Photography BA (Hons)



We are ranked 2nd in Scotland for Film Production & Photography
The Guardian University Guide 2026

Course overview

We live in an age defined by images. Studying photography today is about more than learning to use a camera - it's about understanding how images shape culture, communicate ideas and change the way we see the world.

At Edinburgh Napier University, you'll develop the technical expertise, creative ambition and confidence to build a distinctive photographic voice. Whether your ambitions lie in independent creative practice, commercial photography, publishing, galleries, moving image or the wider creative industries, you'll graduate with the skills, experience and portfolio to take the next step.

You'll work across the full breadth of contemporary photographic practice, turning ideas into ambitious, compelling visual projects. From shooting, developing and printing black-and-white and colour film in our specialist darkroom facilities through to digital photography, video, studio production, publishing and exhibition, you'll gain the technical expertise and creative confidence to contribute to today's evolving visual culture.

Based in Edinburgh - one of Europe's leading cultural capitals - you'll become part of a vibrant creative community, with access to internationally recognised galleries, festivals, museums and Scotland's remarkable urban and natural landscapes. Throughout the course, you'll be taught by practising photographers, artists and researchers who will support you in developing your own approach to image-making through experimentation, collaboration and independent practice.

Our aim is not simply to teach photography, but to help you discover the kind of practitioner you want to become.

Photography students grouped around a laptop, working on a project

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

W640

Course details

You'll learn through a series of increasingly ambitious practical projects, exploring the full range of contemporary photographic practice - from documentary, editorial, commercial, studio and contemporary art - using analogue and digital photography, moving image and emerging imaging technologies. Supported by workshops, tutorials, critiques and a programme of visiting photographers, artists and industry professionals, you'll develop your work through public exhibitions, professional portfolio development and industry engagement, gaining first-hand experience of contemporary photographic practice.

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    How you’ll be taught

    Academic modules are taught through a combination of formal and active lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials, while practical modules combine these methods with workshops, demonstrations, exercises, film screenings, presentations and supervised sessions.

    Academic and practical modules may include visits to galleries and other places of interest, and a regular visiting lecture programme will expose you to a wide-range of approaches and practices in the Creative Industries. There is also an element of individual and group-based self-directed study and research together with appropriate tutor support.
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    Assessments

    You will be assessed on the submission of creative practical work, supporting documentation and essay assignments. These outcomes are measured against students' original intentions, learning contracts, project briefs, self-assessment and supporting research material (sketch books, diaries, logs).

    Assessment may also be based on the submission of other documentation such as technical and creative workbooks, workshop journals, production and project dossiers and case studies. The personal development and engagement of students is also assessed through technical exercises, oral presentations and participation in and group critiques.

    As part of the selection process, suitably qualified applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio.

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    Work placement

     Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement as part of the Design and Media Work-based Learning module.
  • study abroad

    Study abroad

    You may have the opportunity to study abroad as part of your degree, spending a trimester at one of Edinburgh Napier University's international partner institutions. Studying overseas allows you to experience different approaches to photography, broaden your cultural perspective and build an international network, while gaining academic credit towards your degree.

    We have excellent international exchange links with universities all over the world, including: Ryerson University Toronto (Canada), University of Applied Sciences Europe ( Germany), Minerva Academie (Netherlands), Dun Laoghaire Institute of Arts Design & Technology (Ireland), Ontario College of Art & Design (Canada)
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    Facilities

    This course is taught in person at our Merchiston campus.

    Our specialist photography facilities are designed to support every stage of contemporary photographic practice, providing an environment where you'll learn with the same professional equipment, workflows and expectations you'll encounter in industry. From the latest professional camera systems and dedicated studio spaces to digital imaging suites, black-and-white darkrooms, specialist colour film processing facilities and exhibition spaces, you'll have everything you need to explore the full breadth of contemporary photographic practice.

    You'll also have the opportunity to shoot, develop and print both black-and-white and colour film - an experience now offered by very few UK universities. Together, these facilities will enable you to work confidently across film, digital photography and moving image throughout your studies.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Creative Cultures
  • Creative Practice
  • Creative Camera Techniques
  • Applied Camera Techniques
  • Landscape
  • Photography Histories 1

Year 2

  • Portraiture
  • Photo Constructed
  • Photo Studio Advertising
  • Sequences and Seriality
  • Photography Histories 2
  • Theory for Photo Practice

Year 3

  • Editorial Photography
  • Documentary Photography
  • Image and the Archive
  • Creative Industry Projects
  • Scoping Industry
  • Exhibition

Year 4

  • Dissertation Photography
  • Contemporary Professional Practice
  • Final Project Preparation
  • Final Project

Meet your Programme Leader and Teaching Team

Throughout your studies, you'll learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders who bring valuable expertise, insight and real-world perspectives to your learning experience. You will also benefit from our regular programme of visiting photographers, artists and industry professionals.

Programme Leader: Dr Emile Shemilt.

Course tutors include Sophie Gerrard, Ron O'Donnell, Dr Alexander Supartono, and Colin Andrews.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Edinburgh Napier University focuses on the future with Sony

Our collaboration with Sony gives students hands-on access to the latest digital camera technology used on real commercial projects, as well as professional mentorship.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Photography?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

As part of the selection process suitably qualified applicants will normally be invited to submit a portfolio. This applies to all years of entry. Find out more about what to include in your portfolio here.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature applicants are welcomed and, where appropriate, the minimum entry requirements can be replaced by the recognition of prior learning and experience, such as knowledge and skills gained outside of formal learning situations.

Minimum year 1

Scottish Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BCCC 

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

  • CCC

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H2, H3, H3, H3 at HL 

HNC

  • Pass HNC in an accepted subject with grade B in the graded unit.
  • Accepted subjects: Photography, Contemporary Art Practice, 3D Interior Design, Visual Communication, Art and Design, 3D Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design, Interior Design, 3D Design and Product Design, Computer Aided Draughting and Design, Social Sciences, Advertising and Public Relations, Journalism, Radio, Practical Journalism, TV Production, Advertising and PR, Creative Industries: Television, Audio Visual Technology, Creative Industries: Media & Communication, Film, Creative Industries: Professional Writing Skills, Events Management, Music Business, Sound Production, Marketing.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades D*D (Distinction*, Distinction) in a related subject.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 27 points overall including three HL subjects with grades 6,5,4. 

T Level

  • Grade Merit.

Minimum year 2

HND

  • Pass HND in an accepted subject with grade B at SCQF Level 8 in all graded units.
  • Accepted subjects: Photography, Contemporary Art Practice, 3D Interior Design, 3D Design and Interior Design, Visual Communication, Art and Design, 3D Interior Design: Interior Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design, Interior Design, 3D Design: Product Design, Computer Aided Draughting and Design, Social Sciences, Creative Industries: Media & Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, Journalism, Radio, TV Production, Advertising and PR, Creative Industries: Television, Audio Visual Technology, Film, Creative Industries: Professional Writing Skills, Events Management, Music Business, Sound Production, Marketing.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level. 

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2026/27 2027/28
Scotland £1,820 £tba
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,790 tba
Overseas and EU £21,120 tba

Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers & employability

Girl holding up a camera to her eye for a photograph in Edinburgh

Career opportunities

You'll be prepared for a position in the highly competitive media and creative industries in Scotland and around the world. Students from the course are established in many areas of the industry and internationally. You could engage with public relations, act as a picture editor, work as a curator, pursue roles in creative agencies, or give back through the widening areas of visual education.

Graduates pursue careers across:

  • contemporary photographic practice
  • commercial and editorial photography
  • galleries and museums
  • publishing
  • moving image
  • creative agencies
  • visual communications
  • arts organisations
  • fashion photojournalism
  • social photography
  • postgraduate research

Many also establish successful freelance practices or continue to postgraduate study.