While everyone clicks pictures, very few understand the technicalities behind clicking good ones. Even those who have it and are passionate about photography are shy about pursuing further studies to brush up on their skills. But it is imperative to understand that professional photography comes in several forms and types. To attain specialisation, you will have to focus on photojournalism, fashion photography, documentary photography, social media, and other unique photography types, which require time and practice. If you are an international student planning to pursue your photography courses in the UK, this article has you covered. We discuss the top colleges offering photography courses in the UK, along with their eligibility, cost, and admission process in 2022.
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You need to learn photography to make a career out of it. Photography is one field where you will need many practical skills to stand out and make a name for yourself. Thankfully, there are several institutes all over the globe, specifically in the United Kingdom, offer it as a course and allow you to gain the requisite knowledge.
You can choose a diploma in photography, which ranges between three months and a year, or you can get a degree, i.e., Bachelor’s (undergraduate study) or Master’s (postgraduate study), depending on the expertise you seek and the level where you stand currently.
If you have decided that you want to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Photography for professional development, several top colleges in the UK offer the same.
While the eligibility varies from one university to another and there are no qualifications needed, here are the most likely entry requirements for you to be eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Photography –
There are no restrictions with regards to the previous stream or the marks secured by the applicant for being eligible for BA in Photography. The candidate will be judged based on their practical skills, hardware, and software skills, and if they have an eye for detail.
As for those looking to pursue MA in Photography, it deals with the unique blend of a plethora of factors, such as fact, fiction, technical skills, and distinctive style irrespective of the type of photography you want to specialise in.
- 2 A-level passes (a minimum of C and D)
- Class 12 certificate with a minimum of 55% (70% in English or higher to waive off IELTS requirement)
- A recognized foundation degree
- Additional course requirements, if any
Its coverage is not as broad as BA but teaches how to seamlessly combine traditional nuances with modern technological advancements to create something new and unearth newer possibilities in the already tried-and-tested fields. For most of its duration, students stay engaged in developing specialisations, undertaking inquiries and research, trying new ideas, and exploring the outcome of their endeavours.
Eligibility Criteria
Here are the qualification requirements most universities are likely to put forth for applicants applying for the MA programme in Photography –
- An Honours degree in Arts or any other relevant subject (as mentioned)
- BA in Photography with 55% marks or higher
- UK’s Bachelor Degree with Honours
- If without formal education, a proven history of at least three years of professional experience with a publishing house (or as a freelancer) and the ability to study at a Postgraduate level
- Your portfolio containing your best works
In addition, given that the UK is an English-speaking country, the educational bodies can also demand an IELTS score of 6 or higher to ensure the student’s grip on the English language is sufficient for them to pursue the courses with ease.
Cost of Photography Courses in the UK
BA in photography in London and the entire UK is a three-year course, and the average tuition fee for the first year and after that is around INR 14 lakh. For those pursuing an MA in photography in the UK, it is an academic year course for full-time applicants and stretches to two academic years for part-time candidates. The average tuition fee for a full-time Master’s in Photography is around INR 25 lakh.
Diplomas are short courses, ranging between three and twelve months, and are cheaper too, and will set you back by approximately INR 2 lakh for the period covered.
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Admission Process
The admission process for BA or MA courses in photography begins around September every year. So, you can download the form from the college’s official website and fill it up, or you can go the UCAS points the way (if the college accepts it) to complete the admission process.
Top Colleges for Photography Courses in UK
Now that you have decided to study abroad and pursue a course in photography for professional development, here are the best options you have in the United Kingdom –
| University | Course name | Fee for the first year | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Wales, Cardiff | BA (Hons) Documentary Photography | ₹ 12.3 lakh | 6 |
| University of Lincoln, Lincoln | BA (Hons) Photography | ₹ 15 lakh | 6 |
| Coventry University | BA (Hons) Photography | ₹ 16.5 lakh | 6 |
| University of Hertfordshire | MA Photography | ₹ 14.1 lakh | 6.5 |
| Nottingham Trent University | Photography- MA | ₹ 16.1 lakh | 6.5 |
| Birkbeck, University of London | MA in History of Photography | ₹ 16.2 lakh | 6.5 |
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Conclusion
Fine Arts is a difficult choice to make, not because you do not have a lot of options, but because of the mindset prevalent around it. Photography courses are no different, but once you decide to become a professional photographer, there is no looking back.
The UK offers a plethora of terrific options to international students for discovering the world of photography professionally. But given the intricacy involved, you are best off with professional advice. At LeapScholar, we have a team of experts who look into your CV and overall profile to help you find the best options for pursuing photography courses in the UK.
Click here to contact us and start your professional photography journey with LeapScholar.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do you need a Photography Course?
Ans. While it is great to have practical experience and learn over time, pursuing a professional course in photography is a strategic method to prepare you for the challenges ahead and make sure that you know your way out.
2. What is the Photography Course about?
Ans. Photography falls under the fine art category. It is a terrific option for creative minds who want to embark on understanding how visual communication works with the help of capturing, graphic design, Darkroom skills, and animation elements coming together. Professional photography courses help you add colour even to a dark room with your capabilities.
3. How many Types of Photography are there?
Ans. While the world has discovered a plethora of types of photography, there are seven primary categories under which your photographs are likely to fall –
a. Portrait photography
b. Photojournalist
c. Sports photography
d. Fashion photography
e. Editorial photography
f. Still life photography
g. Architectural photography
4. Which Photography course is the Best?
Ans. While it is difficult to ascertain which photography course is the best, we have listed above the top colleges and the courses to pursue in the UK for photographers. Choosing either of them to improve your critical knowledge in this field would not be a wrong decision for you.
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