Fashion Photography with Foundation BA Honours - Courses

Course Overview

UK Fees £9,250 *

International Fees £15,400 *

Duration 4 or 5 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress on to a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress on to their full honours degree with us.

Our Foundation year in Art and Design is designed to provide you with an introduction to our range of subject areas, and to prepare you for the discipline of your choice. It will give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within the field. It begins in the first semester with the development of fundamental art and design skills, as well as practical exploration across all of the disciplines in our Art and Design Foundation programme. In the second semester you are encouraged to specialise in your own discipline and are supported at this stage by tutors from your host course. You will also benefit from workshops in our high-end facilities, and from working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Your practical development is accompanied by modules in both semesters on foundational academic skills – skills that will be essential as you progress to your chosen full degree.

On successful completion of the Foundation year, you'll be able to move on to study for the Fashion Photography BA Honours degree over a further three years of study.

Our Fashion Photography BA has been designed to meet the industry’s demand for well-trained and agile graduates. The course provides both deep disciplinary knowledge, and a broad range of photographic skills across various forms of analogue, digital and emerging media. Combining the success and legacy of photography as a discipline at Westminster with fashion practices, you’ll be equipped with the confidence, flexibility, and skills to develop careers within this competitive industry.

You’ll explore photography and digital imaging technologies, fashion photographic practices, critical thinking and partnerships with industry and employers. Upon graduation, as a contemporary image maker, you’ll be equipped with a very attractive profile to compete in a fast-growing creative industry.

This course examines Fashion Photography as both a historical and contemporary practice. You’ll gain insights into styling, identity and image creation, from both a theoretical and practical perspective. This will inform and develop your practical projects such as crafting compelling fashion editorials and building a professional creative campaign portfolio.

We provide career enhancement opportunities that will allow you to flourish well beyond graduation, in fashion, commercial, digital and virtual environments. You’ll gain practical experience through regular contact with industry professionals, guest talks by industry experts, and field trips to photography and fashion related spaces. You’ll also have the opportunity to take an optional year-long paid internship or placement between years 2 and 3 of this course. This experience will enable you to develop your professional skills and gain industry exposure well before you graduate.

Top reasons to study with us

Fantastic location – you'll enjoy all the benefits of studying at our Harrow Campus – just a 20-minute tube ride from Central London, a global hub for the media and cultural industries
Cutting-edge facilities – Our large photography and emerging media facilities provide you with everything you need to explore innovative practices
Develop your creative production skills – work across a range of photographic and lens-based media to establish a critically engaged and self-reflective creative practice
Contribute to fashion projects – work alongside Fashion Design and Fashion Business students, contributing photographic images for fashion campaigns
Learn from high-profile experts in photography theory and practice, dedicated to photographic education
Photographic pioneers – photographic education at Westminster has a unique history. Classes in photography were taught at the Polytechnic Institution, the forerunner of our University, from 1852, and the School of Photography was established in 1883

Course structure

The Photography BA and Fashion Photography BA begin with a shared first year, before branching into specialised pathways. These pathways, along with a variety of optional modules, provide you with the opportunity to customise your degree and expertise according to your interests and career objectives.

You can also choose to study an Elective, a selection of modules from across the whole University curriculum, which will allow you to enrich your academic journey.

You may choose to take an optional year-long paid internship or placement between years 2 and 3 or study abroad with one of our overseas exchange partners.

The following subjects are indicative of what you’ll study on this course.

Subjects of study include (across 5 core modules):

Introduction to Academic Practice
Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
Art and Design Explorations
Making and Modelling
Seeing and Doing

There are no optional or elective modules offered at Level 3, as the focus is on the development of key academic skills through a broad understanding of Media and Design

Credit Level 3

You are provided with an intensive grounding in the key photographic techniques, theories and concepts, forming the basis for later learning. Students are given the option to reconsider their chosen pathway at the end of the first year (Photography BA / Fashion Photography BA).

Subjects of study include:

Constructing Photographs
Creativity and Collaboration
Expanded and Immersive Photography
Photography: Image and Idea

You’ll also have the opportunity to take one option module from: Fashion Photography and the Street; Photography in the Street: Documentary. You may also choose a foreign language or from a selection of other elective modules from across the university as your option module.

Credit Level 4

You are encouraged to push the boundaries of your own photographic practice, and experiment and explore new ways of working, including video and emerging technologies, camera-less photography (photograms) and alternative photographic processes. Students are offered options in work placements, group exhibitions, study abroad and collaborative interdisciplinary modules.

Subjects of study include:

Developing a Photographic Voice
Fashion Studio Photography
Work Based and Placement Learning

You’ll also have the opportunity to take two option modules from: Collaborative Practices; The Networked Photograph; CGI and Photography; Photobooks, Magazines and Zines; Videography. You may also choose a foreign language or from a selection of other elective modules from across the University as option modules.

Credit Level 5

Between Years 2 and 3, you may undertake an optional year-long placement. If you take advantage of this option, you'll undertake an additional year-long Industry Placement Year module running parallel to your work placement, and your final degree award will be BA Honours – Fashion Photography with Professional Experience.

You’ll focus on the production of two major pieces of self-directed visual and written work. You’ll work independently, supported by workshops, work reviews, individual and group tutorials, to produce a Fashion Final Project for public exhibition and Research Project. Professional development continues to support you in preparing for your career after graduation.

Subjects of study include:

Planning a Campaign
Fashion Photography Final Project
Research Essay

You’ll also have the opportunity to take one option module, either Professional Futures or you may also choose a foreign language.

Credit Level 6

Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

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Get in touch

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Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

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Saturday 15 June On campus

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Careers

Graduates of this course are equipped to play a vital role in the fashion photography industry, having developed practical, conceptual and theoretical skills to become independent thinkers, adaptable and flexible in their skills and with a sound understanding of the industry, its conventions, histories and future opportunities.

The Fashion Photography BA is a new course for September 2024 entry. Our graduates from similar courses such as the Photography BA have found positions as photographers and photographic artists, but equally they pursue a range of careers within the broader photographic, tech and creative sectors. Many also go on to postgraduate study.

Transferable skills

You'll gain the knowledge and experience to work in roles such as magazine editor, museum and gallery curator, picture editor, teacher and lecturer.

Industry links

We have industry links with impressive galleries and organisations including The World Photography Organisation, The Photographers' Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

3,000

Employers worldwide

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Industry partners

We have strong links within the photographic and creative sector in London and beyond, and the majority of our teaching staff are active practitioners across the different sectors.

We also have close relationships with alumni from similar courses such as the Photography BA and use these links to organise guest talks, work placements and job opportunities for our students.

Our industry partners range from The World Photography Organisation, The Photographers' Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum to well-established practitioners like Nadav Kander, Sarah Pickering, Broomberg & Chanarin and many more.

Previous guest speakers on our Photography course have included:

Amak Mahmoodian
Annette Kuhn
Broomberg & Chanarin
Clare Grafik
Darren Harvey-Regan
Jananne Al-Ani
Lisa Barnard
Max Pinckers
Poulomi Basu
Rut Blees Luxemburg
Simon Norfolk Sian Bonnell
Trish Morrissey
Zelda Cheatle

Job roles

This course will prepare you for roles such as:

Fashion photographer
Commercial photographer
Editorial photographer
Picture editor
Picture researcher
Photographic artist
Art director
Post-Production
Videographer
Studio manager
Digital content creator
Media & advertising professional
Social media specialist
Digital marketing producer
Photography retoucher
Magazine editor
Museum and gallery curator
Teacher and lecturer

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
Attending an international summer school or field trip
Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leaders

Our Foundation programme challenges you to develop your creative skills across all of our disciplines, helping you gain the confidence and experience to succeed on your chosen degree.

Peter Dukes

Principal Lecturer

Peter Dukes is a Principal Lecturer in Westminster School of Arts, University of Westminster, and a course leader for the Art and Design Foundation year. He studied Fine Art at Central St Martins and the Royal College of Art, and was Course Leader for BA Contemporary Media Practice from 2006 to 2016. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is currently School Senior Tutor for Westminster School of Arts.

His work engages with a variety of media and is interdisciplinary in nature, spanning visual arts and literature. He has shown nationally and internationally in a visual arts context, published work in literary magazines, as well as creating online moving image, textual and interactive media art.

See full profile

Dr Paula Gortazar

Senior Lecturer

Dr. Paula Gortázar is a photography researcher and visual artist. After completing a double degree in Law and Economics, followed by an MA in Photographic Studies, she obtained a fully-funded Doctoral Scholarship to study a PhD in Photography at the University of Westminster. Her research practice investigates the recent developments of AI systems and extended reality technologies.

Paula’s work has been published in academic journals, including Photography and Culture, Third Text and Fotocinema. Her artistic practice has been exhibited across the world in venues like The Photographers’ Gallery, and published in different international media, such as EXIT magazine and The British Journal of Photography. She contributes as an independent writer for Source Photographic Review and C4 Journal.

See full profile

We provide an inspiring environment for students to develop their personal, artistic vision. With expert support, you can explore innovative practices using our cutting-edge facilities.

Course Team

Why study this course?

Fantastic location

You'll enjoy all the benefits of studying at our Harrow Campus – just a 20-minute tube ride from Central London, a global hub for the media and cultural industries.

Develop your creative production skills

Work across a range of photographic mediums to establish a critically engaged and self-reflective creative practice.

Specialist facilities

You'll have access to a suite of studios, dark rooms, print and finishing facilities and an extensive range of high-end digital imaging equipment.

A Levels – DD (48 UCAS Tariff points)
T levels – 48 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
BTEC Extended Diploma – PPP
BTEC Diploma – MP
Access – 48 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass - IB Pass

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

You will be required to submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 images of art and design work to reflect your course of interest. This might include drawing and painting, graphic design, illustration, photography, printmaking and digital prints, sculpture and 3D work, installations, animations or video. Video and animation files may need to be uploaded to YouTube or a similar online platform, and then embedded in your portfolio website or with links also provided. There should be a maximum of three video files, each no longer than three minutes duration.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

View more information about our entry requirements and the application process

International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

More information

Learn new skills

Learn a new language

From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.

Gain extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK
INTERNATIONAL

UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Facilities

The luxuriously appointed photography area – with its suite of studios, dark rooms, print and finishing facilities and its extensive range of equipment – now includes an expanded digital suite and has invested in new high-end equipment for digital imaging.

Virtual tour

Take a virtual tour of G-Block: photography, dark rooms and digital printing.

Cameras available to photography students

Computer suite for Media, Arts and Design students

Teaching and Assessment

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:

Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.

Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.

For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.