Course Overview
Course summary
Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress on to a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress on to their full honours degree with us.
Our Foundation year in Art and Design is designed to provide you with an introduction to our range of subject areas, and to prepare you for the discipline of your choice. It will give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within the field. It begins in the first semester with the development of fundamental art and design skills, as well as practical exploration across all of the disciplines in our Art and Design Foundation programme. In the second semester you are encouraged to specialise in your own discipline and are supported at this stage by tutors from your host course. You will also benefit from workshops in our high-end facilities, and from working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Your practical development is accompanied by modules in both semesters on foundational academic skills – skills that will be essential as you progress to your chosen full degree.
On successful completion of the Foundation year, you'll be able to move on to study for the Fashion Photography BA Honours degree over a further three years of study.
Our Fashion Photography BA has been designed to meet the industry’s demand for well-trained and agile graduates. The course provides both deep disciplinary knowledge, and a broad range of photographic skills across various forms of analogue, digital and emerging media. Combining the success and legacy of photography as a discipline at Westminster with fashion practices, you’ll be equipped with the confidence, flexibility, and skills to develop careers within this competitive industry.
You’ll explore photography and digital imaging technologies, fashion photographic practices, critical thinking and partnerships with industry and employers. Upon graduation, as a contemporary image maker, you’ll be equipped with a very attractive profile to compete in a fast-growing creative industry.
This course examines Fashion Photography as both a historical and contemporary practice. You’ll gain insights into styling, identity and image creation, from both a theoretical and practical perspective. This will inform and develop your practical projects such as crafting compelling fashion editorials and building a professional creative campaign portfolio.
We provide career enhancement opportunities that will allow you to flourish well beyond graduation, in fashion, commercial, digital and virtual environments. You’ll gain practical experience through regular contact with industry professionals, guest talks by industry experts, and field trips to photography and fashion related spaces. You’ll also have the opportunity to take an optional year-long paid internship or placement between years 2 and 3 of this course. This experience will enable you to develop your professional skills and gain industry exposure well before you graduate.
Top reasons to study with us
- Westminster is ranked 2nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025 for ‘Research Quality’ in Art and Design
- Fantastic location – you'll enjoy all the benefits of studying at our Harrow Campus – just a 20-minute tube ride from Central London, a global hub for the media and cultural industries
- Cutting-edge facilities – Our large photography and emerging media facilities provide you with everything you need to explore innovative practices
- Develop your creative production skills – work across a range of photographic and lens-based media to establish a critically engaged and self-reflective creative practice
- Contribute to fashion projects – work alongside Fashion Design and Fashion Business students, contributing photographic images for fashion campaigns
- Learn from high-profile experts in photography theory and practice, dedicated to photographic education
- Photographic pioneers – photographic education at Westminster has a unique history. Classes in photography were taught at the Polytechnic Institution, the forerunner of our University, from 1852, and the School of Photography was established in 1883
Course structure
The Photography BA and Fashion Photography BA begin with a shared first year, before branching into specialised pathways. These pathways, along with a variety of optional modules, provide you with the opportunity to customise your degree and expertise according to your interests and career objectives.
You can also choose to study an Elective, a selection of modules from across the whole University curriculum, which will allow you to enrich your academic journey.
You may choose to take an optional year-long paid internship or placement between years 2 and 3 or study abroad with one of our overseas exchange partners.
The following subjects are indicative of what you’ll study on this course.
Subjects of study include (across 5 core modules):
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
- Art and Design Explorations
- Making and Modelling
- Seeing and Doing
There are no optional or elective modules offered at Level 3, as the focus is on the development of key academic skills through a broad understanding of Media and Design
Credit Level 3
You are provided with an intensive grounding in the key photographic techniques, theories and concepts, forming the basis for later learning. Students are given the option to reconsider their chosen pathway at the end of the first year (Photography BA / Fashion Photography BA).
Subjects of study include:
- Constructing Photographs
- Creativity and Collaboration
- Expanded and Immersive Photography
- Photography: Image and Idea
You’ll also have the opportunity to take one option module from: Fashion Photography and the Street; Photography in the Street: Documentary. You may also choose a foreign language or from a selection of other elective modules from across the university as your option module.
Credit Level 4
You are encouraged to push the boundaries of your own photographic practice, and experiment and explore new ways of working, including video and emerging technologies, camera-less photography (photograms) and alternative photographic processes. Students are offered options in work placements, group exhibitions, study abroad and collaborative interdisciplinary modules.
Subjects of study include:
- Developing a Photographic Voice
- Fashion Studio Photography
- Work Based and Placement Learning
You’ll also have the opportunity to take two option modules from: Collaborative Practices; The Networked Photograph; CGI and Photography; Photobooks, Magazines and Zines; Videography. You may also choose a foreign language or from a selection of other elective modules from across the University as option modules.
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you may undertake an optional year-long placement. If you take advantage of this option, you'll undertake an additional year-long Industry Placement Year module running parallel to your work placement, and your final degree award will be BA Honours – Fashion Photography with Professional Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
You’ll focus on the production of two major pieces of self-directed visual and written work. You’ll work independently, supported by workshops, work reviews, individual and group tutorials, to produce a Fashion Final Project for public exhibition and Research Project. Professional development continues to support you in preparing for your career after graduation.
Subjects of study include:
- Planning a Campaign
- Fashion Photography Final Project
- Research Essay
You’ll also have the opportunity to take one option module, either Professional Futures or you may also choose a foreign language.
Credit Level 6
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Graduates of this course are equipped to play a vital role in the fashion photography industry, having developed practical, conceptual and theoretical skills to become independent thinkers, adaptable and flexible in their skills and with a sound understanding of the industry, its conventions, histories and future opportunities.
The Fashion Photography BA is a new course for September 2024 entry. Our graduates from similar courses such as the Photography BA have found positions as photographers and photographic artists, but equally they pursue a range of careers within the broader photographic, tech and creative sectors. Many also go on to postgraduate study.
Transferable skills
You'll gain the knowledge and experience to work in roles such as magazine editor, museum and gallery curator, picture editor, teacher and lecturer.
Industry links
We have industry links with impressive galleries and organisations including The World Photography Organisation, The Photographers' Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Employers worldwide
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry partners
We have strong links within the photographic and creative sector in London and beyond, and the majority of our teaching staff are active practitioners across the different sectors.
We also have close relationships with alumni from similar courses such as the Photography BA and use these links to organise guest talks, work placements and job opportunities for our students.
Our industry partners range from The World Photography Organisation, The Photographers' Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum to well-established practitioners like Nadav Kander, Sarah Pickering, Broomberg & Chanarin and many more.
Previous guest speakers on our Photography course have included:
- Amak Mahmoodian
- Annette Kuhn
- Broomberg & Chanarin
- Clare Grafik
- Darren Harvey-Regan
- Jananne Al-Ani
- Lisa Barnard
- Max Pinckers
- Poulomi Basu
- Rut Blees Luxemburg
- Simon Norfolk Sian Bonnell
- Trish Morrissey
- Zelda Cheatle
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Fashion photographer
- Commercial photographer
- Editorial photographer
- Picture editor
- Picture researcher
- Photographic artist
- Art director
- Post-Production
- Videographer
- Studio manager
- Digital content creator
- Media & advertising professional
- Social media specialist
- Digital marketing producer
- Photography retoucher
- Magazine editor
- Museum and gallery curator
- Teacher and lecturer
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leaders
Gavin Jack
Senior Academic
Gavin Jack is course leader of Photography BA and teaches photography practice. He has an MA in Photographic Studies from University of Westminster. His own photographic work, both with AVI and individually, has been published widely.
More about meSee full profile of Gavin JackOchi Reyes
Lecturer
Ochi Reyes is the pathway leader for the Fashion Photography BA. After studying Graphics and Advertising at the Murcia School of Arts in Spain, she completed a BA in Photographic Arts and an MA in Photographic Studies at the University of Westminster. Ochi is an established photographer with particular interests in portraiture, body politics, identity, and queer theory within art and fashion photography contexts. With over 20 years of experience as a lens-based artist, Ochi combines a deep understanding of visual culture with expertise in fashion and advertising image-making.
Her interest in exploring the relationship between fashion and identity shapes her teaching approach, encouraging students to engage with fashion photography in both critical and innovative ways.
More about meSee full profile of Ochi Reyes
Our course equips you with deep knowledge and versatile skills in fashion photography. From analogue to digital, you'll master various media, developing the confidence and flexibility to thrive in this competitive, fast-growing industry.
Course Team
- Professor David Bate - Professor
- David Campany - Reader
- Dr Teemu Hupli - Senior Lecturer
- Gavin Jack - Senior Academic
- Ulrike Leyens - Senior Lecturer
- Dr David Moore - Principal Lecturer
- Andre Pinkowski - Senior Lecturer & Year 3 Leader
- Ochi Reyes - Lecturer
- Dr Eugenie Shinkle - Reader
- Dr Lucy Soutter - Reader
Why study this course?
Fantastic location
You'll enjoy all the benefits of studying at our Harrow Campus – just a 20-minute tube ride from Central London, a global hub for the media and cultural industries.
Develop your creative production skills
Work across a range of photographic mediums to establish a critically engaged and self-reflective creative practice.
Specialist facilities
You'll have access to a suite of studios, dark rooms, print and finishing facilities and an extensive range of high-end digital imaging equipment.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – DD (48 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 48 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – PPP
- BTEC Diploma – MP
- Access – 48 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass - IB Pass
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
You will be required to submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 images of art and design work to reflect your course of interest. This might include drawing and painting, graphic design, illustration, photography, printmaking and digital prints, sculpture and 3D work, installations, animations or video. Video and animation files may need to be uploaded to YouTube or a similar online platform, and then embedded in your portfolio website or with links also provided. There should be a maximum of three video files, each no longer than three minutes duration.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces.
We are very interested in your potential as a student, and in support of your application we ask you to prepare a visual portfolio of 10 (minimum) to 15 (maximum) images of art, design or media work to reflect your course of interest.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
- We accept drawing and painting, graphic design and illustration, photography, printmaking and digital prints, sculpture and installations, moving image, 3D and product design.
- Film, video and animation files should be uploaded on YouTube or similar website and links should be provided as part of your Portfolio.
- If you include moving image, then there should be a maximum of 3 video files – and each file must be no longer than 3 minutes duration. Please ensure that all files are in common formats, e.g. PDF; Word, .DOCX, etc.
Please add some commentary to your Portfolio so that we can see your thinking and ability to evaluate your work.
How should I structure my portfolio?
Please compile all items of your portfolio into a single file (preferably PDF), or you may wish to create a simple portfolio website, and send us the link. Some DOs and DON’Ts:
- DO provide a single PDF file uploaded to our system. If your file is too large try reducing the file size or upload to Google Drive or DropBox and upload the link to your file instead.
- DO make an online portfolio website on Wix, Blogger or similar with link uploaded to our system, if you prefer this format rather than an uploaded file.
- DON’T upload your portfolio to our system as many separate files – this makes it difficult for us to view your work.
- DON’T use any platform that requires log-in, password, or an account to view – for example Tumblr, Instagram.
To submit your portfolio work as a link, please save the hyperlink in a word/PDF file and then upload this document to our systems as instructed by our admissions team. Be sure to make that link accessible to us.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
We actively seek to recruit a diverse group of students, some with more and some with less previous art and design experience. We are interested most of all in your potential and your enthusiasm for creative practical work.
In your portfolio we are looking for:
- Creativity and Originality - We are looking for work that reflects your individual style and ideas.
- Technical Skills - Demonstrate your abilities and potential in your chosen specialism/s.
- Passion and Potential for Growth - Show your passion and potential for growth while on our Foundation and your chosen degree discipline.
You may be invited to an interview to discuss your portfolio. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise.
What happens next?
After your interview / portfolio review, the programme team will make a decision about your suitability for the Foundation programme. They'll communicate this with the admissions team, who will let you know the result.
Top Tip from our course team
We want to see work that you are proud of, and which demonstrates your creative potential and individual ideas. This is much more important than polished work that looks like something else you have seen. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and show us what you have strived to learn and create.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
- International Baccalaureate –48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces.
We are very interested in your potential as a student, and in support of your application we ask you to prepare a visual portfolio of 10 (minimum) to 15 (maximum) images of art, design or media work to reflect your course of interest.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
- We accept drawing and painting, graphic design and illustration, photography, printmaking and digital prints, sculpture and installations, moving image, 3D and product design.
- Film, video and animation files should be uploaded on YouTube or similar website and links should be provided as part of your Portfolio.
- If you include moving image, then there should be a maximum of 3 video files – and each file must be no longer than 3 minutes duration. Please ensure that all files are in common formats, e.g. PDF; Word, .DOCX, etc.
Please add some commentary to your Portfolio so that we can see your thinking and ability to evaluate your work.
How should I structure my portfolio?
Please compile all items of your portfolio into a single file (preferably PDF), or you may wish to create a simple portfolio website, and send us the link. Some DOs and DON’Ts:
- DO provide a single PDF file uploaded to our system. If your file is too large try reducing the file size or upload to Google Drive or DropBox and upload the link to your file instead.
- DO make an online portfolio website on Wix, Blogger or similar with link uploaded to our system, if you prefer this format rather than an uploaded file.
- DON’T upload your portfolio to our system as many separate files – this makes it difficult for us to view your work.
- DON’T use any platform that requires log-in, password, or an account to view – for example Tumblr, Instagram.
To submit your portfolio work as a link, please save the hyperlink in a word/PDF file and then upload this document to our systems as instructed by our admissions team. Be sure to make that link accessible to us.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
We actively seek to recruit a diverse group of students, some with more and some with less previous art and design experience. We are interested most of all in your potential and your enthusiasm for creative practical work.
In your portfolio we are looking for:
- Creativity and Originality - We are looking for work that reflects your individual style and ideas.
- Technical Skills - Demonstrate your abilities and potential in your chosen specialism/s.
- Passion and Potential for Growth - Show your passion and potential for growth while on our Foundation and your chosen degree discipline.
You may be invited to an interview to discuss your portfolio. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise.
What happens next?
After your interview / portfolio review, the programme team will make a decision about your suitability for the Foundation programme. They'll communicate this with the admissions team, who will let you know the result.
Top Tip from our course team
We want to see work that you are proud of, and which demonstrates your creative potential and individual ideas. This is much more important than polished work that looks like something else you have seen. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and show us what you have strived to learn and create.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Facilities
The luxuriously appointed photography area – with its suite of studios, dark rooms, print and finishing facilities and its extensive range of equipment – now includes an expanded digital suite and has invested in new high-end equipment for digital imaging.
Virtual tour
Take a virtual tour of G-Block: photography, dark rooms and digital printing.
Teaching and Assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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