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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fine Art: Photography

Abstract photographic print with different textures and shades of blue by Alex Burgess - BA Fine Art Photography.
Alex Burgess., Alex Burgess.
BA (Hons) Fine Art: Photography, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
College
Camberwell College of Arts
UCAS code
W642
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA Fine Art Photography at Camberwell College of Arts offers an open and experimental approach to fine art photographic practice.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Course overview

Photography is not just an artistic practice. It is social and political tool that can be used to both uncover and obscure truths about the world around us.

On this specialist fine art course, you will learn about the history and practice of photography. Following its evolution, you will explore how photography has been used to influence collective and individual memory. Interrogating this relationship will help you understand the powerful status that a photographer holds as an artist, a historian and a memorialist.  

Practical workshops will help you develop technical skills in analogue and digital processes including 3D camera construction and printing, photogrammetry and model-making. From capturing personal memories to documenting global histories, you’ll be encouraged to experiment with different modes and techniques. 

By the end of your degree, you will have developed your own unique photographic style. Your portfolio of work will demonstrate your strong storytelling skills, which you will be able to showcase to potential clients and employers. 

What to expect

  • Theoretical knowledge: Learn about traditional and emerging theories in photography and related fine art practices.
  • Experimentation: Explore the creative possibilities and limits of photography through practical work.
  • Employability and enterprise skills: Develop the necessary skills and creative attributes to take on future challenges in a wide range of professional settings.
  • Exhibitions and audiences: Test out different exhibition techniques and learn how to successfully engage with audiences through your work and curatorial style.
  • Expanded photographic practices: Learn how photography is used across a range of sectors including journalism, machine vision, physics and medical sciences.
  • Collaboration: Attend lectures and collaborate on projects with students from Camberwell’s other fine art degrees including Computational Arts, Drawing, Painting and Sculpture.
  • Access to facilities: Use Camberwell’s large range of facilities including printmaking machines, photography and film studios and ceramics, wood and metal workshops. View the Camberwell facilities.

Industry experience and opportunities

All our students have the opportunity and are supported in exhibiting their work to an external audience. Students can take part in a wide range of seminars and workshops hosted by a variety of professionals and external arts organisations. Students will be able to take part in the College’s international exchange scheme to study abroad.

Third year students have the option to undertake a work placement, instead of a written dissertation or practical live project. Students and graduates can register with UAL Arts Temps, an employment agency, which offers students paid opportunities within the creative sector.

Mode of study 

BA Fine Art: Photography is offered in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage consists of 30 teaching weeks. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Year 1

Unit 1: Introduction to Fine Art

This unit is an introduction to your course, the university and London as a resource.

Unit 2: Establishing practice

With support from your tutors, you will develop your own fine art practice through identifying areas of interest that have emerged in Unit 1. This will be through self-directed projects leading to sustained and increasingly independent practice. There will be timetabled workshops, seminars, lectures and tutorials.

Unit 3: Ideas into practice

You will focus on further developing and strengthening your skills and confidence in articulating and exploring your chosen areas of research through writing and art practice. By identifying specific skills and strategies, you will develop your work for public exhibition.

Unit 4: Activating practice

You will be introduced to working outside a studio environment and situating your work in the public realm.

Year 2

Unit 5: Exploring context through practice

You will extend the independent practice you established in Year 1. This will deepen your understanding and articulation of the ideas influencing your practice.

Unit 6: Collaborative and collective practices

You will be introduced to different ways in which collaborative working can help you to focus and enhance your own creative strengths. You’ll have the chance to work with fellow students and creative communities.

Unit 7: Refining practice

This unit will build on some of the collaborative skills gained in Unit 6 in order to facilitate the presentation and contextualisation of your work. You will research and present an essay to help situate your work critically.

Unit 8: Audiences

In this unit, you are prompted to professionally plan and communicate your work in the third year, focusing the direction and context of your practice.

Year 3

Unit 9: Practice and articulation

You will develop work for a public audience, supported by a piece of research produced either in written form, presentation, live project or work placement.

Unit 10: Practice and presentation

You will work to build a sustainable and ethical practice for your degree show. You will consolidate your research in the creation of new work which engages audiences.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Diploma in Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fine Art: Photography (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Events, screenings and visits
  • Group and individual critiques, tutorials and formal reviews
  • Individual programmes of study
  • Key ideas lecture programme
  • Learning skills in practical and technical workshops.
  • Lectures and visiting speakers
  • Staff and student led seminars and discussions

Student work

  • Camberwell-Oliver-Newman-BA-Photography-2017.jpg
    Oliver Newman - BA Photography
  • camberwell-BA-Photography-Szilvia-Bolla.jpeg
    Szilvia Bolla - BA Photography
  • camberwell-BA-Photography-Sofia-Ginevra-Gianni-1860.jpg
    Sofia Ginevra-Gianni - BA Photography
  • camberwell-BA-Photography-Lee-Mann-1000.jpg
    Lee Mann - BA Photography
  • camberwell-BA-Photography-Lea-Collet.jpg
    Lea Collet - BA Photography
  • camberwell-BA-Photography-katie-Pankowski-1000.jpg
    Katie Pankowski - BA Photography
  • camberwell-BA-Photography-Izaak-Brandt-1000.jpg
    Izaak Brandt - BA Photography
  • camberwell-BA-Photography-Hannah-Jetschmann.jpg
    Hannah Jetschmann - BA Photography
  • camberwell-BA-Photography-Giacomo-Raffaelli-1000.jpg
    Giacomo Raffaelli - BA Photography

Film

Show 2022: Jakkaphat Bunmachertchai

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are one or a combination of the following qualifications:

  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • 2 A Levels at grade C or above
  • Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum
  • And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

Selection criteria

We look for:

  • An ability to explore, articulate and develop ideas
  • An ability to research information and visual material to support your ideas
  • Your portfolio to demonstrate a range of appropriate skills and technical abilities
  • An ability to communicate your ideas visually, verbally and in writing
  • An ability to self-direct and evaluate your own work

Apply now

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Apply

You must apply through UCAS, where you’ll need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W642

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 25 January 2023 at 18:00 (GMT) for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

Communicating with you

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a digital portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.

Following the review of the digital portfolio, a small number of applicants will progress to the interview stage. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes. For support with your interview, visit our Interview tips page.

Portfolio advice

  • A maximum of 30 pages showing your artwork, this may include photographic or work made in other media. The quality of the work is more important than the quantity.
  • Your ability to develop and explore ideas.
  • Images from sketch books or supporting work alongside final outcomes. These help us see your working process and indicate developing research, interests and influences.

For more support, please visit our Portfolio advice page and PebblePad advice page.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS.

Applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Feedback requests:

If you would like to request feedback please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry).

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information.

Be ready to provide us with:

  • Your current course handbook
  • Year 1 / Year 2 unit transcripts

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Apply

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

Applying through UCAS you will need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W642

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once a year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 25 January 2023 at 18:00 (GMT) for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

Communicating with you

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Immigration history check

You will be asked to complete an Immigration History Check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Initial application check and selection

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a digital portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.

Once we have received your digital portfolio it will be reviewed by the academic team. A decision will be made on your application which may include - offer, offer alternative, recommend to alternative course, reject or invite to interview.

We aim for all on time application reviews to take place by the end of March 2023.

Portfolio advice

  • A maximum of 30 pages showing your artwork, this may include photographic or work made in other media. The quality of the work is more important than the quantity.
  • Your ability to develop and explore ideas.
  • Images from sketch books or supporting work alongside final outcomes. These help us see your working process and indicate developing research, interests and influences.

For more support, please visit our Portfolio advice page and PebblePad advice page.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS.

Applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Feedback requests:

If you would like to request feedback please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry).

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information.

Be ready to provide us with:

  • Your current course handbook
  • Year 1 / Year 2 unit transcripts
  • An official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed

Study Abroad

Through the Study Abroad programme international students can apply to join an undergraduate course.

For information on how to apply visit the Study Abroad section.

Careers

Our BA Fine Art Photography graduates have exhibited their work in major UK competitions and exhibitions, including The Photographer’s Gallery’s Fresh Faced and Wild Eyed exhibition of most promising graduates, Saatchi New Sensations, Sony Professional Photography Awards and The Sovereign Asian Art Prize.

Others have gone on to work for major galleries and publishers, whilst many former students progress to postgraduate study.

Alumni

  • Pedro Alfacinha - Photography publishing, Steidl and Mack Books
  • Lea Collet - Artist
  • Jon Maguire - Freelance documentary filmmaker
  • Robert Zhao Renhui - Artist
  • Katherine Reynolds - Curator

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.