BA (Hons) Photography

in hamburg

This programme is no longer active for new applications.

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Academic Partner Key Facts Programme Structure Admission Requirements

Our graduates have found employment with

ACADEMIC PARTNER

University for the Creative Arts is a specialist creative institution dedicated to art, design, fashion, media, and creative business disciplines. With campuses across the south of England, it is highly industry-focused and known for producing graduates in the creative industries.

Overall ranking: placed 100th in the Guardian University Guide 2026, with strong performance in student satisfaction (80.1%), feedback quality (78.8%), and solid graduate outcomes in creative sectors. UCA is one of the UK’s leading specialist creative universities, particularly recognised for fashion, animation, and design-related programmes

KEY FACTS

LOCATIONS

Hamburg, Germany

DURATION

3/4 years (international route)

FORMAT

On-campus

CERTIFIED 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.

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 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 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.

BSBI’s BA (Hons) Photography programme offers subject-specific expertise and interdisciplinary skills to craft your unique learning journey. The Bachelor’s in Photography programme fosters experimentation, intellectual inquiry, and a global perspective. With four core themes: The Real, The Body, Spatial Practices and Expanded Practices. These themes span across levels 4 and 5 and will allow you to enhance and diversify your photography expertise.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAMME FOR


The BA Photography at BSBI Hamburg is designed for individuals with a passion for visual storytelling and a keen interest in mastering the art and craft of photography. This programme is particularly well-suited for:

  • 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– Individuals interested in pursuing a career in various photography-related industries, such as fashion, editorial, advertising or fine art.
  • 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.

WHAT WILL THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE?

As part of an interdisciplinary programme network, you can collaborate across disciplines and tailor your education to meet your own personal requirements.
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.

YOUR LEARNING JOURNEY

The focus on preparing graduates of BA Photography for their future careers is central to our educational approach. In this programme, each student can get support to find and prepare for industry placements tailored to their needs. We use our broad network in the creative industries to connect you with opportunities that match your interests and career goals. Studying with us means not only gaining theoretical knowledge but also getting a path to real-world experiences, setting you up for a successful career in your chosen field.


Upon successful completion of the BA 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.

REASONS TO STUDY THIS PROGRAMME

01

Future Career Preparation

Prepare for your future career through an educational approach focused on graduate readiness.

02

Industry Placement Support

Get support to find and prepare for industry placements tailored to your needs.

03

Creative Industry Network

Use BSBI’s broad network in the creative industries to connect with opportunities that match your interests.

04

Career Goal Alignment

Connect with opportunities that support your interests and career goals.

05

Real-world Experience

Gain theoretical knowledge while following a path to real-world experiences in your chosen field.

program 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 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.

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)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

integrated foundation year entry

This route is for applicants who do not yet meet the academic requirements for direct entry to the 3-year Bachelor’s degree.

Applicants should normally meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum age: 17
  • Completion of at least 11 years of schooling
  • Academic qualifications equivalent to UK GCSE level, as assessed by UK ENIC (formerly ECCTIS)

3 year bachelor’s degree- direct entry

This route is for applicants who meet the academic requirements for direct entry into Year 1 of the Bachelor’s degree.

Applicants should normally hold one of the following qualifications:

  • A school leaving certificate that provides access to higher education in Germany such as Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, Matura or International Baccalaureate
  • An international school leaving certificate equivalent to UK Level 3 (A Level standard), as assessed by UK ENIC
  • BTEC National Diploma or Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE), or an equivalent qualification

year 3 Direct entry

This route is for applicants who already hold a relevant qualification and wish to enter directly into the final year of the Bachelor’s degree.

Applicants should normally hold a qualification equivalent to the first two years of a UK Bachelor’s degree (Level 5), such as:

  1. Higher National Diploma (HND)
  2. Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
  3. Another recognised qualification equivalent to UK Level 5 in a relevant subject area

All Year 3 Direct Entry applications are assessed individually to confirm academic suitability and subject relevance.

English Proficiency

Applicants must meet the English language requirements for the programme.

Foundation

  1. IELTS: 5.0 overall  
  2. TOEFL IBT: 46 (Listening 12, Reading 13, Speaking 18, Writing 14) 
  3. Pearson Test of English (PTE): 46 (with min 41 in each component)
  4. Duolingo English Test: 95+.

3 years Bachelor’s Degree & Year 3 Direct Entry

  1. IELTS: 6.0 overall
  2. TOEFL IBT: 80 (Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17)
  3. Pearson Test of English (PTE): 56 (with min 51 in each component)
  4. Duolingo English Test: 105+.

Online Application

You can apply now to study with BSBI! It’s quick and easy, here’s how it works:

  • Our Admissions Team will liaise with you with regards to next steps
  • Create an account here
  • Select the programme and intake you want to apply for
  • Complete all sections of the online application
  • Submit online application

Portfolio Submission

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.

Edge Student Hub

Finding the perfect place to live while you study is crucial. BSBI has partnered with Edge Student Hub, to provide an accommodation package that ensures you have a comfortable from day one in Germany. Located just 45 minutes from central Berlin, the accommodation provides convenience and ease. Shared rooms start at €599 per month, with single rooms and shared apartments also available. Secure your ideal living arrangement and focus on your studies without any worries.

Bring a Friend and save €500!

If you have a friend who is also planning to study in Berlin, let your Accommodation Advisor know. You can receive a €500 discount on your final month’s rent for a shared room*. Please note that your friend must be enrolled at Gisma, BSBI, UE Germany, or Arden Berlin to qualify for this offer.

Terms and conditions apply

SPEAK TO A RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT

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.

Visit the Careers Service website.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

OUR NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

Built from more than 2,800 student responses across BSBI campuses, the results reflect strong student satisfaction, support, and career-focused learning.

87%

overall student satisfaction

88%

feel BSBI provides a diverse and inclusive environment

90%+

satisfaction with career services

84%

would recommend BSBI

96%

satisfaction with enrolment support

400+

students secured jobs or internships in 2025

STUDENT VOICES

Discover what international students have to say about their first days at BSBI!

TESTIMONIALS

  • "BSBI moved me closer to where I want to be — and gave me a completely new perspective on global business."
    Audrey JohnstoneGlobal MBA
  • "BSBI helped me develop skills, and above all, understand and appreciate different cultures. Living and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds has also improved my language skills."
    Matteo LuccheseMSc Digital Marketing Matteo L, MSc. Digital Marketing
  • "BSBI guided me every step of the way, from the application process to arriving in Germany. Their support reassured me I'd made the right choice of choosing them."
    Aida Al Masri​BSc (Hons) International Business and Management​Aida Al Masri, BSc (Hons) International Business and Management
  • "BSBI plays some crucial roles in shaping the leaders of the future through various strategies and initiatives. "
    Victor MadunemeDoctorate in Business Administration (DBA)Victor M, DBA
  • "BSBI broadened my options and simplified my decision-making process. It provided a kickstart to my life in Germany, fulfilling the expectations every international student looks for."
    Adarsh AgarwalMA Tourism, Hospitality and Event ManagementAdarsh A., MA Tourism, Hospitality & Event management
  • "BSBI offers career fairs showcasing a diverse range of hiring companies and agencies from various sectors. These fairs were particularly helpful in developing my professional CV. The feedback and guidance I received helped me create a strong application that grabbed recruiters' attention, resulting in several successful interviews."
    Aya ShawkyMSc International Health ManagementAya S., MSc. International Health Management
  • "I was seeking a business school in Europe that aligns with my career goals and budget. The affordability offered by BSBI was a key attraction when compared to other universities and business schools."
    Vibin BalachandranGlobal MBA

Frequently asked questions

Contact Admissions Team →

FAQs

The BA (Hons) Photography at BSBI is an undergraduate degree that provides students with a blend of technical skills and creative expression. Students explore photography techniques, visual storytelling, digital media and post-production processes, preparing them for careers in various creative industries.

To apply for the BA (Hons) Photography programme, students must submit an online application with their academic qualifications, proof of English proficiency, a portfolio of work and identification documents. BSBI’s admissions team is available to guide students through the entire process.

Studying in Germany allows photography students to thrive in a country known for its rich art and cultural heritage. Hamburg, in particular, offers access to creative communities, art exhibitions and industry events. Students benefit from hands-on learning and the opportunity to build a strong professional portfolio in a global city.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Photography programme can pursue careers as professional photographers, photojournalists, creative directors, digital content creators or visual artists. Opportunities also exist in publishing, advertising, filmmaking and digital media, where strong visual skills are highly valued.

BSBI’s dedicated Careers Service helps photography students and alumni build long-lasting relationships with local and national employers. The BA (Hons) Photography programme helps students develop practical skills and industry connections that enhance their employability upon graduation.