Studying photography at the University of Plymouth will open a wide range of career choices. You could look at channelling your creativity into pursuing a self-employed career as a freelance photographer or look to be employed by a big commercial brand or studio. If you decide to go freelance, you will be taught how to set up your own business, market and network yourself, and win commissions from magazines, advertising and design agencies, digital marketing agencies as well as sourcing other income streams from picture libraries, gallery print sales, etc.
Many self-employed photographers specialise their practice, so you could consider a career working in portraiture (studio-based or environmental), weddings, landscape, documentary, sports, editorial, studio still-life, fashion... the variety of options are endless.
If you would prefer being employed by a big commercial brand or company, then you will be taught how to put together a portfolio for interview, how to conduct yourself professionally in an interview situation, how to create an impactful CV and how to win that job position at the first time of asking. Some key companies that employ photographers include Next, Primark, Ikea, Pro Direct, and the NHS.
Whether you choose to be a self-employed freelancer or in-house photographer, you can work in a variety of industries including fashion, fine art, advertising, education, science, graphic design, film and digital/web design. Typical employers include magazines, newspapers, journals, retail websites, catalogues and large companies.
Due to the variety of transferable skills you gain from studying photography, you could also enter into the creative industries as a digital retoucher, picture researcher, art and photo editor, art director, graphic designer, art buyer, researcher or museum or gallery curator.
You could also use your creative skills to inspire others and work as a teacher (primary, secondary, or further education) or higher education lecturer. Teaching opportunities are also available outside of a traditional classroom setting and you could consider using your artistic flair to engage with people as a Community Arts Worker.
When considering your options, remember that your physical and digital portfolio are essential to presenting your work to potential employers and evidencing your skills.
Many photography graduates take the skills they have learned elsewhere and find their way into less directly related graduate professions, including marketing, the civil service and the charitable sector.
Careers service
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements and networks, working with the academic staff teaching on your course.
We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.