wanted to use a photo studio and studio lights to take more considered professional pictures? If so, then this is the course for you.

Level - Beginners
Dates - 10 May 2025 to 11 May 2025
Duration - 2 days

Photography

Starting Digital Photography Short Course

£580.00

Designed to help students enhance their photography skills, this 5-week evening course at Central Saint Martins explores the creative potential of the digital camera.

Level - Beginners
Dates - 30 September 2025 to 28 October 2025
Duration - 5 weeks

Photography

The Complete Photography Short Course

£5400.00

The Complete Photography Short Course is designed to teach students a range of skills using analogue and digital to support the development of their photography practice.

Through a series of lectures and practical exercises, students develop their skills, knowledge and portfolio.

Level - All levels welcome
Dates - 4 October 2025 to 21 March 2026
Duration - 20 weeks

Photography

Improve Your Photography Short Course

£700.00

This inspiring short course guides students through a series of projects and challenging briefs that are designed to enhance aesthetic and technical abilities and foster a greater critical awareness of the medium.

Level - All levels welcome
Dates - 1 October 2025 to 3 December 2025
Duration - 10 weeks

Photography

Digital Photography Intensive Online Short Course

£380.00

This course is suitable for both beginners or those with a basic understanding of photography, wishing to have greater creative control over their equipment and develop an awareness of the essential picture making skills.

Level - Beginners
Dates - 7 July 2025 to 8 July 2025
Duration - 2 days

Photography

Documentary Photography Online Short Course

£420.00

In this online short course, you will learn different aspects of photojournalism You will develop shooting and editing techniques for effective storytelling.

Level - Beginners
Dates - 28 July 2025 to 31 July 2025
Duration - 4 days

How to improve your photography skills

We caught up with award-winning photographer and UAL short course tutor, Mark Aitken, to discuss his top tips for anyone looking to improve their photography skills.
5 types of photography to master

We spoke to award winning photographer, creative director and UAL short course tutor, Giulio Mazzarini, about 5 types of photography.
Photograph by Ushio Kageyama

How to become a professional photographer

Do you want to become a professional photographer? We caught up with professional photographer and tutor, Daniel Keys, to find out how you can make your dream a reality.