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Photography offers an exciting range of career paths and specialisms and this course provides the perfect starting point for them.
You will have the opportunity to discover and push the boundaries of current practices and approaches. You’ll discover how photography can be used to tell powerful stories and communicate your pers...
3 years full-time
4 years full-time with placement
4 years full-time with Foundation
Working on a range of professional, creative and conceptual projects, during this course you will explore what it means to be a creative photographer. And, because the course has such strong links with external partners across the arts and creative industries, you’ll also have the chance to work on live projects – equipping you with vital practical photography experience.
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
Year 1 is aimed at introducing learning, research, and technical skills. You will be encouraged to undertake a series of independent and collaborative projects introducing approaches that are relevant to the development of a photographic practice.
In this module you will be introduced to the core principles of photography through creative and technical processes. You will also become familiar with different ways to research and reflect on your practice. You will have the freedom to experiment and test what you have learned through the production of a number of photographic tasks.
In this module you will be introduced to photography specific software, photographic equipment and resources and have the opportunity to explore the technical possibilities of photography.
In this module you will develop your critical, creative and technical skills in photography through collaborations with the SODA community. By developing your knowledge and skills in research, theory, inventive thinking, problems solving, imagination and reflection, you will explore exciting ways to think about and make photography in collaboration with your peers.
This module will allow you to explore a broader range of media equipment, digital software and resources available to you in SODA, opening up the creative possibilities of using trans-disciplinary technologies in response to tasks.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes of Body, Machine, Society and Storytelling are introduced and explored. The module initiates transdisciplinary thinking and collaborating with others. It forms the beginning of developing your hybrid skills set.
Within each thematic of this module, you will choose a Co-Lab project that best suits your interests. The module will introduce you to research methodologies, creative thinking, technical languages and problem-solving techniques and ideas. It also constitutes the beginning of developing your employability skills.
The Body thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the changing role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between what we call a user and the machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation.
The Machine thematic will introduce and enable you to explore disruptive systems, researching what machine learning is and how it operates. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation.
The Society thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. The module will provide an opportunity to explore how technology can be used for social good.
The Storytelling thematic introduces you to new narrative dynamics, researching the new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will learn how innovation in storytelling is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will also recognise the powerful effects of storytelling in the way we understand ourselves and the world.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes of Body, Machine, Society and Storytelling are introduced and explored. The module initiates transdisciplinary thinking and collaborating with others. It forms the beginning of developing your hybrid skills set.
Within each thematic of this module, you will choose a Co-Lab project that best suits your interests. The module will introduce you to research methodologies, creative thinking, technical languages and problem-solving techniques and ideas. It also constitutes the beginning of developing your employability skills.
The Body thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the changing role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between what we call a user and the machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation.
The Machine thematic will introduce and enable you to explore disruptive systems, researching what machine learning is and how it operates. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation.
The Society thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. The module will provide an opportunity to explore how technology can be used for social good.
The Storytelling thematic introduces you to new narrative dynamics, researching the new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will learn how innovation in storytelling is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will also recognise the powerful effects of storytelling in the way we understand ourselves and the world.
Study
Assessment
SODA Placement Year
As part of your studies with SODA, you will have the chance to take a year working on placement within the industry. During your year, you will spend at least 36 weeks working within an organisation in the industry, developing workplace skills, practical understanding and genuine industry experience.
SODA Study Year Abroad
You can choose to spend an academic year studying with an approved partner university overseas, developing your core skills while demonstrating your initiative by engaging with a challenging curriculum at a foreign institution. This offers practice credits from the host university, after you’ve completed Level 5 of your SODA programme.
If you take the four-year placement route, Year 3 will be spent on placement.
In Year 2 you will develop new approaches to storytelling. The emphasis is on the exploration of and experimentation with ideas, research methods, industry knowledge and imaginative approaches to practice through collaborations across a range of related disciplines.
Through a number of short photographic projects, you will be introduced to the incredible storytelling capacity of photography and its related media. You will be exposed to existing and alternative theories and modes of visual narrative through experimental image formation, sequencing and contextualisation, whilst developing your vital creative and production skills.
This module focuses on developing your awareness of the photography industry and the wider associated industries. You will gain a deeper understanding and experience of the broad range of digital arts within the creative and digital sectors.
In this module you will work collaboratively within the SODA community to produce shared practical outcomes. The module provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate and share your photographic expertise, knowledge and creative flair with other as well as enabling you to develop key critical, organisational, entrepreneurial and personal skills.
This module focuses on the finance and funding contexts of the creative industries and how it can help support creative projects. The module will further develop your core business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes of Body, Machine, Society and Storytelling are further explored. You will further develop and enhance your transdisciplinary thinking, collaboration with others and development of your hybrid skill set.
Within this module you will again choose a Co-Lab theme that best suits your interests. Through this you will expand your knowledge of critical research methodologies, conceptual thinking, technical languages, including problem solving and problem posing skills.
The Body thematic further investigates the role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between user and machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will further establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation, making us reconsider what body means in a technological space.
The Machine thematic further investigates disruptive systems, researching and learning how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable innovative methods of production. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation.
The Society thematic further investigates the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. Students will further explore how technology can be used for social good and to enhance and improve people’s lives.
The Storytelling thematic further investigates new narrative dynamics, researching the new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will learn how innovation in storytelling is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will further explore the powerful effects of storytelling on how we understand the world and ourselves.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes of Body, Machine, Society and Storytelling are introduced and explored. The module initiates transdisciplinary thinking and collaborating with others. It forms the beginning of developing your hybrid skills set.
Within each thematic of this module, you will choose a Co-Lab project that best suits your interests. The module will introduce you to research methodologies, creative thinking, technical languages and problem-solving techniques and ideas. It also constitutes the beginning of developing your employability skills.
The Body thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the changing role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between what we call a user and the machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation.
The Machine thematic will introduce and enable you to explore disruptive systems, researching what machine learning is and how it operates. The module will establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation.
The Society thematic will introduce and enable you to explore the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. The module will provide an opportunity to explore how technology can be used for social good.
The Storytelling thematic introduces you to new narrative dynamics, researching the new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will learn how innovation in storytelling is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will also recognise the powerful effects of storytelling in the way we understand ourselves and the world.
Study
Assessment
SODA Placement Year
As part of your studies with SODA, you will have the chance to take a year working on placement within the industry. During your year, you will spend at least 36 weeks working within an organisation in the industry, developing workplace skills, practical understanding and genuine industry experience.
SODA Study Year Abroad
You can choose to spend an academic year studying with an approved partner university overseas, developing your core skills while demonstrating your initiative by engaging with a challenging curriculum at a foreign institution. This offers practice credits from the host university, after you’ve completed Level 5 of your SODA programme.
If you take the four-year placement route, Year 3 will be spent on placement.
In Year 3 you will focus on realising your creative potential by undertaking outward facing research projects. You will also produce two practical bodies of work with opportunities to collaborate across the wider SODA community.
This course offers you the opportunity to apply for a placement year option which can be taken in Year 3. During the placement year, you will be supervised directly by the company you are employed by, and you will also be allocated an Academic/Placement Tutor. They will provide support and guidance, and assess your progress during the time you are away from the University.
Where a placement is not undertaken, you will study the following final year units. If you have completed a placement in Year 3, you will study the modules outlined in Year 3 in a fourth year.
This module allows you to draw from, and extend your photography skills, digital competencies and rich knowledge and theoretical contexts of the wide range of disciplines in SODA. By considering your practice through critical research and creative exploration, you will create and manage an independent body of work via a negotiated plan and proposal. This project work will demonstrate a high degree of conceptual and creative enterprise and may directly inform other modules at this level.
This module requires you to propose and create an independent research project. Through negotiation with your tutor, you will apply your critical research skills and subject knowledge to this study. This module allows you to apply exploratory research to an area of interest to you.
This module requires you to create a body of work made in collaboration with your peers, the SODA research community and/or partners in the creative and digital industries. This project work may be driven by themes of shared interest, creative curiosity or technological methodologies. You will produce a challenging, coherent and ambitious body of collaborative work that may be produced through a choice of appropriate modes, formats and presentational contexts.
This module requires you to identify and generate an outward facing, research project. Working with external partners, you will apply your research skills and knowledge of the wide contexts of photography within the creative and digital sectors, to an investigation of an area of professional interest or concern to you.
This module requires you to consider appropriate professional presentation of your photographic work made within the Individual Creative Practice and Creative Collaborations. Through research into physical and virtual methodologies of dissemination, you will resolve a presentation of creative work specifically through print portfolios, website or other suitable methods relevant to your individual and/or collaborative practice.
This module provides the space where the four SODA research themes are investigated, explored. and applied. You will apply your advanced skills of transdisciplinary thinking, collaboration with others and synthesis of your hybrid skill set. Within this module, you will critically select a Co-Lab theme that best suits your interests. Through this you will consolidate your knowledge of research methodologies, creative thinking, technical languages, problem solving and problem posing techniques and ideas.
Body will further explore the role of our bodies within digital technologies and environments, researching the interaction between user and machine through concepts of embodiment, the senses, movement and cognition. The module will further establish how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new and exciting methods of production and innovation, making us reconsider what body means in a technological space.
Machine will further explore disruptive systems, researching and learning how creativity and computational practices, when combined, enable new methods of production and innovation. Machine encompasses a range of different approaches to thinking about creative automation and how this has become embedded in the technology we use and rely upon.
Society will further investigate the relationship between digital culture and society, researching the ways in which technology is developed within and in response to our societies. The module will provide an opportunity to explore the many ways in which society can benefit from the application of technologies to improve and enhance people’s lives.
Storytelling will further explore narrative dynamics, researching and applying new forms and/or functions of stories in the digital age. You will consolidate your knowledge of innovative storytelling and how it is key to both the production of new digital creative forms and our understanding of them in culture and society. You will explore the sophisticated was in which stories can change the way in which we understand our place in the world.
Study
Assessment
SODA Placement Year
As part of your studies with SODA, you will have the chance to take a year working on placement within the industry. During your year, you will spend at least 36 weeks working within an organisation in the industry, developing workplace skills, practical understanding and genuine industry experience.
SODA Study Year Abroad
You can choose to spend an academic year studying with an approved partner university overseas, developing your core skills while demonstrating your initiative by engaging with a challenging curriculum at a foreign institution. This offers practice credits from the host university, after you’ve completed Level 5 of your SODA programme.
If you take the four-year placement route, Year 3 will be spent on placement.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
We will ask for a portfolio of your work as part of your application.
GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English
A digital portfolio via online submission will be required. Further details.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
We will ask for a portfolio of your work as part of your application.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
A digital portfolio via online submission will be required. Further details.
UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,250 per year for the foundation year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £21,500 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)
Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
Full-time fee: £21,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study). The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
You will have easy access to computing equipment and subject specific equipment and resources. Software relevant to your study is available on campus and is regularly updated. In addition to desktop machines, you will also be able to access the university laptop loan service. If you are working off campus, you may wish to purchase your own photography equipment, computer and licensed software.
You are strongly advised to purchase a portable hard drive (minimum 2TB) to continually back-up your work (£100). In cases where you need to print your work, additional costs may be incurred, which will be determined by the nature of the work.
There are opportunities throughout the programme to attend local, national and international study trips which will incur costs. These costs are proportional to the distance and length of the study trip. You will be encouraged to market your work in forums relevant to your study, which may mean paying for materials or a digital service provider. All essential reading material and learning resources related to your programme of study are available in the library; however, you may wish to purchase your own books, subscribe to relevant online journals, or pay for access to online resources or memberships.
Students wishing to follow the placement year and/or study year abroad units will incur extra costs. These costs are variable and will usually be dependent on distance, and local costs of the country in which the placement or overseas study takes place.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersGraduates can go on to become photographers, freelance curators, picture editors, exhibition artists and teachers. They may also choose to study a postgraduate course. Many of our students have gained employment in the wider creative industries in Manchester as well as all over the UK and internationally.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)W640
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.