BA(Hons) Photography

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Chester are required to have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 65% or above.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 overall, with no individual band score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), with no section below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 61 overall, with no communicative skills score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Chester offers various scholarships and financial support options to international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, support students with financial needs, and promote diversity and inclusivity. 

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is available to international undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,000 for the first year of study. The selection is based on academic achievement and personal statement.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Chester is a participating institution in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances for a one-year master's degree.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The university participates in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), offering scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for selected master's degree programs.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships are open to international students applying for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Chester. The scholarships provide a tuition fee reduction of £2,000 for the first year of study. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Chester offers country-specific scholarships to students from selected countries. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application process. They are designed to attract talented students from specific regions and support their educational journey at the university.

Alumni Discount: The University of Chester offers an Alumni Discount to international students who have previously completed a degree at the university and wish to pursue further studies. This discount provides a reduction in tuition fees for eligible students.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.

The career prospects for graduates of the BA (Hons) Photography program at the University of Chester are diverse and exciting, offering opportunities in traditional and emerging fields within the photography industry. With a combination of artistic vision, technical proficiency, and business acumen, graduates are prepared to thrive in dynamic professional environments.

1. Professional Photographer: Graduates of the BA (Hons) Photography program are well-equipped to pursue careers as professional photographers. They can work in diverse areas such as fashion, advertising, journalism, fine art, portraiture, events, and commercial photography. Many photographers choose to freelance, while others join studios or media organizations.

2. Commercial and Advertising Industries: Advertising agencies, marketing firms, and corporate organizations often require skilled photographers to create compelling visual content for campaigns, product catalogs, and promotional materials. Graduates with a BA (Hons) Photography degree can excel in these roles due to their creative abilities and technical expertise.

3. Media and Publishing: Photographers play a crucial role in media and publishing, contributing to newspapers, magazines, online publications, and digital media platforms. They cover events, create photo essays, and produce captivating images that enhance storytelling and engage audiences.

4. Art and Gallery Curatorship: Those interested in fine art photography can pursue opportunities in art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. They may work as curators, exhibition coordinators, or gallery managers, showcasing their own work and promoting the work of others.

5. Education and Academia: Some graduates choose to share their knowledge and expertise by teaching photography in schools, colleges, or universities. They may also pursue postgraduate studies to enter academia and contribute to the field through research and scholarship.

6. Freelancing and Entrepreneurship: The flexibility of a photography career allows for entrepreneurship and freelancing. Graduates can establish their own photography businesses, offering services such as wedding photography, portrait sessions, event coverage, or specialized niche photography.

7. Photo Editing and Retouching: Proficiency in digital imaging and post-production techniques opens doors to roles in photo editing, retouching, and image management. Many photographers work as digital artists or photo editors for creative agencies, publishing houses, or e-commerce platforms.

8. Visual Content Creation: In today's digital age, there is a growing demand for visual content across online platforms, social media, and digital marketing. BA (Hons) Photography graduates are skilled in producing high-quality visuals that resonate with target audiences, making them valuable assets in the digital content creation landscape.