BA (Hons) Photography and Graphic Design

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 BA (Hons) Photography and Graphic Design program at the University of Chester prepares graduates for diverse and exciting career opportunities in the creative industries. This interdisciplinary degree equips students with a unique combination of photography skills and graphic design expertise, making them well-suited for roles that require visual communication and creative problem-solving.  

1. Graphic Designer: Graduates can pursue roles as graphic designers in design agencies, advertising firms, publishing houses, or in-house creative departments. They use their skills in layout design, typography, and visual storytelling to create branding materials, marketing collateral, publications, and digital content.

2. Photographer: Graduates may work as professional photographers, specializing in areas such as commercial photography, portrait photography, fashion photography, or editorial photography. They apply their technical knowledge of photography techniques and artistic vision to produce compelling images for clients and projects.

3. Digital Media Specialist: With expertise in both photography and graphic design, graduates can excel in digital media roles, producing visual content for websites, social media platforms, and digital marketing campaigns. They may also work in multimedia production, creating interactive experiences and digital storytelling.

4. Art Director: Graduates can pursue careers as art directors, overseeing the visual aspects of creative projects. They collaborate with teams of designers, photographers, and other creatives to develop concepts, establish artistic direction, and ensure the overall visual consistency of projects.

5. Web Designer/Developer: Some graduates choose to specialize in web design and development, combining their graphic design skills with knowledge of HTML, CSS, and user experience (UX) design. They create visually engaging websites and digital interfaces for businesses and organizations.

6. Packaging Designer: Graduates can work in packaging design, developing innovative and visually appealing packaging solutions for products. They may collaborate with marketing teams and manufacturers to create packaging that enhances brand identity and consumer appeal.

7. Freelance Creative Entrepreneur: Many graduates choose the path of freelance entrepreneurship, offering photography and graphic design services independently. They have the flexibility to work with various clients and industries, building their portfolios and establishing their own creative businesses.