BA(Hons) Photography

While studying here you will focus on two approaches to photography simultaneously. Firstly, you will develop a true understanding of the craft; exploring new technologies and media, VR, materials, analogue techniques, darkroom skills and printing methods, to name a few.  
 
Secondly, you will learn the real meaning behind images and how they communicate messages, exploring concepts and current trends in photography and developing your own visual literacy. 
 
These two streams of learning are delivered both via practical sessions, where you can apply your skills to real-world projects, and through seminars, where you will be exposed to ground-breaking new thinking. 

HCA graduates from this course have gone on to work for National Geographic, Wired Magazine, the National Trust, and have won competitions with the likes of Source Magazine, Belfast Photo Festival and the Signature Art Prize. 

Our Photography BA is enhanced by the knowledge brought from external professional practitioners. Visiting lecturers, speakers and visual artists have included Martin Parr, Chloe Matthews, Sian Davies, Tom Woods, and many more.   

As an institution that focusses on the individual and takes a holistic approach to learning, we pride ourselves on supporting you as a person throughout your studies, to ensure you reach your full potential. 

We understand that at times you may face challenges during your studies, or extenuating circumstances create obstacles to overcome. This is why we make sure you have access to a wealth of friendly advice and guidance that is easy to access and personalised to your needs - help is never far away. 

If you have any support requirements, please explore our pages on learning and disability support, wellbeing and Care Leavers for more information.

With four photography studios across two campuses, all fully equipped with full-size backdrops and tabletop rigs,  we aim to give all students the resources to build strong photography skills, and the opportunity to experiment with, pinhole photography, photogram photography and light painting. Whether you are on our Photography course or not all of our students will spend time in this invaluable space, whether it be creating stunning portraits or capturing shots of your practice pieces.

Our traditional darkroom allows us to enlarge 35mm, medium and large format film, allowing us to produce traditional silver gelatin prints. We encourage experimentation with alternate print processes such as Cyanotype, Gum Bichromate and Tintype. Explore this fascinating process and develop your skills in our dedicated film processing space.

Our media store holds a huge range of high-spec kit that can be checked-out by students across all courses. We are constantly adding to and investing in our stock to ensure students have access to the most-up-to-date kit.

This includes:

• DSLR cameras
• 35mm film cameras
• 120 6×6 medium format cameras
• 5×7 large format cameras
• Blackmagic cine camera
• 4k and HD video cameras
• Tripods
• Lenses
• Location recording equipment including track, dollys, and sliders
• On/off-camera continuous and strobe lighting systems

• Minimum age 18.

• UCAS Points: For anyone applying for September 2025 entry and beyond, we are looking for applicants who have achieved at or beyond 96 – 112 UCAS Tariff Points. 

  However, whilst qualifications are important, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We may make offers based on other evidence of talent and suitability for the course –  for more details about UCAS Tariffs please see tariff explanation and advice on the UCAS website. 

• Mature students: Applications from mature students with relevant experience will also be considered.
• Recognition of Prior Learning Opportunities: the college welcomes applications from students with prior learning and/or previous experience. Further details on eligibility can be found on page 15 of our Admissions Policy.
• Applicants whose first language is not English – proof of IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections (reading, writing, listening & speaking) is required.

If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact us at registry@hca.ac.uk and we can offer further advice on HCA and the UWTSD awarding body requirements.

You can apply to HCA by making us one of your options on your UCAS application. In some cases, such as with current students and student transfers, we also accept direct applications. 

We receive a high number of application all our subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.

You can find out out everything you need about the application process using the link below. If you have any questions, just email registry@hca.ac.uk. 

As soon as you apply, our Registry team will be in touch to let you know they have received your application. At this point they will also send out information on portfolios or auditions.

Portfolios and auditions are a chance for you to showcase yourself in a different way. They give us an idea of what excites you about the subject, and what you might want to explore further on the course. 

We will send out guidance on how to submit your portfolio, or book and audition date, and if you have any questions you will always be able to reach out to us for assistance or clarification.

After submitting your portfolio online, your work will be reviewed by a course lead, and you will receive personal feedback alongside your offer.

Studying is an investment in yourself, and in your future. It’s important to understand the financial support that is available to you, and to be clear about any fees or funding associated with the course you want to study.

Follow the link below to visit our Fees and Funding pages. These pages are designed to help you plan for your future, so you can start your course with confidence in your financial situation.

Everyone’s personal circumstances are different. If you can’t find the information you need, our Student Finance team can offer additional advice.

Top-ups are when you start a degree somewhere else, but transfer to HCA to start either your second or third year.

There are a number of reason why students transfer to HCA, but often it is because their experience didn't live up to what they expected at other universities.

We get a high number of students transferring to HCA, and can almost always accommodate students providing they meet our standard entry requirements.

You may also be asked to provide your transcript from your previous university. 

If you have questions about applying to join as a top-up student, you can find more information at the bottom of this page, or you can email any specific questions to registry@hca.ac.uk.

Our Academic Mentoring Team support Disability Students' Allowance (DSA) students to succeed as well as providing some study skills support for non DSA students with their work - for example writing extended essays in their final year, for those who take the essay option.

The team also support students to apply for DSA where appropriate.

Our Wellbeing Team support students to thrive regardless of events outside their academic studies. 

Our support package includes training sessions, information and one to one personal support with low level issues right up to more challenging events and issues. 

In addition, you will have access to 24-hour helpline for out of hours support.

Tutors will support you to develop and succeed academically, but they are also the first point of contact for wider issues as they work closely with you.

Careers guidance is built into everything you do on your course but we also have a specialist careers advisor to support you with what happens after your course.

Workshop and Technical Staff support with the development of skills and the production of work outside of your taught hours.

Our Registry provide support with any enrolment queries, the application process, academic regulations, and exceptional circumstances.

Our Finance team can help you manage your student finance, support you with questions around a maintenance loan and Disability Students' Allowance (DSA).

They are available to you to answer any questions around your finances including estrangements, independent students, student finance rules, bursaries cash, progression, hardship, emergency loans.

The Library team aid with research skills, and sourcing resources.

The Events and Student Engagement Officer will be your first point of contact for support with student life, community and helping student realise extra curricular activities.

We also have very active Student Unions and a Student Council that you can join - or talk to as your representatives.

All undergraduate degrees at HCA are validated by University of Wales Trinity St David.

You can view a detailed breakdown of the course content in the Key Information Document.

This can be downloaded below.