Commercial Photography

The BA Commercial Photography 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.

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.

Alongside creative development, you’ll build essential professional skills including copyright and licensing, pricing and estimating, client communication and portfolio development.

BA Commercial Photography 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).

Photography tour

Discover what it's like being a student studying Photography at the University of Derby.

Boost your employability with a placement year

Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.

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.

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.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Additional entry requirements

• Portfolio: Recommended - view portfolio details

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

Additional costs and optional extras

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.