BA (Hons) Digital Photography

This degree in photography provides an education in the broader areas of digital photographic practice. You will develop a diverse skillset skills across:

• Photojournalism
• Editorial
• Documentary
• Portraiture
• Advertising
• Fashion
• Music
• Architecture
• Picture research
• PR

If you are studying the BA (Hons) Digital Photograhy with Integrated Foundation Year version of this course, key topics of your integrated foundation year will include:

• Core principles of media communication design
• Narrative construction and structure
• Symbolism, meaning, and interpretation
• Colour theory and aesthetic principles
• Character development and genre exploration
• Sequencing techniques and timing
• Editing, lighting, and sound design
• Mise-en-scène and visual composition techniques
• Proficiency in software and applications (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition)
• Comprehensive understanding of the production process: Pre-production, Production, and Post-production
• Social, cultural, ethical, and technological considerations (AI, data privacy, representation, and inclusivity)
• Utilisation of digital labs, photography studios, broadcasting, and multimedia facilities

If you choose to add an Integrated Foundation Year on this course, you will be first introduced to the fundamental principles of digital media. Your foundation year gives you the time, space and support to explore your strengths, build confidence and prepare for the demands of project-based, industry-focused learning. Modules are as follows:

• Module 1: Diagnostic exploration - making informed choices
• Module 2: Technical - Technical knowledge in practice
• Module 3: Specialist - Innovating specialist practice
• Module 4: Integration - Integrated practice for progression to Higher Education

Please note: Students starting this course with the Integrated Foundation Year in September 2026/27 will study the 2027/28 approved modules in Years 1, 2 and 3.

Year 1

Students will develop core skills in photographic equipment, still and motion photography, and post-production software, alongside industry knowledge. They will also begin to shape their own practice, building confidence in image creation and platform selection.

Modules include:

• Beginning of craft
• The Industry
• Study options - mini briefs
• Specialist workflows
• Professional Life Practice: Developing your Practice
• Professional Life Practice: Exploring your Practice

Year 2

Students will develop expertise with industry-standard equipment and software, working across medium format and mirrorless camera systems to gain practical experience with the formats most used in commercial and editorial photography. They will explore specialist photography areas, enhancing their practice and developing a personal approach to digital creative work. Live project briefs and work-based learning opportunities further support skill development.

Modules include:

• Exploring the Industry
• Narrative and Sequence
• Portfolio and Context
• Professional Life Practice: Applying your Practice
• Work-based learning

Year 3

Students will culminate their learning in a major digital photography project for exhibition at the degree show, alongside a self-initiated brief reflecting their personal creative direction. Working with real clients and developing their own professional identity, many will already be published or working in the creative industries as they move toward graduation.

Modules include:

• Client Brief
• Personal Folio
• Professional Life Practice: Situating your Practice
• Professional Review

Year 1

Students will develop core skills in photographic equipment, still and motion photography and post-production software, alongside industry knowledge. They will also begin to shape their own practice, building confidence in image creation and developing an awareness of how and where images are shared and distributed.

Modules may include:

• Rave Beginnings
• Image Creation
• Image & Industry: Visual Narratives
• Contemporary Visual Cultures: Images & Motion
• Work Flow
• Employability & Professionalism

Year 2

Students will develop expertise with industry-standard equipment and software, working across medium format and mirrorless camera systems to gain practical experience with the formats most used in commercial and editorial photography. They will explore specialist photography areas, enhancing their practice and developing a personal approach to digital creative work. Live project briefs and work-based learning opportunities further support skill development.

Modules may include:

• The Shape of Light: Contemporary Studio Practice
• Fine Art & Editorial Practice
• Preparing for Industry
• Design Studio
• Innovation Sprints
• Live & Work-based Learning

Year 3

Students will culminate their learning in a major digital photography project for exhibition at the degree show, alongside a self-initiated brief reflecting their personal creative direction. Working with real clients and developing their own professional identity, many will already be published or working in the creative industries as they move toward graduation

Modules may include:

• Situating Practice
• Professional Practice 
• Rave Futures
• Major Project

All modules are subject to revalidation.

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 64 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. We still think exams are important and look forward to hearing about your successes, but we place just as much importance on the work you will share with us as part of our interview and/or portfolio process.

Interview and portfolio requirements

Admission onto this course is also subject to successful submission of a portfolio (or showreel). 

We welcome applications from students with a passion for photography and visual storytelling. Depending on your experience and background, you may be invited to submit a portfolio of previous work, if so, we'd love to see a selection of 15–20 of your best images that reflects your range, interests and creative outlook. This can be submitted as a PDF and you're welcome to include links to your website or Instagram if you'd like to share a broader range of your work.

This page offers great tips for completing your portfolio/showreel. It also details our specific requirements. 

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade DD or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade PPP
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 48 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. 

Interview and portfolio requirements

Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media or design. 

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.