Clearing offers from 48 UCAS tariff points. Subject-specific requirements still apply. See the entry requirements section for details.
Brayford Pool
3 years (4 years with Foundation Year)
W600
Photography is more than taking pictures. It's about telling stories, shaping ideas, and communicating visually in a world driven by images.
At Lincoln, this course is designed to help you become a confident, career-ready photographer. You'll learn how to develop your own creative style while gaining the technical, digital, and professional skills needed to work in today's creative industries.
From day one, you'll be making work, building a portfolio, and understanding how photography connects to creative careers - whether that's commercial photography, editorial work, fine art, or digital content creation.
Photography is a career that could take you in many directions - from the commercial to the artistic to the academic - with each path looking for photographers with a unique way of interpreting our communities and environment.
On this course you'll learn the core practical skills and techniques you need to produce professional-standard photography, from developing your ideas and understanding your audience, to solving creative problems through collaboration and individual practice. Working with our industry-standard equipment and facilities, you'll be given a choice of pathway including still, moving, digital, and analogue images, creating projects built around themes like identity, place, documentary, and fictions. You'll also get the opportunity to work with professional clients on live briefs and enter international photography competitions.
This programme is also available with an Arts Foundation Year, which can provide an alternative route of entry onto the full degree programme. Find out more at https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/afyafyub/.
Studying photography at the University of Lincoln was great as it had excellent facilities and the staff helped to further my knowledge on documentary photography. It played a vital part for me to get onto a Master's course and to further my career in the creative industries.
Matthew Snellin
BA (Hons) Photography
✔ Build a professional portfolio from year one Graduate with industry-ready work, not just academic projects
✔ Learn both creative and commercial photography Cover fine art, editorial, digital, and applied practice
✔ Prepare for real careers Understand how to work freelance, with clients, or in creative teams
✔ Access specialist facilities Studio spaces, digital labs, darkrooms and professional equipment
✔ Get personalised support Small-group teaching and regular feedback to develop your style
✔ Explore your direction Not sure what kind of photographer you want to be? This course helps you figure it out
✔ Become a better writer Expert tuition to demystify the academic writing process and successfully present your work to an audience.
This course focuses on what you can do with photography, not just what you know.
You’ll learn how to:
As you progress, you’ll start shaping your work towards your future career - whether that’s artistic, commercial, or digital.
By your final year, you’ll produce a major body of work that showcases your skills and direction - something you can show to employers, clients, or galleries.
Key Concepts in Photography provides incisive content that covers the essential critical underpinnings that have shaped photographic development and discourse since its inception. You will explore the themes and conceptual ideas that contributed to modernist and postmodern photography and examine semiotics as an analytical framework. The syllabus will build on these foundational ideas to engage with debates on representation, identity, power and aesthetics.
In this practical module, you will be introduced to, and make work informed by the theme of Place. You will have the opportunity to create three short photography projects which may include:
Human impact on the landscape The urban landscape Heritage within the landscape
By undertaking these projects you will gain knowledge of the historical development of critical, ecological and theoretical themes within photography of place and understand how ethical and creative innovations influence today's generation of landscape image makers. You will learn a range of practical and technical strategies and methods in order to create work that is informed by research and critical analysis and presented in the context of contemporary audiences.
In this module, you will be introduced to the theme of documentary within the context of photography. you will gain knowledge of the historical development of critical and theoretical themes within photojournalism and documentary photography and understand how ethical and creative innovations influence today's generation of documentary image makers. You undertake three short practical projects and learn a range of practical and technical strategies and methods in order to create work within the documentary theme which relate to a contemporary audience.
Photography and Fictions will introduce you to methods of practice and critical thought that further your understanding of narrative, ideology and visual language across multiple genres of photography. You will consider key historical and contemporary milestones in the construction of fictional photography, visual metaphor and semiotics. You will study and create diverse photographic responses to staged photography, commercially informed advertising practice and sophisticated sequenced narrative. You will gain an understanding of how ethical and creative innovations influence today's generation of image makers. Through regular critical lectures and practical workshops you will learn a range of skills, technical strategies and methodologies.
In this module you will be introduced to ideas, techniques and equipment relating to portraiture in photography. Through a series of lectures you will be introduced to the work of specific practitioners which you will respond to during the taught sessions and in your own time. You will learn a range of practical and technical strategies and methods in order to create work that is informed by research and critical analysis and presented in the context of contemporary audiences.
There will be three short projects which may include: Studio portrait photography Location Portrait Photography The notion of the self in photographic portraiture
While studying ‘Writing about photography’ you will learn the art of academic writing in relation to photography. Using a scaffolded learning approach you will be taken through each stage of writing an academic essay in an applied and sequential manner. Taking the position that photography is both document and fiction the module will also explore approaches to writing about photography that adhere to formal academic conventions while remaining open to stylistic experimentation and diversity.
‘Writing About photography’ encourages a community approach to learning through collaboration. In addition, guided learning will provide individual guidance to help support the structuring of academic essay writing on a one to one basis.
Rethinking Photography encourages you to consider photography beyond genre, to reflect on the nature of lens based image making as a holistic and ever evolving medium of data transmission. Through a varied, syllabus, you will produce multiple practice outcomes, informed by appropriate research and reflection. During the semester you will develop practical skills through regular workshops and critical engagement through thematically diverse lectures and reflective seminars designed to enmesh ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’. Rethinking photography aims to develop your confidence in a range of photographic and intellectual skills, methodologies and informed approaches that best reflect the changing face of the photographically derived image in the Information age.
In this module you will engage with a live brief from a number of real world clients as a framework for exploring collaboration in photography. You will actively develop your knowledge and practical understanding of contemporary commercial photography and future employment opportunities within photography and related creative industries by producing a personal journal to take forward into 3rd year professional practice modules.
The ‘Photography Project’ module provides an opportunity for autonomy and independent learning through the creation of a self initiated photographic project of your own choice. You will create work that you are passionate about, produced through the application of key practical skills and critical methodologies gained in your studies so far. You will be supported by staff members to create engaging, audience facing photographic work for exhibition, providing a springboard for further progress in your third year of study.
The syllabus explores contemporary photographic practice in relation to a themed symposium - a space for collaboration, dialogue and the exploration of contemporary photographic discourse. This module focuses on skills in presentation, research and development processes, public speaking skills and further exploration of dialogues within photography. A substantial proportion of the syllabus is student-led, with frequent presentations embedded in the programme to support personal and professional development.
Researrch Themes in Contemporary Photography is delivered online and builds upon your knowledge of how to write about images, and think about photographs, from a critical perspective. The module progresses by addressing different research themes in contemporary photography each week. Through the process of researching key texts in the history of photographic theory, you will be able to interpret the practice of contemporary photographers working with these themes, with greater depth and complexity. The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the major debates that continue to inform contemporary photographic practice. In turn, this will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to situate your photographic practice into an established critical framework.
The Industry Placement Year is an exciting opportunity for students to take a year out of formal study to gain real-world experience in the creative industries. Whether you’re looking to build industry connections, develop professional skills, or explore career options, this year will give you a full-time, hands-on experience within a creative organisation.
This year is a collaborative experience between you, your employer, and the University—ensuring that you get the most out of your time in a professional setting.
This module is optional for undergraduate students within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Study Abroad enables you to study at one of the University’s approved partner institutions.
During the time spent abroad, you can share classes with local students and study modules at the partner institution which have been approved in advance by the University. As many partner institutions support internships, you may choose to combine study with work and/or a period of volunteering.
This module will give you the opportunity to research and reflect on how photography and related creative industries companies are structured, network, operate and function. You will employ a range of professional skills and research approaches to enable you to compile a case study that will help you to realise your own pathway to graduate success.
In this module you will develop a body of work that spans your final year of undergraduate study. You will propose, research, and develop a self-initiated piece based on your own interests. Throughout the semester you will be supported by a tutor in a mentoring role, offering regular opportunities for guidance and formative feedback.
Production on your final year project continues in the ‘Major Project Conclusion and Exhibition’ module.
Following on from ‘Major Project Research and Development’ this module is the culmination of your undergraduate studies, bringing together your skills, techniques, and critical understanding into an expansive, independently led project. By utilising appropriate techniques, demonstrating a clear understanding of genre and audience codes, and supporting your work with academically rigorous structure you will create a body of practice you can be proud of and provide yourself with the strongest possible footing for your future career. Throughout this module you will receive continued one on one guidance and support from a member of staff best positioned to help you to get the most from your project.
In addition to your individually chosen project outcomes, you work will also be part of a collective, public facing exhibition.
Professional Photography Practice aims to build on the knowledge gained in Enterprise and Employment Case Studies to enable you to build appropriate tools to support your ability to work in photography and related creative industries. In a range of workshops, you will develop a creative CV, artist's statement, website and social media sites. In addition, you will prepare a portfolio of images and apply to open calls and competitions. The module will also provide you with the opportunity to prepare effectively and professionally for life in the creative industries after university, exploring potential careers and options ensuring that you are fully prepared to connect with potential employers, clients or further your academic studies.
The Critical Essay module presents an opportunity for you to identify and independently research a topic of your own choice. Through a process of self-directed study, you will produce a written academic text, that draws upon the skills of academic writing and contextual knowledge developed on previous modules, the Critical Essay module represents a detailed analysis of your chosen research topic. Potentially, the subject of your critical essay will share common interests with the themes addressed in your primary photographic practice, helping you to develop a stronger critical framework in your photography.
The Dissertation module presents an opportunity for you to identify and independently research a topic of your choice, over both semesters of the final year of the programme. Drawing upon the skills of academic writing and contextual knowledge developed on previous modules, the Dissertation module represents a rigorous analysis of your chosen research topic. The dissertation module affords you the opportunity to gain an in depth understanding in a photographic field of your choice, often sharing common interests with the themes addressed in your independent practical projects – strengthening the critical underpinnings of your personal practice.
In the Photography Impacts module, you will identify and independently research an exhibition, festival, publication, collective or movement that has had a considerable influence on the development and evolution of photographic practice and culture. Through a process of self-directed study, you will be required to produce a case-study that draws upon the skills of academic writing and research developed on previous modules.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Key Concepts in Photography provides incisive content that covers the essential critical underpinnings that have shaped photographic development and discourse since its inception. You will explore the themes and conceptual ideas that contributed to modernist and postmodern photography and examine semiotics as an analytical framework. The syllabus will build on these foundational ideas to engage with debates on representation, identity, power and aesthetics.
In this practical module, you will be introduced to, and make work informed by the theme of Place. You will have the opportunity to create three short photography projects which may include:
Human impact on the landscape The urban landscape Heritage within the landscape
By undertaking these projects you will gain knowledge of the historical development of critical, ecological and theoretical themes within photography of place and understand how ethical and creative innovations influence today's generation of landscape image makers. You will learn a range of practical and technical strategies and methods in order to create work that is informed by research and critical analysis and presented in the context of contemporary audiences.
In this module, you will be introduced to the theme of documentary within the context of photography. you will gain knowledge of the historical development of critical and theoretical themes within photojournalism and documentary photography and understand how ethical and creative innovations influence today's generation of documentary image makers. You undertake three short practical projects and learn a range of practical and technical strategies and methods in order to create work within the documentary theme which relate to a contemporary audience.
Photography and Fictions will introduce you to methods of practice and critical thought that further your understanding of narrative, ideology and visual language across multiple genres of photography. You will consider key historical and contemporary milestones in the construction of fictional photography, visual metaphor and semiotics. You will study and create diverse photographic responses to staged photography, commercially informed advertising practice and sophisticated sequenced narrative. You will gain an understanding of how ethical and creative innovations influence today's generation of image makers. Through regular critical lectures and practical workshops you will learn a range of skills, technical strategies and methodologies.
In this module you will be introduced to ideas, techniques and equipment relating to portraiture in photography. Through a series of lectures you will be introduced to the work of specific practitioners which you will respond to during the taught sessions and in your own time. You will learn a range of practical and technical strategies and methods in order to create work that is informed by research and critical analysis and presented in the context of contemporary audiences.
There will be three short projects which may include: Studio portrait photography Location Portrait Photography The notion of the self in photographic portraiture
While studying ‘Writing about photography’ you will learn the art of academic writing in relation to photography. Using a scaffolded learning approach you will be taken through each stage of writing an academic essay in an applied and sequential manner. Taking the position that photography is both document and fiction the module will also explore approaches to writing about photography that adhere to formal academic conventions while remaining open to stylistic experimentation and diversity.
‘Writing About photography’ encourages a community approach to learning through collaboration. In addition, guided learning will provide individual guidance to help support the structuring of academic essay writing on a one to one basis.
Rethinking Photography encourages you to consider photography beyond genre, to reflect on the nature of lens based image making as a holistic and ever evolving medium of data transmission. Through a varied, syllabus, you will produce multiple practice outcomes, informed by appropriate research and reflection. During the semester you will develop practical skills through regular workshops and critical engagement through thematically diverse lectures and reflective seminars designed to enmesh ‘thinking’ and ‘doing’. Rethinking photography aims to develop your confidence in a range of photographic and intellectual skills, methodologies and informed approaches that best reflect the changing face of the photographically derived image in the Information age.
In this module you will engage with a live brief from a number of real world clients as a framework for exploring collaboration in photography. You will actively develop your knowledge and practical understanding of contemporary commercial photography and future employment opportunities within photography and related creative industries by producing a personal journal to take forward into 3rd year professional practice modules.
The ‘Photography Project’ module provides an opportunity for autonomy and independent learning through the creation of a self initiated photographic project of your own choice. You will create work that you are passionate about, produced through the application of key practical skills and critical methodologies gained in your studies so far. You will be supported by staff members to create engaging, audience facing photographic work for exhibition, providing a springboard for further progress in your third year of study.
The syllabus explores contemporary photographic practice in relation to a themed symposium - a space for collaboration, dialogue and the exploration of contemporary photographic discourse. This module focuses on skills in presentation, research and development processes, public speaking skills and further exploration of dialogues within photography. A substantial proportion of the syllabus is student-led, with frequent presentations embedded in the programme to support personal and professional development.
Researrch Themes in Contemporary Photography is delivered online and builds upon your knowledge of how to write about images, and think about photographs, from a critical perspective. The module progresses by addressing different research themes in contemporary photography each week. Through the process of researching key texts in the history of photographic theory, you will be able to interpret the practice of contemporary photographers working with these themes, with greater depth and complexity. The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the major debates that continue to inform contemporary photographic practice. In turn, this will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to situate your photographic practice into an established critical framework.
The Industry Placement Year is an exciting opportunity for students to take a year out of formal study to gain real-world experience in the creative industries. Whether you’re looking to build industry connections, develop professional skills, or explore career options, this year will give you a full-time, hands-on experience within a creative organisation.
This year is a collaborative experience between you, your employer, and the University—ensuring that you get the most out of your time in a professional setting.
This module is optional for undergraduate students within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Study Abroad enables you to study at one of the University’s approved partner institutions.
During the time spent abroad, you can share classes with local students and study modules at the partner institution which have been approved in advance by the University. As many partner institutions support internships, you may choose to combine study with work and/or a period of volunteering.
This module will give you the opportunity to research and reflect on how photography and related creative industries companies are structured, network, operate and function. You will employ a range of professional skills and research approaches to enable you to compile a case study that will help you to realise your own pathway to graduate success.
In this module you will develop a body of work that spans your final year of undergraduate study. You will propose, research, and develop a self-initiated piece based on your own interests. Throughout the semester you will be supported by a tutor in a mentoring role, offering regular opportunities for guidance and formative feedback.
Production on your final year project continues in the ‘Major Project Conclusion and Exhibition’ module.
Following on from ‘Major Project Research and Development’ this module is the culmination of your undergraduate studies, bringing together your skills, techniques, and critical understanding into an expansive, independently led project. By utilising appropriate techniques, demonstrating a clear understanding of genre and audience codes, and supporting your work with academically rigorous structure you will create a body of practice you can be proud of and provide yourself with the strongest possible footing for your future career. Throughout this module you will receive continued one on one guidance and support from a member of staff best positioned to help you to get the most from your project.
In addition to your individually chosen project outcomes, you work will also be part of a collective, public facing exhibition.
Professional Photography Practice aims to build on the knowledge gained in Enterprise and Employment Case Studies to enable you to build appropriate tools to support your ability to work in photography and related creative industries. In a range of workshops, you will develop a creative CV, artist's statement, website and social media sites. In addition, you will prepare a portfolio of images and apply to open calls and competitions. The module will also provide you with the opportunity to prepare effectively and professionally for life in the creative industries after university, exploring potential careers and options ensuring that you are fully prepared to connect with potential employers, clients or further your academic studies.
The Critical Essay module presents an opportunity for you to identify and independently research a topic of your own choice. Through a process of self-directed study, you will produce a written academic text, that draws upon the skills of academic writing and contextual knowledge developed on previous modules, the Critical Essay module represents a detailed analysis of your chosen research topic. Potentially, the subject of your critical essay will share common interests with the themes addressed in your primary photographic practice, helping you to develop a stronger critical framework in your photography.
The Dissertation module presents an opportunity for you to identify and independently research a topic of your choice, over both semesters of the final year of the programme. Drawing upon the skills of academic writing and contextual knowledge developed on previous modules, the Dissertation module represents a rigorous analysis of your chosen research topic. The dissertation module affords you the opportunity to gain an in depth understanding in a photographic field of your choice, often sharing common interests with the themes addressed in your independent practical projects – strengthening the critical underpinnings of your personal practice.
In the Photography Impacts module, you will identify and independently research an exhibition, festival, publication, collective or movement that has had a considerable influence on the development and evolution of photographic practice and culture. Through a process of self-directed study, you will be required to produce a case-study that draws upon the skills of academic writing and research developed on previous modules.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Choosing a university is a big decision and support matters.
At Lincoln, you’ll have access to:
You won’t be left to figure things out alone. Support is built into the course.
Award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and co-founder of Electric Egg, Steve combines technical expertise and powerful storytelling to explore the deep connections between people, place, and history.
A Photography degree can lead to a wide range of creative careers, especially if you graduate with a strong portfolio and professional confidence.
Common career paths include:
Where you could work:
Progression options:
104 to 112 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: BCC to BBC
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Merit Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 104 to 112 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
104 to 112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
If you are eligible for a contextual offer, a one grade or 8 UCAS Tariff point reduction to the standard entry requirements will be applied.
A Level: BBC
BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Additional requirements:
- Applicants will be asked to produce a digital portfolio of work.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
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Don't meet the full entry requirements?
The Arts Foundation Year at Lincoln is the first year of a four-year degree programme, offering students the chance to explore a range of creative subjects including Animation, Architecture, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, and Product Design before progressing onto a specialist degree.
This course could be a good fit if:
If you’re looking for a degree that helps you turn creativity into a career, this course is designed for you.
University Study is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the costs and support available. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below. Eligible students may be able to access scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs.
University Study is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the costs and support available. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below. Eligible students may be able to access scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
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