Photography (with placement year)

Be inspired by a stunning world of visual language and image-making, join a vibrant creative community, and experience a wide range of photographic approaches to produce an impressive portfolio of work.

We will empower you to develop your own photographic voice. Understanding your creative practice and where you fit in industry is essential to identify opportunities for success.

Photographers are increasingly employed across genres, from fine art and documentary to fashion and commercial work. This is an outward-looking course designed to maximise your employability or freelance success on graduation.

You will critically consider every aspect of this art form on the course, from composing images through to post-production and their target audiences. You will work in industry-standard facilities using sophisticated lighting and camera equipment. Besides learning extensive technical skills, you will also benefit from enterprise and business skills including networking, mentoring, and work experience opportunities.

Internationally renowned speakers have engaged past students, including Martin Parr, David Brandon Geeting, Erik Kessels, Ewen Spencer, Haley Morris-Cafiero, Sohrab Hura, Julian Germain, Anouk Kruithof, Cristina De Middel, Guy Martin, Thijs Groot Wassink (WassinkLundgren), Simon Roberts and Kevin Cummins.

We place emphasis on international employability and collaboration, with previous study trips to Paris, Los Angeles, Berlin, Shanghai, Tokyo, and New York, plus trips within the UK and to the Format International Photography Festival in Derby.

*The placement year is subject to approval.

Year one – The course begins with a focus on developing your technical photography skills and historical and contemporary perspectives on photography. You will gain knowledge about iconic photographers and image impact while developing practical competencies across all aspects of photography, from lighting to photographic workflow.

Year two – This is a more conceptual year that builds on your specialist photographic practice and interests. You will build an awareness of audiences and have opportunities to respond to live commercial and community briefs. This is your chance to build your professional and critical awareness.

Year three – You will continue to build an extensive and impressive portfolio of work. Collaborations with students on other creative courses will help you grow a diverse breadth of experience and contribute to your end of year show. You will further develop your professional practices through specific modules and be encouraged to seek feedback from industry on your work. Our impressive sector networks and focus on employability give you a great platform as a skilled photographer starting out in this exciting field.

*This course includes a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three. Please see the Undergraduate Placement Year FAQs on our website for more information: www.leeds-art.ac.uk/undergraduate-placement-year-faqs