BA (Hons) Photography*
Content navigation menu
Why study BA Photography at Goldsmiths
* This programme is still in development and advertised subject to validation. It is expected that the full programme specification will be available on this page no later than September 2025.
Explore photography as a creative art form in our rapidly changing visual world. This programme helps you develop essential skills while learning both digital and analogue techniques, understanding visual culture, and building your creative voice.
- Master analogue and digital techniques: Learn both film-based and digital methods, including darkroom, editing, printing, and AI tools, supported by expert guidance and facilities.
- Build strong visual skills and learn to talk about images: Gain a deep understanding of photographic theory, history, and image analysis, with emphasis on how technical choices shape meaning.
- Explore beyond traditional photography: Discover the expanded field of photography practice by experimenting with moving image, digital manipulation, sculptural interventions, and alternative processes, while exploring archives and new technologies. Your work will be grounded in the history of the field to make explorations more meaningful and purposeful.
- Develop your individual creative style: Your personal vision is at the heart of this programme. You will progress from structured projects to independent work, supported by tutorials and critiques that nurture your unique style.
- Prepare for your creative career: Alongside technical skills, you will acquire transferrable professional skills and undertake a work placement for real-world experience.
- Understand photography’s social impact: You will be encouraged to combine practice with critical thinking to explore photography’s cultural and societal role.
- Join a diverse, creative community: Be part of an inclusive environment that supports individuality and creative growth. We welcome applications from students reflecting a diverse range of interests, experiences and capabilities.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Damian Owen-Board.
UCAS
Entry requirements
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Length
3 years full-time
Department
What you'll study
Practice
Through practical modules, you will examine how power dynamics, agency, race, class, gender and location inform your image-making process.
This will culminate in a five-week independent practice project where you will be able to apply these ideas to your own interests.
Theory
In your first year, theory modules aim to give you a foundational understanding of photographic and image-making histories, discourses and critical thinking.
You will also complete a hybrid methodologies module aimed at empowering you to apply your theoretical and critical understandings to the making practice.
Technical workshops
Your learning will be supported by a series of technical workshops in:
- Camera
- Studio and lighting
- Alternative and traditional darkroom practices
- Digital image workflows and manipulation
- Book making
Teaching style
This programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, technical enabling sessions, groups critiques and individual tutorials.
You'll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out research and further reading, producing project work in our technical facilities and other locations, and preparing and writing presentations and essays
How you'll be assessed
You'll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may include portfolios, final projects, coursework and essays.
Entry requirements
We accept the following qualifications:
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
UAL Extended Diploma: Merit overall
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2
We also accept a foundation diploma in Art and Design.
Alternative qualifications and experience
See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.
We welcome students with a range of educational experiences and backgrounds. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.
Selection process
You will be required to submit a portfolio of work for all types of entry to this programme.
Technical facilities
As part of this programme, you will have access to professional-standard equipment, including facilities that support both traditional and experimental approaches.
You will be encouraged to create ambitious projects using these fully equipped facilities and with the support of our experienced technical staff.
Our photography studios, darkrooms, and digital labs provide everything you need to bring your ideas to life.
- Analogue processes: Medium/large format cameras, darkrooms, alternative processes, film technologies
- Digital technologies: High-end digital cameras, studio lighting, post-production suites, large-format printing
- Expanded media: Videography, sound recording, 3D modeling, Sonic Immersive Media Lab for large-scale multiscreen video installations
- Dedicated spaces: Purpose-built areas for experimental installation work and exhibition preparation
- Emerging technologies: AI image generation, computational photography, CGI
- Publishing and presentation: Book binding, zine production, exhibition design
Careers and skills
Professional development
Professional development is embedded into this programme to help prepare you for your future career. You’ll be taught essential skills beyond traditional photography to support you in a career in the creative industries. This includes:
- Curatorial and exhibition design skills for effective presentation of work
- Portfolio development
- Personal branding
- Entrepreneurial skills
- Workplace conduct
A work placement module in your final year gives you valuable industry experience and enhances your employability.
Connect with London's creative scene
Guest speakers, industry connections, and collaborative projects will link you with London's exciting photography community. These connections will help you build professional networks and learn about different career opportunities that you may not have previously known about or considered.
Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.
