ABOUT THE COURSE

The rising popularity of photography has seen a wealth of opportunity spring up for creative photographic practitioners. A degree in photography from Solent University will help position you at the cutting-edge of this medium, preparing you to enter the world of work with highly developed and refined creative and technical skills.

Throughout the course you will be supported to develop your creative, imaginative and critical abilities – skills that are essential in a creative career – you’ll also explore a range of photographic subjects and will embed photographic skills through dynamic projects.

Solent’s experienced teaching team will guide you in creating a rich and varied professional portfolio, and will ensure that you have the creative freedom to make a portfolio that best represents your own unique style, while at the same time demonstrating that you are a competent, adaptable and employable practitioner.

Regular course lectures are supported by a programme of industry guest speakers, which in the past have included appearances from Richard Billingham, Catherine Yass, Charlotte Cotton, Ori Gersht, Brian Dillon, Peter Fraser, Dan Holdsworth, Chrystel Lebas, Jeremy Millar, Sophy Rickett, Margaret Salmon and Tom Hunter.

Your studies will take place in the multi-million pound Media Academy – featuring state-of-the-art teaching and photography facilities including digital and analogue studio spaces. You will also learn in the Photography Base Room – a dedicated, flexible teaching space.

Think a career as a photographer might be for you? With first-class facilities and a unique emphasis on freelance work, Solent University’s photography programme is a great first step towards your dream career.

You’ll learn skills that will equip you for careers within artistic, commercial, industrial, medical and editorial photography. There are many industries that employ professional photographers, including: creative and marketing agencies, photographic libraries, marketing departments in large organisations, newspapers and periodicals, museums and other arts organisations.

Suitable roles for graduates include:

• Freelance photographer
• Fashion photographer
• Digital photographic retoucher
• Specialist photographer for commercial organisations.

Professional practice is an essential element of this course, and we are an affiliated centre with the Association of Photographers (AoP).

The course team maintains close links with industry, which has enabled past students to work with organisations such as the renowned worldwide agency Magnum Photos, Southampton City Art Gallery, the NHS, and East Photographic.

The course also regularly features industry guest speakers, which has recently included; Charlotte Cotton, Ori Gersht, Peter Fraser, Dan Holdsworth, Tom Hunter, Sophy Rickett, Margaret Salmon and Richard Billingham among others. Most recently the course has had guest talks from Alexandra Lethbridge, Sam Laughlin, Chloe Dewe Matthews and Tom Lovelace.

There is no formal placement element to the taught degree, however work experience is encouraged, and the course team will provide advice on finding a suitable placement. Recent students have assisted on local and national shoots during their studies, and our Solent Creatives agency provides significant opportunities for freelance work on live client briefs.

There is also the opportunity to enter external competitions during your studies, and the chance to work as a student supervisor in the University photography facilities.