Commercial Photography (Hons) University of Derby

Overview

 Through learning the technical needs to develop and work professionally in the field, students will commit to innovating beyond existing, conventional commercial practices to set new standards of visual language that advocates for contemporary and future-visioning clients.

Students benefit from this degree being one of very few specifically commercial photography programmes in Britain that offers the opportunity to work professionally from the outset. Students are encouraged to take on commercial photographic work and are given the opportunity to incorporate that work into their portfolio development throughout their studies. Specialist mentoring will be given throughout the process, from building a professional identity, marketing and media, initial dealings with clients, pitch deck presentations, production and management of work, key communication and engagement skills, to final presentation of that work to the client or given audience.

The Commercial Photography (Hons) programme at University of Derby  is delivered through a combination of practice-led workshops alongside lectures, seminars, tutorial support, and national and international study visits. Whilst progressing through their studies, students work with the support of both actively working and researching photographic lecturers and industry professionals. Through engaging in exciting and intensive periods of risk-taking and creative explorations, students grow as autonomous practitioners and independent professionals with highly distinctive approaches that separate them from typical industry expectations.

Careers

The course places an emphasis on critical thinking, research, writing and oral communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. As such, you will be well equipped for diverse roles across the photo-imaging sector and beyond, making excellent use of transferable skills. 

Graduates have gone on to become artists, academics, teachers, curators, critics, professional photographers, editorial photographers, picture editors. Here are what some of our graduates are doing now: 

• Idris Kahn OBE, leading UK artist 

• Jenny Anderson, Director, Argentea Gallery 

• Nicola Shipley, director GRAIN Photography Hub 

• Michael Sargeant, On-line Education Manager, MAGNUM Photos 

• John McLean, leading photographic artist and architectural photographer 

• Steve Edwards, leading editorial photographer for UK and US publications 

• Bethany Kane, Programming Officer FORMAT Photography Festival