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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

Crowd throwing oranges.
The Battle of the Oranges (crop), Andrea Capello.
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
P503
Start date
September 2023
Course length
3 years

Develop your unique identity as a visual storyteller, learning skills from across this rapidly-changing and dynamic industry from news photography and current events to conceptual documentary, editorial and multimedia.

Apply to start in September 2023 

This course has places available. Read our Guide to applying for a course starting this September through UCAS Extra. For a full list of UAL courses open for 2023/24 entry, visit the Courses with places available page.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • We have a broad and inclusive approach to photojournalism and documentary photography, constantly questioning the genre boundaries and looking to the future of the industry.
  • Our practice tutors are professionals from across the industry: highly experienced photojournalists, documentary photographers and picture editors at the forefront of their fields.
  • You’ll have access to an unparalleled range of leading guest speakers and tutors, who come and work with the course on a regular basis.
  • The critical and theoretical elements of the course are delivered by internationally published scholars and recognised leaders in the field.
  • Everything we do is guided by a commitment to research, professional ethics and critical reflection.
  • Our analogue and digital technology teams are resourced with cutting-edge equipment and dedicated, course-specific expertise
  • Industry links within our department and across the college provide our students with a range of collaborative opportunities and professional experience
  • Our students have gone on to be well-known and award-winning photographers, and to a range of other photography-related careers including picture editing, picture research, NGO and human rights work, publishing, journalism and further academic study.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be on Friday 26 May. Book your place.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

We see documentary photography as an umbrella term under which photojournalism and other related forms of storytelling, including moving image, exist.

These genre boundaries continue to develop and shift within the contemporary media landscape, and this course will equip you to explore and work within this area in a self-defined, flexible and creative way.

What to expect

  • You’ll follow an innovative and exciting curriculum rooted in the methodologies of photojournalism and documentary photography as they are practised professionally today.
  • You’ll gain the essential skills to become a working photographer, equipping you to produce work for a range of outlets including newspapers, magazines, digital platforms, galleries, books and picture agencies. It is not uncommon for our students to be working to a professional standard by their third year. 
  • The practical elements of the course emphasise learning by doing: you will begin by learning to photograph newsworthy subjects and create topical documentary stories, and then go on to develop your own self-directed documentary practice culminating in a final major project and a dissertation.
  • You are encouraged to become involved with the lively photographic community in London; a process which is enhanced by an exciting range of visiting speakers from the photographic and related industries.
  • Complementing the practical and career focused aspects of this degree course are contextual studies in the history of photojournalism and documentary photography, delivered by academics who are internationally published scholars in the field. At the heart of this aspect of the course is our belief in the importance of critical engagement not only as photographers but as viewers and participants in a globalized visual culture.

Industry experience and opportunities

We are committed to enhancing your employability, individuality and entrepreneurship. Success within the arts and media is about the integration of practice, skills and mindset that enable you to develop and sustain a rewarding working life. Our curriculum is designed to open up the possibilities of your own creativity by developing your unique subjectivity, career aspirations and professional awareness, whether for the creative and cultural sector or beyond.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies or the Diploma in Creative Computing between Years 2 and 3 to enhance your learning experience and employability skills.

Mode of study

BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary 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

In common with all courses at the University of the Arts London, this course is credit rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credits. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

Year 1

During the first year, through a series of specially designed theory and practice sessions, you will learn about historical and contemporary photography practices and the key theoretical frameworks used to situate them.

You’ll be introduced to specialist photographic skills and creative methodologies in a supportive environment, to develop your curiosity and creativity. Beginning now and continuing through all three years of the course, there will be a guest lecture from a visiting professional photographer giving insight into a range of photographic practices, which is also a space to meet fellow photography students from across the programme at BA and MA levels.

Introduction to Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (20 credits)

This unit acts as an introduction to the course and to your subject specialism. Topics covered include effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level as well as introducing basic technical skills. 

Practical Documentary Photography and Photojournalism (20 credits)

This unit will introduce you to the skills and knowledge required to identify, research, shoot and edit a series of photographic images within particular genres of documentary and photojournalistic image making. 

Histories and Theories of Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (20 credits)

This unit introduces you to the key historical and social issues surrounding photojournalism and documentary photography from their earliest stages to the present day.

Documentary Storytelling (20 credits)

This unit helps to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to produce a documentary storytelling project. It will examine contemporary ways of using images for storytelling and help you develop an understanding of visual and narrative structure.

Moving Image (20 credits)

This unit will train you in the skills of basic moving image/film-making within a photojournalism and documentary photography context. You will be supported by expert tutors in developing content and technical skills, resulting in the production of your own short film.

Media Ethics and Media Law (20 credits)

This unit will introduce media theories that underpin and help us to understand the role of communication systems, modes of representation and systems of meaning. You will learn about the main media laws that affect the work of photojournalists and documentary photographers.

Year 2

As you move into Year 2 you will expand on your skills and start to develop your voice within your practice. Year 2 builds on the foundations established in Year 1, creating space for you to begin to develop and contextualize your own practice by working on more open and self-directed assignments via both practice and theory/written work. Towards the end of the year, you will be supported to create a dissertation proposal. 

Contemporary Documentary 1 (40 credits)

This unit will help you to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to produce a documentary project and associated theoretical research. You will be encouraged to go beyond traditional narrative documentary approaches and to look at ways in which to disrupt expectations about storytelling and start to embrace experimental narratives and structures.

Elective Unit (20 credits)

The Elective unit provides a choice of stimulating conceptual and practical projects that will compliment the core units of your course.

Contemporary Documentary 2 (40 credits)

In this unit you will further develop the knowledge and skills necessary to produce an in-depth documentary project and associated research. The unit is designed to encourage you to think holistically about the theoretical, philosophical and subjective aspects of documentary photography in relationship to the development of your own practice.

Reading and Writing Practice (20 credits)

This unit explores the practices of reading and writing within, around and about photojournalism and documentary photography. The unit culminates in the submission of a Dissertation Proposal, and you will also create an analytical reading journal that records and articulates your engagement with literature in a personal way.

Year 3

Year 3, the final stage, consolidates and develops your ability to direct and plan your own work by producing two substantial self-directed assignments – your Major Project, and your Dissertation. You will also complete a Contemporary Professional Practice unit, designed to prepare you in very practical ways for life after graduation. 

All three Year 3 units are designed to enable you to sustain your practice in an individual way and take the next steps towards your career. 

Major Project part 1 (20 credits)

In this unit you will begin the exploratory process of researching and making visual work towards your final major project. You will begin to develop a written proposal, complete a risk assessment and begin to make work that will be further developed in the Major Project Part 2 unit.

Major Project part 2 (40 credits)

This unit requires the consolidation of your Major Project and its presentation in an appropriate form which will be negotiated with tutors and can encompass, for example, a portfolio of photographic prints, multimedia piece or a photographic monograph.

Dissertation (40 credits)

In this unit you will write an extended written essay and will work closely with selected supervisors to present a substantial research project.

Contemporary Professional Practice (20 credits)

This unit asks you to consider your future goals and how to best prepare yourself for your career after university. You’ll do extensive research into your chosen career field, produce a web presence, a creative identity package and an interview with a relevant professional.

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) (Optional)

An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking a variety of placements and industry experiences. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.

Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)

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 degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Interactive lectures
  • Seminars
  • Guest talks
  • Group project work
  • Individual projects
  • Workshops
  • Individual tutorials
  • Group tutorials
  • Study visits
  • Written and verbal feedback on work in progress

Online Open Day

(Recorded November 2022)

Course Leader, Vicki Thornton, gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography.

Course Showreel | 2023

Explore work by our graduating students on this year's Graduate Showcase.

Course Showreel | 2022

Explore work by students who graduated in 2022.

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

  • You Felt the Roots Grow
    You Felt the Roots Grow, Sabine Hess, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • so be it
    so be it, Thomas Martin, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • How Little Weight the World Has
    How Little Weight the World Has, Fergus Riley, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Namibia: Stories from the Diaspora
    Namibia: Stories from the Diaspora, Noah Tjijenda, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Unseen
    Unseen, Ali Mohamed, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Son of Michael
    Son of Michael, Jodie Michaelides, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Intermission
    Intermission, Tuuli Turunen, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Fighting Temporality
    Fighting Temporality, Bror Sonne, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Zoos: Should they exist in the modern day?
    Zoos: Should they exist in the modern day?, Lucy Green, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL
  • The Isle of Dogs
    The Isle of Dogs, Charles Topp, 2022 BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, London College of Communication, UAL

Student voices

Akar Suleiman

Taha Izzi

Taha's Final Project is a handmade photobook about his Mother and her experience of being Kurdish and moving to Canada.

Sam Daniels

Sam talks us through their experience on the course and exhibiting in the final year show.

Course stories

Facilities

  • A vintage camera enclosed in a transparent box atop a plinth.
    Image © Lewis Bush
    Media Photography

    Photography students benefit from access to resources held in the Media Photography areas.

  • Red light indicating recording is taking place.
    Image © Vladimir Molico
    Lens-based and Audio-visual

    Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-Based and Audio-Visual practice.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

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 course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

96 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences).
  • Merit at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4).
  • Merit, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, IT & Computing, Media, Music and Performing Arts).
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production).
  • 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).

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

If you do not meet these entry requirements but your application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative relevant experience, you may still be considered. This could include:

  • 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. We cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

  • IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

All classes are taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. For further guidance, please check our English language requirements.

Selection criteria

The portfolio, along with the details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Demonstration of an appreciation of photojournalism and documentary photography as a specialised discipline
  • Technical skills and experimentation with visual creativity, demonstrated in your own photographic work
  • Evidence of research and development of ideas through practice to achieve specific outcomes
  • Quality of ideas and thought processes in the production of your work

Apply now

Places available 2023/24 

This course has places available for 2023/24 entry. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Apply for this course through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), where you will need the following information:

  • University code: U65
  • Course code: P503

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in photojournalism and documentary photography, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC.

You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future.

State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

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 and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Referral to alternative UAL courses

The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.

Places available 2023/24 

This course has places available for 2023/24 entry. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

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

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

  • University code – U65
  • UCAS course code – P503

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

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 per 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 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in photojournalism and documentary photography, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC.

You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future.

State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

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.

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.

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 and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Referral to alternative UAL courses

The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.

Study abroad applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student.

Visit the Study Abroad page for details of how to apply.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will consider you for a place on the course.

We make our offers based on the strength of the whole application, and therefore don’t routinely invite applicants to interview.

International applicants may be invited to an online interview. Interview details will be sent via the UAL Portal.

Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

Portfolio advice

Your portfolio of work is the most important part of your application, and you must clearly evidence development work as well as work from completed projects.

Please provide a maximum of 20 images of your own original photographic work to support your application.

Important Note: You are strongly advised not to delay the upload by trying to create new work; your main aim should be to demonstrate the creativity within your current portfolio.

What happens next?

We will advise you of your application outcome through UCAS Hub. If you are an International applicant and have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL Portal.

We invite all offer holders to attend one of our online Offer Holder events. This is your opportunity to meet the academic team and fellow offer holders, find out more about the course, and get a taste of what it will be like to study here.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview. We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. 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.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Careers

Most of our graduates progress onto careers in photojournalism, documentary photography or related fields.