BA (Hons) Digital Photography with Integrated Foundation Year

During Year 1 you will focus on:

• 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.

During Year 2, 3 and 4 of the course you will explore:

This degree in photography with an integrated foundation year 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.

You will begin developing the core skills needed for a future in digital photography, including image-making, editing, visual storytelling, and creative production. The Integrated Foundation Year provides time and support to explore your creative identity, build confidence, and prepare for studio-based, project-led learning.

Modules:

• 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/preparing you for Year 2 of the course.

Students will build fundamental skills in photographic equipment.

They will learn about still and also motion and post-production software alongside a working proficiency and knowledge of the industry.

Students will begin to think about their own practice and build confidence in image generation and platform selection.

Modules may include*:

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

*Subject to change.

Students will gain a greater understanding of equipment and software such as Leica M, Phase One and Hassleblad and Linhof medium format cameras.

They will think about the specialist areas of photography and where they are applied.

This will allow them to enhance their practice and develop their own approach to the digital creative work.

We set a variety of live project briefs, and encourage students to take up work-based learning.

Modules may include*:

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

*Subject to change.

By this stage many students will already be published and working on projects in the creative industries.

Alongside this, they will create a self-initiated, experimental brief that addresses their own personal creative direction, and will form part of your principal working portfolio.

We ask students to show your contextual studies research and thinking in a long form dissertation.

Modules may include*:

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

*Subject to change.

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 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. 

Selection criteria:

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

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website.  The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page.

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate application form.

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

Our graduates will be industry-ready to work across a range of disciplines and approaches within photography and the wider creative industries, including in areas such as:

• Photojournalism
• Editorial, documentary
• Portraiture, advertising
• Fashion
• Music
• Architecture
• Picture research
• Public relations.

You can’t learn in a vacuum. At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students 

Find specialist information hubs for:

• Prospective students
• International students
• Students with a disability
• Parents and guardians