Photography (Commercial) with Foundation Year

The BA Photography (Commercial) programme provides a uniquely progressive and ethically responsible take on the future of commercial photography practice and its associated industries. Through learning the technical needs to develop and work professionally in the field, students will commit to innovating beyond existing, conventional commercial practices to set new standards of visual language that advocates for contemporary and future-visioning clients.

Students benefit from this degree being one of very few specifically commercial photography programmes in Britain that offers the opportunity to work professionally from the outset. Students are encouraged to take on commercial photographic work and are given the opportunity to incorporate that work into their portfolio development throughout their studies. Specialist mentoring will be given throughout the process, from building a professional identity, marketing and media, initial dealings with clients, pitch deck presentations, production and management of work, key communication and engagement skills, to final presentation of that work to the client or given audience.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Hone your skills

The programme is delivered through a combination of practice-led workshops alongside lectures, seminars, tutorial support, and national and international study visits. Whilst progressing through their studies, students work with the support of both actively working and researching photographic lecturers and industry professionals. Through engaging in exciting and intensive periods of risk-taking and creative explorations, students grow as autonomous practitioners and independent professionals with highly distinctive approaches that separate them from typical industry expectations.

BA Photography (Commercial) draws upon the celebrated legacy of the Derby School of Photography, the very first location for photography education in the UK. The programme works in tandem with other programmes across art, design and technology and in association with FORMAT International Photography Festival founded in Derby in 2004. The programme is recognised and supported by the professional photographic body, AOP (Association of Photographers).

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

The programme is delivered through a combination of practice-led workshops alongside lectures, seminars, tutorial support, national and international study visits. Whilst progressing through their studies, students work with the support of both actively working and researching photographic lecturers and industry professionals. Through engaging in exciting and intensive periods of risk-taking and creative explorations, students grow as autonomous practitioners and independent professionals with highly distinctive approaches that separate them from typical industry expectations.   

How you are assessed

Assessment is by 100% coursework: your submissions of photographic work will be supported by an artist’s statement and opportunities to discuss the progression of your projects.

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

This course is not currently accepting applications, please check back at later date to make an application for September 2025. 

The course places an emphasis on critical thinking, research, writing and oral communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. As such, you will be well equipped for diverse roles across the photo-imaging sector and beyond, making excellent use of transferable skills. 

Our graduates have gone on to become artists, academics, teachers, curators, critics, professional photographers, editorial photographers, picture editors. Here are what some of our graduates are doing now: 

• Idris Kahn OBE, leading UK artist 
• Jenny Anderson, Director, Argentea Gallery 
• Nicola Shipley, director GRAIN Photography Hub 
• Michael Sargeant, On-line Education Manager, MAGNUM Photos 
• John McLean, leading photographic artist and architectural photographer 
• Steve Edwards, leading editorial photographer for UK and US publications 
• Bethany Kane, Programming Officer FORMAT Photography Festival

In addition, there is the option to take your skills to the next level on our MA Arts course.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

• Photography (Commercial) BA (Hons)
• Photography BA (Hons)
• Photography with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
• Film and High-end Television Production BA (Hons)
• Media Content Creation BA (Hons)