Study photography abroad
An in-depth guide to studying photography as an international student.
Explore photography programs abroad
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PhD programs in
photographyNo programs listed
Photography degrees abroad
Studying for a photography degree is ideal for students who already have a passion for the subject but want to work on their technique, experience and career prospects. Universities are well connected, so it can also be a useful way to make contacts in the industry.
In a photography program you will have the opportunity to showcase your artistic talent and create a portfolio of work. As well as the practical element of photography you can also study the theoretical elements of many styles: portraiture, documentary, fashion, fine art, sports - whichever suits your particular interests and expertise.
Another benefit of studying photography abroad includes the facilities and equipment you will have access to.
Photography program structure
Studying abroad for a bachelor’s in photography will take between three and four years, with a master’s taking between one and two years of study.
You can study photography as a standalone degree in some countries such as the UK, however in the US it is likely that you will major in photography as part of a liberal arts bachelor’s; this becomes the main focus of your degree alongside a general education in the arts and humanities.
PhD degrees for photography are also available and will take between three and four years. These types of degree can focus on a research thesis, a body of peer-reviewed practical work, or a mixture of both.
As a photography student you will spend a lot of your hours on campus in lectures, group study, and practical sessions. It’s important that in your spare time you visit exhibitions as part of your personal research and study.
The exact structure and content of a photography program will vary depending on the university you are studying in and the exact program you enroll in. Some of the modules or electives of a photography degree will surround topics such as:
- Equipment choices and technique
- Digital photography
- Film photography
- Editing
- Moving image
- Theory of styles
- Professional practice
How to study photography abroad
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Universities & programs
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Photography study abroad programs
Photography undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in photography
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Photography - BFA Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 35,736 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Art (Photography) - BFA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,134 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Art - Photography - BFA University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,800 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Art Studio - Photography - BFA University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Studio Art/ Photography - BFA Louisiana State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 28,700 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
Diploma in photography
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Photography and Photo Imaging - Dip RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 20,750 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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Photography - Dip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,412 CAD
- Start date
- September
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Photography - Dip Centennial College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 16,531 CAD
- Start date
- September
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Photography - Dip Durham College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 28 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,427 CAD
- Start date
- September
Associate in photography
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Advertising Photography - AASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 6,892 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Photography graduate programs
Master's in photography
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Photography - by coursework - MA RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,720 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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Photography - MA University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Multimedia Arts & Technology - Photography and Film - MFA Duquesne University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,112 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Photography - MA University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 14,250 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
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Commercial Photography - MA Arts University Bournemouth, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,500 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Diploma in photography
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Photography - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 14 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,822 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
Certificate in photography
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Photography - Advanced - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- -
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,022 CAD
- Start date
- September
Future photography careers
When you graduate from a photography degree abroad, you should have a portfolio ready to show potential employers or clients. Many photography graduates will spend time gaining valuable work experience or placements. Some of the roles photography graduates have include:
- Visual specialist
- Freelance photographer
- Commercial photographer
- Fashion photographer
- Wedding photographer
- Photojournalist
- Editor
It’s easy for photography students to become involved in extracurricular groups and organizations to boost their CV. Sports teams, theater productions, student media and events all need photography to promote their work.
