Photographic and Digital Media

Photographic and Digital Media at the University of Suffolk offers a comprehensive and dynamic programme designed to equip students with the technical skills, creative vision, and industry knowledge necessary to excel in the fast-paced world of visual media. This course provides an in-depth exploration of modern photographic practices, digital image creation, editing, and manipulation, as well as the innovative use of digital media tools and platforms. Throughout the programme, students will develop proficiency in using state-of-the-art equipment and software, gaining hands-on experience in capturing compelling images, producing compelling visual narratives, and engaging with digital content production. The curriculum is tailored to foster creative experimentation while grounding students in the fundamental principles of composition, lighting, and storytelling.

Students will have opportunities to explore a variety of photographic genres including fine art, commercial, documentary, and emerging areas such as augmented reality and interactive media. The programme encourages experimentation and originality, enabling learners to develop their unique artistic voice through various projects and collaborations. In addition to technical skills, students will acquire critical thinking abilities, understanding the cultural and societal implications of visual media, and learning how to effectively communicate ideas through images and digital content. Industry placements, masterclasses with professional practitioners, and access to cutting-edge facilities enrich the learning experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in photography, digital media production, advertising, journalism, and other related fields.

The course also emphasizes the importance of professional practice, digital marketing, and portfolio development, supporting students in establishing themselves as competitive professionals upon graduation. With a flexible delivery format, including both practical workshops and theoretical seminars, the programme caters to a broad spectrum of aspiring photographers and digital media artists. The University of Suffolk’s Photographic and Digital Media course aims to inspire innovation, foster creative growth, and provide the essential skills needed for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Whether students aspire to be commercial photographers, fine artists, or media producers, this programme offers a robust foundation and opportunities to thrive in today’s dynamic visual industries.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 9550 Year (EEA)
• EUR 12530 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Fees Students starting at UCS from September 2012 will be charged £8000 for a full-time Bachelors degree or £7500 for a full-time Foundation degree. Tuition fees for full-time International Study: Classroom-based 10,500 GBP (£) Laboratory-based 12,600 GBP (£)

• English

Course Content

The first year is exploratory and introduces the students to basic technical, practical, critical, historical and theoretical skills across the subjects of photography. The second year gives more scope for independent research and discovery whilst the third year brings these experiences together in the modules: Dissertation and Specialist Project. Through the combined experiences students are encouraged to develop their work towards potential employment and/or creating future job opportunities, self-development or further study. Participation in national competitions is strongly encouraged. It is expected that students work will become increasingly independent as they progress through the course, and that students will work creatively with their peers and external agencies.

Modules studied

Year 1 - Darkroom Practice; Introduction to Colour; Introduction to Digital Media; Studio Practice; Contexts of Place; Introduction to Time Based Media.

Year 2 - Sequential Imagery; Advanced Photography; Advanced Photoshop for Photographers;Developing Practice; Contextual Study; The Photograph as a Document; Photography and Memory.

Year 3 - Dissertation; Cinema and the Still Image; Photography and Surveillance; Specialist Project

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

English language requirements

All students need to be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. Students whose first language is not English will need to take a recognised English Language test in advance of commencing a course at UCS and before the Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) letter is issued for visa purposes.
UCS accepts a range of English qualifications, with the following standards required:
IELTS (academic version): 6.0 for all degrees, apart from Diagnostic Radiography,Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses that require 7.0. Postgraduate courses generally require between 6.5 and 7.0.
TOEFL: 550 on paper-based test; 213 on computer-based test; or 79-80 on the internet-based test for all degrees
Pearson Test of English Academic - Minimum score of 50 is required
Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: Grade C; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Grade B
GCE O-level or GCSE English Language/Use of English: Grade C
Test in English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) International Baccalaureate English Grade B (standard level).
Hong Kong Certificate of English Education

Applicants will be expected to attend a portfolio interview as part of the application process

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University Campus Suffolk.

Funding

National Scholarship Programme

As part of the new student finance system, students with households incomes under £25,000 per year will benefit from a new National Scholarship Programme. This new scheme is targeted towards students who most need financial help.
The National Scholarship is funded jointly by the Government and Universities. UCS has been awarded a number of National Scholarships which students can apply for Suffolk Access Champion Scheme
The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme will be open to eligible students currently studying at a Suffolk State Sixth form, College or Academy, and applying to study at UCS on a full-time undergraduate degree programme in 2012-13.
The Suffolk Access Champion will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.

Scholarships for international students

UCS offers a generous scholarship scheme for all undergraduate students paying international fees.
All international students that are offered and have firmly accepted a place on a full-time undergraduate Foundation or Honours degree course at UCS by the 30 September for the year of entry, will be eligible for a scholarship of £1,000 per year for the duration of their course. This scholarship will be awarded each year once annual fees have been paid in full.
Please note that any international students accepted on a course that requires a practice placement with a Primary Care Trust, for example Nursing, Midwifery or Radiography, will incur an additional £3000 fee per each year of study (this excludes all British Islands students except the Falkland Islands).

Photographic and Digital Media at the University of Suffolk offers students a comprehensive education in contemporary photographic practices and digital media production. The program is designed to equip students with practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and creative techniques necessary to excel in the dynamic fields of photography, digital media, and visual communication. Throughout the course, students engage with various forms of photography, including fine art, commercial, documentary, and experimental approaches, allowing them to develop a versatile portfolio reflective of their interests and career aspirations.

The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency in using modern cameras, editing software, and digital tools, alongside developing a critical understanding of visual culture, storytelling, and media ethics. Students are encouraged to experiment with new technologies, such as digital imaging, video production, and multimedia presentations, to enhance their creative expression and adaptive skills for the rapidly changing media landscape. The program also integrates practical projects, collaborations, and industry placements, enabling students to gain real-world experience and establish professional networks.

Facilities at the university include state-of-the-art studios, editing suites, and darkroom spaces, providing an ideal environment for hands-on learning. The academic team comprises experienced practitioners and scholars in photography and digital arts, who provide mentorship and industry insights. Graduates from the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including commercial photography, advertising, media production, arts, and education. They may also choose to further their studies through postgraduate programs or specialize in niche areas such as digital arts, film, or media management. Overall, the Photographic and Digital Media program at the University of Suffolk fosters creativity, technical excellence, and critical thinking, empowering students to become innovative contributors to the visual media industry.