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Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part-time study – 6–9 years
Time limit – 12 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Entry requirements
Ask a question

BA (Honours) Photography

Course code: A45

Transform your passion for photography into a powerful means of visual communication with our BA (Honours) Photography degree. This innovative online programme blends technical mastery with creative exploration, encouraging you to push the boundaries of photographic expression. Guided by industry professionals, you'll develop a critical eye for image-making in the digital age while building a portfolio that reflects your unique perspective. The flexible nature of this course allows you to balance your photographic journey with other life commitments.

This online course is available through our college dedicated to the creative arts, the Open College of the Arts.

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Key features

  • Master a range of photographic techniques, from traditional to cutting-edge digital
  • Explore the cultural and ethical implications of image-making in today's world
  • Engage in virtual critiques and collaborative projects with peers globally
  • Develop a professional portfolio tailored to your career aspirations
  • Balance your studies with other commitments through flexible distance learning

Course highlights

This honours degree in photography has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll begin your photographic journey by building a solid foundation in technical, creative, and analytical skills. Throughout this stage, you'll explore the boundaries of contemporary photography, moving images, and visual communications. You'll develop your ability to create and analyse imagery across various genres, experimenting with different techniques and approaches. As you progress, you'll also start to engage with the history and theory of photography, providing context for your practical work and preparing you for more advanced study.

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Building on your foundation, you'll develop your photographic voice while deepening your understanding of photographic practices, histories, and ideas. You'll explore the ethics of visual representation in individual and global contexts, considering the power and responsibility of the photographer in today's world. Throughout this stage, you'll engage more deeply with digital imagery and visual culture, examining how images are consumed and disseminated in contemporary society. You'll also have opportunities to specialise in areas that interest you most, whether documentary, fine art, or commercial photography.

Stage 3 (120 credits)

In this final stage, you'll undertake a substantial, sustained body of work showcasing your unique photographic vision. You'll choose from three informal routes – dissertation, external project, or holistic practice – to tailor your final year to your interests and career aspirations. Throughout this stage, you'll refine your technical skills, deepen your conceptual understanding, and develop a professional approach to your practice. You'll create a portfolio demonstrating your readiness for the professional world of photography, synthesising all you've learned into a cohesive body of work representing your distinctive photographic identity.

Course type
Degree  

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits
360  

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Part-time study – 6–9 years
Time limit – 12 years
Study method
Distance learning
Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 

Entry requirements

We welcome aspiring photographers from all backgrounds to this open-access degree. No formal qualifications are needed – simply bring your creativity and willingness to learn. You'll need basic digital skills, a stable internet connection, and English language proficiency at CEFR B2 level to fully engage with this online programme.

Fees and funding

Read the detailed description on the Open College of the Arts website to learn more about this degree's fees and funding options.


How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

  • a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
  • course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
  • module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
  • details of each assignment and their due dates
  • a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
  • online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Joe, talks about balancing working at the NHS and studying with the OU and how he has the best of both worlds.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

  • mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
  • guide you to learning resources
  • support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

  • Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

  • You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
  • They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
  • Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

  • The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

  • Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
  • You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
  • Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
  • If a module has an in-person exam (that you must take at one of our exam centres) or is invigilated online, we’ll make this clear in the module description.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.

Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

  • our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
  • other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
  • the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
  • free Microsoft Office 365 software
  • IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Interested in finding out more?

This degree is delivered by The Open University's Open College of the Arts.

To explore this course in detail, including entry requirements, fees and funding options, and how to apply, visit the Open College of the Arts website.

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