BA Photography at Camberwell College of Arts uniquely explores photographic practice within a fine art context. As one of four specialist artistic disciplines at the college, housed within a rich art school culture, the course combines the strengths of a dedicated focus around photography alongside the open and experimental engagement that characterises contemporary art.  

As the only UK photography programme to offer students dedicated artist’s studios, we offer a distinct emphasis on photography as an independent creative endeavour, engaged with contemporary ways of thinking and working.

The course understands that photography’s many uses - from documentation to advertising, as personal memento, public image or work of art - affect our perception of photographic culture.  

As a student on the programme, you will explore the sometimes slippery nature of the medium and its many possibilities as an artistic practice and means of exploration, supported by lectures, seminars and studio based tutorials and crits.  

A rich and high-profile range of visiting speakers contribute to a lively studio culture, complementing our internationally recognised teaching staff. Regular exhibition visits, in London, across the UK and internationally, offer opportunities for ideas, new approaches and debate.  

Through discussion and engagement with a broad range of ideas, inside and outside of photography, you will be encouraged to develop approaches that feed new and innovative ways of working. Testing and exploring the creative possibilities and limits of the medium, core projects on contemporary debates and strategies, methods of communication and modes of display encourage a practice of photography that is outward looking. You will be encouraged to begin to form an independent and considered practice, drawing upon research and discussion as well as technical rigour.  

Our excellent technical staff deliver regular workshops, across analogue and digital, from introductory black and white and colour darkroom processes and studio lighting, to advanced alternative printing, postproduction, colour management and much more. Equipped with a wide range of technical skills, graduates from the programme are equipped to be self-sufficient and adaptable to work in many contexts, within and beyond photographic fine art.

Learning and teaching

University of the Arts London courses span a broad range of art, design, communication, business, media, science and communication subjects. So the ways in which you learn and how your time is used will vary according to the specific course you are studying; this may be in studios, labs, classes, involve working alone, learning from peers in pairs or groups, or with external partners. Most importantly, no matter which course you enrol on, you will learn not only about your subject but also about how you learn and how to increase your knowledge base.

Our courses will guide you to take increasing responsibility and ownership of your work and your learning. We do this so that you will be ready and able to take full advantage of the full range of opportunities offered by the creative industries in the global economy.

Assessment methods

At the University of the Arts London we see assessment as a very real part of learning, rather than just a means of looking back at past work and measuring achievement; we believe that assessment helps you plan future work and develop new ideas. 

Your work will be assessed through projects or portfolios, with written papers or research journals, and, on some courses, examinations. You will be graded according to a set of marking criteria that relate to such things as research, subject knowledge, methodology, and your capacity to analyse and reflect on your achievements. So don’t be afraid of assessment - it is the way to progress.

Undergraduate Fine Art Area at Camberwell

By uniquely retaining single subject degrees in Fine Art at undergraduate level, Camberwell offers students the benefits of in-depth study in specific subject areas - Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Drawing - whilst also enabling students to access cross-course teaching and facilities, and work with their peers in all the other Fine Art areas. All undergraduate Fine Art students at Camberwell attend cross-course crits and tutorials throughout their course even though they are primarily based in their own subject areas.

BA Photography

Year 1

The first year of study introduces a number of ways of approaching the production of photographic images, thinking through the picture as surface, object, conveyor of information, and as an instigator of ideas.

Your personal and collective interests, which drive your projects, are supported by specialist contextual studies lectures on photography which build a clear historical and contemporary knowledge, and a series of ‘Key Ideas’ lectures, which develop critical perspectives and debates.  

Studio units are supported by a range of structured and optional technical workshops, which in addition to individual and group tutorials and crits, form the beginning of a critical working community in which to practice.

To introduce you to degree level study, you will be introduced to a variety of core methodologies, developing an experimental and informed practice, supported by research.  

Introductions to University and College resources, such as IT, Academic and Student Support, the Library and workshops, provide inductions and assistance. 

Year 2

In the second year, you are encouraged to test and consider your developing ideas by exploring your practice in a range of specific and challenging contexts.  

Aided by a refined knowledge and technical confidence, building upon Year 1, you will begin to seek out and ask specific research questions: constructing propositions, posing challenges and developing approaches and proposing outcomes and solutions.  

The year is centered on two core projects: a large scale off-campus gallery exhibition, and a public project which engages with the vibrant local artistic contexts of Camberwell, Peckham and Southwark.  

A combination of contemporary photographic and critical thinking is explored as you develop your ideas by selecting and applying appropriate strategies of display and resolution, constructing dialogue and making your work visible.

Year 3

The third year is centered upon a proposed, developed and realized individual programme of study, which culminates in a final, assessed exhibition.  

Developing a sustained and coherent body of work in dialogue with specialist tutors, studio groups and our visiting speakers, you will bring together research interests and individual approaches to produce a well resolved and professional final display.  

Through a choice of dissertation, work placement or live project you will explore in depth the context within which you choose to locate your practice. These will prepare you for ongoing study and professional practice.

Facilities

Camberwell’s excellent studio facilities enable students to work in a variety of media, such as painting, sculpture, and photography. All photography students have access to the College’s technical workshops, the Photography, Printmaking, 3D, and Digital Media Resource Centres, as well as the College Library.  Camberwell shares a site with the South London Gallery, one of the cities’ premier contemporary art spaces. 

Graduates from BA Photography have gone on to exhibit and work in a wide variety of professional contexts. Recent graduates have been selected for and have exhibited in major UK competitions and exhibitions, including The Photographer’s Gallery’s ‘Fresh Faced and Wild Eyed’ exhibition of most promising graduates, Saatchi New Sensations, Sony Professional Photography Awards, The Sovereign Asian Art Prize, and FutureMap. Students frequently progress to postgraduate study, whilst others have gone on to work for major galleries and publishers, including Steidl and Mack books. 

Entry to BA (Hons) Photography is highly competitive.

We select students based on the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work and personal statement. Most successful applicants will have completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD). We will exceptionally consider applications from A-Level or equivalent candidates presenting a portfolio which is of equivalent standard to those produced by students on Foundation (FAD) courses.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved, or be expected to achieve, either:

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
• A pass in 1 GCE A-Level
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

Or

• BTEC Extended Diploma or NVQ Level 3
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

Or

• UAL Level 3 Pre-University Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design
• Passes at GCSE level 3 in 4 subjects (grade C or above)

In exceptional circumstances applicants may be considered if they present a portfolio of equivalent standard to a one-year Foundation course in art and design and have achieved, or expect to achieve:

• Passes in 2 GCE A-Levels
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

We also accept applications from students with equivalent international qualifications; eg International Baccalaureate or equivalent national school leaving or university entrance qualifications, where a portfolio of equivalent standard to that produced by students studying on a FAD programme may be evidenced.

• Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills. All information regarding acceptable tests, scores and exemptions from testing can be found here: http://www.arts.ac.uk/international/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/

International Applicants

We welcome applications from International students and will be pleased to help with the application process. To receive advice and help with your application you are invited to contact one of the University's local representatives in your own country or one of our International Student Advisors in London: http://www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk/internationalstudents/

Study Abroad Applicants

This course accepts a limited number of Study Abroad students (international students who would like to spend one, two or three terms studying alongside our undergraduates, as part of their course at their home university). To find out further information about Study Abroad fees and the application process please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages. 

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system. You can complete your UCAS application from anywhere that has internet access.

All Camberwell College of Arts UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our University code is UAL.

Our College Code is U65.

There is no Campus Code for Camberwell College of Arts.

For further information about UCAS, or their application procedure, please contact them directly.

T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Camberwell College of Arts.

T: 020 7514 6302
E: info@camberwell.arts.ac.uk

International Applicants

Please visit the ccw international apply page for details.

or contact the CCW International Office.

T: +44 (0) 207 514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages for details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0) 207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@chelsea.arts.ac.uk