BA (Hons) Fashion Photography

Combine technical skills in photography with an understanding of the history and context of fashion by studying the University of Bolton’s BA (Hons) Fashion Photography. Our expert team will support you to learn skills in location and studio shooting and digital image production and manipulation for the fashion industry. We’ll prepare you for a career working alongside stylists, make-up artists, art directors and model agencies as a professional and original image maker.

Key information

Award:

BA (Hons)

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

3 years

Location:

University of Bolton

UCAS points:

96

UCAS code:

W740

Start date:

23/09/2024

Course Details

If you have a passion for fashion and would love to work as a photographer in this vibrant industry, this is the course for you. Our friendly and expert tutors will guide you as you learn the skills to produce professional fashion images, ready to capture action on the catwalk, commercial studio fashion, and editorial for fashion and lifestyle magazines. We’ll also support you in becoming skilled in video and vlogging, which is essential for this fast-moving industry. We offer insights into how the industry works, helping you to build and nurture professional contacts. In addition to developing the core skills to become a fashion photographer, you’ll learn about the history of fashion and trends.

By completing this innovative course, you’ll already be ahead of the competition. Today’s photographers need to be multi-skilled, and that’s what you’ll be when you graduate. You’ll be industry-ready and well prepared to work in a wide range of photographic and media-related fields, for instance, magazines, e-commerce photography studios or websites. You might also choose to work in PR, social media marketing or blogging.

Studying alongside fashion students, you’ll develop key multimedia skills, including digital and social media, filming and editing video. You’ll work in our high-spec department equipped with industry-standard technology and the latest software, as well as in professional-standard photography studios with the latest camera and video equipment.

You’ll work alongside tutors with expertise in the online, magazine, photography and fashion industries. You’ll also complete fully-assessed work placements: our final-year career development module prepares you for the transition from graduation to full-time work. This exciting programme of study will be the perfect platform for your career in fashion.

Visit https://www.instagram.com/photoboltonuni/ to see examples of work from our students and graduates.

Highlights
  • We’ll cultivate your critical and analytical understanding of fashion photography practice. Combining practical studies, theory and current practice, we’ll help you develop critical and creative approaches to the limits and possibilities of fashion photography today.
  • Our team will support you as you develop industry-standard technical skills to complement your understanding of fashion imaging. We’ll encourage you to keep a keen interest in current developments in the industry so you can take advantage of new techniques, technologies and opportunities.
  • You’ll have the chance to work on producing an annual magazine and undertake our organised UK and overseas trips (additional costs may apply).
  • We’ll introduce you to established techniques of independent and academic enquiry so that you can learn to make informed judgements about practice and theory.
  • We’ll help you realise your ambition to independently produce fashion-related content in a wide range of formats and styles, for the full range of media, to industry standards.
  • We’ll support you in learning vital audio/video production skills for the industry, including social media (blogging and vlogging).
  • The Guardian University Guide 2022 ranks our Film Production and Photography courses as fourth in the UK for student-to-staff ratio, so you can be assured that we offer you excellent access to individual tutor support and small group teaching.
Key Features
  • We’ll guide you to develop a professional approach to working practices and build your understanding of industry expectations as you progress towards generating self-initiated projects.
  • You’ll have opportunities to engage with industry professionals, both in the classroom and during industry-based briefs and visits.
  • Our team will support you as you learn valuable and highly regarded transferable skills that will help you to build your professional and postgraduate future.
  • We’ll encourage speculation, research, critical judgment and fluency in subject debate as a means to inform your creative practice in fashion photography.
  • During your studies, we’ll encourage and guide your sense of social consciousness and ethical self-responsibility so you can develop and exhibit positive ethical codes as a fashion photographer.
  • You’ll also be expected to complete a fully assessed work placement. Our final year career development module is designed to prepare you for the transition from graduation to full-time work.
  • By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.

  • 96 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
  • Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant creative and art and design-related subjects are preferred.
  • You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
  • You’ll be required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of recent photographic or image-related (or video) work. A basic working knowledge of photography through either creative application, digital or traditional process (or combinations of the three) is expected and assessed at interview.
  • The quality of the portfolio/interview is the primary basis on which applicants are selected; therefore special consideration will be given to applicants without the above qualifications who have a strong portfolio.
  • If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
  • If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, please consider our BA (Hons) Photography with foundation year course.

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.


Photographs are viewed by everyone and are a part of our everyday culture. From advertising products, illustrating stories in magazines and books to appearing on apps and websites, it is an ideal medium to communicate beyond barriers.

A photography career offers opportunities to work independently or as a staff photographer for an employer. Our BA (Hons) Fashion Photography degree helps you to develop valuable transferable skills, such as team working, problem-solving, managing large and complex projects to deadline, the discipline of working to briefs and set deadlines, the ability to exploit creative and challenging visual ideas, a comprehensive understanding of digital imaging issues, and the ability to solve and put forward your ideas to address creative problems. These skills can also lead to other professional opportunities such as employment in sales, marketing and customer care, management and other roles.


Course fees
Home Fees Year of study Total
Entry year2024/252025/262026/272027/28
2024£9,250£9,250£9,250-£27,750
International Year of study Total
Entry year2024/252025/262026/272027/28
2024£15,950£15,950£15,950-£47,850

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2023-2024 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

For 2023-2024 entry, the maximum government approved undergraduate tuition fee for UK students is £9,250 per year. The University is able to charge this fee subject to an approved Access and Participation Plan for 2023-2024 and its current rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Bursaries

Click here for more information about the scholarships and bursaries available to University of Bolton students.


For details of how to apply for this course, please choose your status from the options below:

If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at Bolton for September entry, then apply through UCAS

You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.

The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.

You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:

  • Institution Code Name: BOLTN

  • Institution Code Number: B44

UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com

If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Bolton for any intake, you can apply directly

If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.

A direct application to Bolton provides the following features:

  • Free of charge to apply

  • Secure, simple and streamlined

  • Contact us directly for any admissions queries

  • Regular updates on your application directly from the University

  • Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life

NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.

For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.

If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.

Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.

If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.

Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:

  • Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates

  • Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies

  • Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role

  • Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately

  • Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or UGadmissions@bolton.ac.uk

Thank you for your interest

In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.

Continue

University of Bolton Group Partners

Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Bolton

For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.

If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.

When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.

NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.

For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.

If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.

Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.

If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.

Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:

  • Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates

  • Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies

  • Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role

  • Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately

  • Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or UGadmissions@bolton.ac.uk

We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!


Learning and teaching methods are varied, and we use a blended style, meaning you'll attend face-to-face sessions and take part in online learning. You can expect lectures, seminars, tutorials and critiques, self-directed learning, e-learning and workshop sessions. You'll also have opportunities to engage with employer facing and work-related activities.

You'll gain practical skills through technical introduction and support, workshop sessions, demonstrations and activity-based assignments. Live briefs and personal projects will promote active learning. Your learning will also be enhanced by research in libraries, art galleries, museums and other educational visits (where relevant).

You'll benefit from opportunities to attend guest lecture events. These feed directly into our teaching and offer relevant and up-to-date photographic industry information. Group critiques and tutorials will allow you to discuss and consider your work in progress, either in individual tutorials, interim reviews, or small groups. Our lecture programmes, visiting speakers and access to the latest research all feed into your learning experience.

There are no formal examinations, and continuous assessment is used. We may ask for various types of assessment evidence, for example, portfolios, practical projects, presentations and written pieces.

Assessment is carried out at key points during the modules. We'll use formative assessment methods to help you learn and develop your knowledge and skills. You'll also undertake summative assessment on which you'll be graded.

Formative assessment (face-to-face and online) will be offered during each module. You'll also receive written feedback, and feed-forward will be provided following summative assessment. Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are normally completed by the end of each module.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

  • Digital Imaging
  • Editorial Photography
  • Fashionista
  • Shoot Studio
  • Fashion Contexts 1
  • Street and Studio
  • Fashion Films
  • Trending
  • Fashion Contexts 2
  • Concepts and Practice
  • Employment, Enterprise, Entrepreneurship
  • Consolidation and Display
Assessment methods
LevelAssesment method
Level oneCoursework 80%, Practical exams 20%
Level twoCoursework 90%, Practical exams 10%
Level threeCoursework 47%, Practical exams 53%
Learning activities
LevelLearning activity
Level oneGuided independent study 66%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 34%
Level twoGuided independent study 68%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 32%
Level threeGuided independent study 76%, Placement/study abroad 5%, Scheduled learning and teaching activities 19%

Disclaimer

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.

The academic staff detailed above teach across a range of courses in this subject area and may not teach on this course specifically.

Programme Contacts

Rachel McHaffie
Programme Lead

R.McHaffie@bolton.ac.uk

+44 (0)1204 903362

David Digby
Admissions Tutor

D.Digby@bolton.ac.uk

Enquiry Team
University of Bolton

enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

+44 (0)1204 903903

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Help Centre

We have the answers to your questions, find all the advice and support in one place.

Part of the University of Bolton Group

Bolton college
Alliance learning
Anderton centre2
QQA Scheme Participant