University of Chester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The University of Chester’s Photography degree fosters a distinct approach to the craft of photography, encouraging independent practice and a critically reflective mindset. As well as exploring key issues and debates shaping contemporary photography practices, you will also gain an understanding of the social and cultural dimensions of photography and its power to inspire and challenge. Draw on your personal experience and curiosity to explore a diverse range of contexts and genres, from art and documentary, to editorial and fashion including sports and music photojournalism. You will benefit from industry connections and expert guidance from our team of experienced researcher-practitioners, who can share their knowledge and insights of the art and photography industries, introducing you to nationally and internationally recognised photographers, curators and writers who are helping to shape photography today. Connect with galleries, museums and employers in the North West and beyond, opening doors to exciting opportunities and collaborations. Our Photography degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a photographer who has developed a distinctive personal practice and a portfolio to help you make your mark on the industry.
Modules
For the latest example of curriculum availability on this degree programme please refer to the University of Chester's Website.
Assessment method
Your folio collections or series of photographs are the result of the week-to-week development of different approaches to practice, based on your personal, subject, or thematic response. Through this, you will be assessed by your problem-solving and experimentation in your response to a diverse range of assignment briefs. You will also engage with photography’s materiality; exploring the material presence of different types of fine printing, including printmaking. Your folio submissions are accompanied by a visual and contextual journal, which functions as: a personal sketchbook technical log and diary of your working methods and practices. This contains your practice through contact sheets produced for each shoot, and your choice of work in progress, which signposts each staging point of your project’s development. A key part is the way in which you reflect upon the development of your practice and how you respond to tutorial input from your peers, as well as the staff who are supporting and working alongside you. Your journal importantly also includes the research of photography, art and industry contexts, artists and photographers as well as other phenomena, which provides a background and support to your emerging visual identity as a photographic practitioner. Writing and research-based assignments, which are aligned with and inform your practice will include: essays (poster) presentations statements reports and ongoing critical reflection (which forms part of your journaling and sketchbook work).
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 72W9
- Institution code:
- C55
- Campus name:
- Chester
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BCC - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher - BBBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H4
Shortlisted applicants will be required to produce a portfolio and attend an interview. The University of Chester considers a wide range of Level 3 qualifications and a wide range of professional / vocational qualifications.
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
A portfolio interview is required for this course
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £9535 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.
Provider information
University of Chester
Parkgate Road
Chester
CH1 4BJ