BA (Hons) Photography
Programme Overview
Berlin School of Business and Innovation is in partnership with University for the Creative Arts (UCA). As a result of this partnership, BSBI is able to offer the BA (Hons) Photography programme. UCA is an acclaimed creative institution in the UK that ranks highly in all three of the major UK league tables. The university has also been ranked 13th out of all UK universities in the Guardian League Table 2024; and ranked no.7 in the 2024 Guardian League Tables for Business, Management & Marketing.
Inclusivity and diversity are embedded in the curriculum to expand your experience and grow your global outlook.
The Bachelor's in Photography programme prioritises employability, guiding you to build a professional portfolio and navigate various contexts. Your future success as a creative practitioner is our focus.
Photography Enthusiasts
Individuals with a genuine love for photography, who are eager to turn their passion into a rewarding career.
Aspiring Photographers
Individuals who aspire to become professional photographers and want to build a strong foundation in both technical and creative aspects of photography.
Visual Storytellers
Those who are fascinated by the power of images in conveying narratives, emotions, and messages, and wish to develop the skills to tell compelling visual stories.
Future Industry Professionals
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in various photography-related industries, such as fashion, editorial, advertising or fine art.
Tech-Savvy Individuals
Those who are comfortable with and excited about leveraging the latest photography equipment and digital technologies.
Aspiring Educators
Individuals who are interested in sharing their knowledge and passion for photography through teaching, writing, or lecturing.
The School’s admissions process is subject to the Consumer Contracts (Terms and Conditions). Information on your Right of Withdrawal and our Refund Policy can be found in the BSBI study agreement.
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Portfolio Scholarship Competition
Students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and the chance to receive a scholarship on tuition! This competition is valid on the Faculty of Creative Industries programmes being offered at the Hamburg campus.
Best Portfolio (Study for Free!)
1 Student | 100% Scholarship on Tuition
Second Best Portfolio
10 Students | 50% Scholarship on Tuition
Third Best Portfolio
20 Students | 40% Scholarship on Tuition
Find out more about how to apply here.
Programme Structure
The majority of your work will be completed in groups and on-going support will be provided through the use of structured, targeted individual tutorials and online tutorials. The learning and teaching of the BA (Hons) Photography programme will consist of a variety of elements such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, animated/non-animated video, practical work, seminars and trips. The assessment strategy will include individual/group reports and/or presentations, case studies, essays, portfolio development, reflective journals and experiential work-based activities. Teaching takes place Monday to Saturdays, during morning, afternoon, or evening sessions. Please note: each year is divided into three terms.
Modules
YEAR 1
- Equality Diversity and Inclusion
- Digital Storytelling
- The Body
- Professional Identities
- Learning Enhancement
- Personalised Learning Experience: Digital Portfolio or online showcase
YEAR 2
- The Conscious Practitioner
- Conceptual Disciplinary
- Expanded Practises
- Professional Development
- Professional Experience
YEAR 3
- Final Major Project- Development
- Critical Context Final Major Project- Realisation (PHO)
Study in
Hamburg
- Delivery: On campus
- Duration: 3/4 years (international route)
- Intakes: No intakes
- Campus: Hamburg, Germany
- Degree awarded by University for the Creative Arts
The School’s admissions process is subject to the Consumer Contracts (Terms and Conditions). Information on your Right of Withdrawal and our Refund Policy can be found in the BSBI study agreement
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the BA (Hons) Photography course students should be able to:
Knowledge
- Apply good knowledge of English to communicate relevant international, cultural, contemporary knowledge and historical, theoretical and professional contexts.
- Demonstrate a range of general, specialist and transferable skills and competencies relevant to both postgraduate study and future employment.
- Create a resourceful application towards presenting progressive photography results in terms of authorship, team efforts and all aspects of commercial animation production.
Application to the industry
- Demonstrate the ability to creatively apply appropriate technical skills to produce a self-initiated body of work.
- Showcase the relationship of the body of work with photography’s connection to ‘the real.’Create individual responses to all forms of animation production.
- Creatively apply appropriate technical skills to produce a resolved body of work.
- Creatively apply a range of appropriate skills to produce a self-initiated and fully resolved body of work that responds to unit themes.
Skills
- Demonstrate professional skills through project management presentation and communication of ideas.
- Develop a special focus on their chosen and specified field of animation results.
- Develop an in-depth technical skillset to demonstrate their broad level of authorship and agency in their creative practice.
- Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical debates relevant to photograhy in its wider cultural context.
Career Progression
Graduates from our BA (Hons) Photography programme at BSBI Hamburg campus are well-prepared for diverse and dynamic career opportunities in the expansive world of photography. With a combination of technical expertise and creative flair, our alumni have successfully ventured into various industries, including:
Fashion Photography
Capture and showcase the latest trends in the fashion industry, working with designers, models, and brands to create visually stunning images for editorial spreads or advertising campaigns.
Editorial Photography
Contribute visually compelling images to magazines, newspapers, and online publications, telling stories through impactful visuals.
Advertising Photography
Collaborate with advertising agencies or work independently to create striking images that effectively communicate the message and brand identity of clients.
Fine Art Photography
Pursue a career in fine art photography, creating pieces for exhibition in galleries, museums, or selling limited editions to art collectors.
Documentary-making
Engage in visual storytelling by capturing real-life events, cultures, and social issues through documentary photography or videography.
Curatorial Posts
Curate exhibitions in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions, showcasing photographic works and contributing to the artistic and cultural dialogue.
Technical Support
Provide technical support and expertise for photography equipment and software, working with manufacturers, retailers, or in-house support teams.
BSBI’s dedicated Careers Service helps Bachelor’s in Photography students and alumni reach their career goals and realise their potential. The Service offers specialised support and aims to build long-lasting relationships with local and national employers.
Foundation International Route Option
Minimum Age: 17 (titles awarded upon completion of at least 11 years of schooling)
How to create an exceptional portfolio will be available in this integrated international route foundation in art design and media course to guarantee you a direct progression into your BA degree course.
Academic Qualifications: ECCTIS UK equivalent to GCSE
BA (Hons)
Minimum Age: 18 (titles awarded upon completion of at least 12 years of schooling)
For direct Year 1 BA entry you’ll be required to submit an online portfolio via our BSBI Applicant Portal.
Academic Qualifications: A school leaving certificate with a pass to pursue higher education in Germany e.g. Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or Matura. Alternatively, an international baccalaureate, international school leaving certificates, BTEC/national diploma or advanced vocational certificate of education will be accepted.
If you do not meet the above academic requirements, applicants with professional qualifications and/or four years of full-time work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements:
Access to Proof of English Guide (UCA) here.
You can apply now to study with BSBI! It’s quick and easy, here’s how it works:
- Create an account here
- Select the programme and intake you want to apply for
- Complete all sections of the online application
- Submit online application
- Our Admissions Team will liaise with you with regards to next steps
The course will enable you to reach your full design potential with the help of industry experts. You’ll build a strong portfolio of powerful software skills and demonstrate effective thinking methods to navigate the challenges of today’s creative industry.
This course is ideal for those looking to enhance their expertise, confidence and skills in graphic design. You’ll become equipped with the latest skills in digital design software in order to produce an industry-standard portfolio for future career opportunities.
This Year 3 direct entry programme is tailored to students looking to build upon their knowledge of the graphic design industry and clearly communicate their creative ideas through a final major project.
Modules
Contextual Research and Critical Perspectives
Final Major Project
Professional Practice
Key Facts
Location: BSBI Hamburg Campus
Duration: 1 year (full time)
Intakes: October
Awarding body: University for the Creative Arts
Price: BA 2025 October | €11,000 (international students) |€8,450 (EU students)
Price: Foundation International Route 2025: February/October | €11,000 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)
Entry Requirements
Graduates from a vocational academy/institute are not required to present a portfolio upon certified successful completion of their vocational training and are eligible for a direct entry into year 3.
Same is applicable for students who completed HND in Graphic Design, Illustration or Animation or direct year 3 progression upon successful completion of level 5/Year 2 by a UK awarding body.
English Language Requirements:
Graduates from a Schengen zone vocational academy/HND/ Level 5 progression by UK awarding body are not required to present an IELTS language test but required to pass BSBI English diagnostics test which will be provided by BSBI for direct entry year 3 BA Degree.
Your Portfolio Submission
For year 1 entry you’ll be required to submit an online portfolio via our BSBI Applicant Portal. Before submitting your artwork, please have a look through the Portfolio Cookbook
What is a Portfolio?
- Your portfolio is a collection of your best work. We want to see what inspires you, how you develop your work, your creative thinking processes, how and what you create and what makes you a unique creative individual.
What Should My Portfolio Contain?
- Your portfolio might contain sketches and paintings, digital art and design. It might also contain sound work, short films.
- Upload up to 12 pieces of work which can include audio or video files.
How Do I Submit My Portfolio?
- We’ll only be accepting portfolios digitally. You can do this once you’ve applied via our online submission system within the Applicant Portal.
- You can also link to external websites such as Vimeo and YouTube.
Further information on how to compile and upload your portfolio will be provided by our admissions team via our admissions portal once you have applied.
The Virtual Student Lounge
You’ll also be able to discover more about living and studying in Europe’s start-up capital, Berlin and find out more about the services on offer at BSBI.