York St John University · Undergraduate
BA (Hons) Photography Bachelor's degree at York St John University
BA (Hons) Photography at York St John University covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
BA (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Become a photographer who develops ideas through experimentation and critical thinking. Learn to communicate through the visual language of photography. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Photography is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at York St John University, based in YSJ Main Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Cinematics and photography graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £22,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.7
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong80
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional90
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional90
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Introduction to PhotographyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module is your introduction to key photography principals and practices. You will explore analogue and digital imaging using a range of cameras, lenses, studio techniques and software. In our darkroom you will learn to process film and print your photos using traditional methods. Moving onto digital imaging you will come to understand the rationale for the development in technology. By the end of the module you will have a portfolio of images you can reflect on and discuss with your peers.
- Extended PhotographyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you to experiment with a wide range of media and expand your knowledge of photography principals beyond the digital still photograph. You will develop your confidence in working with film cameras, light sensitive materials and chemicals. You will also consider philosophical ideas which look at our relationship with materials, and question our understanding of seeing and knowing. Throughout the module you will document your processes, engage with peers and tutors, and use this as a
- Photography History and TheoryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module we will introduce you to the history and theory of photography. In your lectures and seminars you will consider the key debates in the field of photography. You will explore how photography has evolved, from the invention of the medium to its popularisation. Understand the relationship between research and practice as you consider how different theories can influence the work you create and help you to reflect on it. You will also develop your core skills in academic writing, refe
- Narrative and Concepts in PhotographyCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module will introduce you to a number of narrative approaches and contemporary themes within photography. Following a series of short tasks, which will help you explore these approaches and themes in more detail, you will write your own project proposal. The proposed project will develop into a piece of work, or collection of works, of which you will produce, document and reflect on. Themes for your project might include: Landscape and memory Photography and chance Photography as interdisci
Year 2 6 modules
- Photography and SocietyCompulsory30 credits
Module details
On this module you will build on the knowledge and understanding you developed in your first year. You will explore the role of the photographer as an active participant in society through engaging with the themes and people represented in the images that you create. You will experiment with ways of using your photography practice as a tool, to respond to society and related issues. Throughout the module you'll document your processes, engage with peers and tutors, and use this as a tool to help
- Aesthetics and Critical PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
As you develop your knowledge, ways of thinking and research skills, you will start to define your identity as a practitioner. You will develop your artistic practice through the philosophy of aesthetics and explore the ideas and concepts of thinkers such as: Hélène Cixous Immanuel Kant Edmund Burke Martin Heidegger Gilles Deleuze Jacques Derrida Through exploring both historical and modern ideas, you will learn to form judgements based on research as well as enhancing your practice led vocabula
- Professional NetworksCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Apply your practice and work on live projects within the arts sector, and start to form professional relationships with external organisations and clients. You will focus on your individual ambitions and gain confidence in communication within professional creative sectors. Networking may also help you to gain other opportunities for independent work-related learning or through a short placement. You will review your practice to find out what transferable skills you have beyond your subject spec
- Photographic ProjectCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module will encourage you to refine your ideas and artistic interests which you have developed in other modules. You will work independently on a project, with support from your tutors, as you develop your idea. By the end of the module you will have produced work which responds to an audience through exhibition or publication. You will also consider the photography industry and begin to develop a professional online presence for your work.
- Contemporary Issues in the Creative IndustriesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
On this module you will develop your knowledge, ways of thinking and research skills that will be vital in your third year. Throughout the module you'll engage with issues that impact the sector and learn how to situate your studio work in the diverse world of creative practice. Issue and topics you may cover include: The role of art and artists in the representation of mental health The impact of the internet at its power to spread images and ideas Contemporary culture and politics Art in the a
- Professional Experience in Creative IndustriesCompulsory10 credits
Module details
This module is your opportunity to work on live projects within the creative industries. You will form professional relationships with external organisations or individuals and lays the foundations for the Professional Futures module in your 3rd year. As part of your professional experience, you will develop and build your CV and web presence, creating meaningful networks with fellow artists. By the end of the module you will be expected to have developed and completed a live project with an ext
Year 3 4 modules
- Advanced Studio PracticeCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Through experimentation, critique and reflection you will find your personal voice as a practitioner on this module. This module requires you to develop your portfolio and exhibit your work in at least one public exhibition. Engagement in the curation, marketing and discussion of your piece is essential so that you can demonstrate the purpose of your work. You will also consider how you communicate to the public audience and test out ideas in preparation for your Degree Show module.
- DissertationCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Your Dissertation is a written analytical piece that will support your understanding of your studio practice. Your area of enquiry may come from fine art, illustration, photography, film, television, curating or arts education. You are encouraged to pursue a topic that is relevant to your work or career path, as this will help you to develop your degree show and life beyond graduation. The research process will also include a presentation of your work in progress. This will help you to develop c
- Degree ShowCompulsory40 credits
Module details
During this module you will develop your independent body of work and build on your strengths identified in the Advanced Studio module. You will learn how to place your work within the contemporary art world. This module is exhibition focused and you will have the opportunity to try out new ideas. By experimenting using practice-led research you will receive constructive feedback to help you develop toward your final major exhibition.
- Professional FuturesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Apply your skills, knowledge and experience to a professional direction and get ready for your graduate professional practice. During this module you will choose areas of interest to develop your knowledge to help you plan a future direction for your practice. Areas of development may include: Curatorial practice Editorial practice Publishing Socially and politically engaged practice Working in education Entrepreneurial working Teaching and assessment Teaching and learning
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Recent entrants typically held UCAS tariffs between 96 and 111 points. You should check the university's admissions pages for specific entry requirements and any portfolio expectations for this creative discipline.
University & format
This is a 3-year full-time BA (Hons) degree taught in English at York St John University, a university founded in 1841 based at its main campus in York. York St John is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and your degree will be nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award from the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
PlacementPublished placement option
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Open daysExplore our Open Days
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists around 104 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent100% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check York St John University's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accessible entry
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask York St John University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Home£9,790 / yr
International£12,100 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at York St John University →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 3 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All York St John University funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £22,000 | £17,500 – £25,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £18,500 | £13,000 – £21,500 | 65 |
| 5 years after | £23,000 | £20,500 – £26,000 | 60 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
90%
in work or further study 15 months on
55%
in highly skilled work or study
90%
continue past their first year
70%
find their work meaningful
30%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£22,000
£22,000 – £27,000After 3 years LEO
£18,500
£17,000 – £24,000After 5 years LEO
£23,000
£20,825 – £29,400national rangethis course’s medianaxis £16,000 – £30,500
National figures for Art & Design graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
90 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
85% working10% working and studying0% in further study55% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Art & Design courses at the same study level.
This course £23,000Peer median £24,500Middle 50% £22,125–£26,500
36th percentile
Compared with 1,698 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 40; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BA (Hons) Photography worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BA (Hons) Photography earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Slower payoff: this course’s graduate earnings stay close to non-graduate pay
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
−£39,370
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
-0.34×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£29,370
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 3 yrs (published course home fee)
£23,000
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£1,000 below a non-graduate (£24,000)
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
87%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Art & Design courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £22,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 79.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
York St John University
All students12,150
International37.1%
Aged 25+31.6%
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
Students178,755
Aged 25+15.7%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around YSJ Main Campus
2,229 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 714Anti Social Behaviour 546Shoplifting 353Public Order 133Criminal Damage Arson 121
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to York St John University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £12,100 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check York St John University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with York St John University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at York St John University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by York St John University. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Cinematics and photography graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £22,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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