Studying Photography

Meet your course leader

Paul O’Leary welcomes you to BA (Hons) Photography at University of Staffordshire

I take a broad and unblinkered view of the possibilities that the photographic/digital medium allows, and I encourage you to do the same and to explore your own diverse interests. This is one reason why our graduates find successful employment in many different spheres of the photographic industry. Primarily we are about developing your potential to think and to respond visually and conceptually to our world and your place in it. 

My current practice explores post-industrial towns/cities, looking at old/new forms of civic identity. I have exhibited extensively in solo, and group shows, and my work resides in public and private collections. I am the founder/director of Photocitizens.com, an award-winning international photography festival that promotes photographic thinking and practice amongst undergraduate and postgraduate photography students. 

My students are currently working on an international collaboration with partners in the USA, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Vietnam, Lebanon, France, Italy and New Zealand.

Student highlights from this year across BA (Hons) Photography

Congratulations on your offer to join our vibrant and nurturing Photography degree within the department of Creative Industries at University of Staffordshire.

We wanted to share some of the course highlights for our students from this year, to give you a flavour of what you could be experiencing when you join our creative community.  

From inspiring guest speakers and workshops with working professionals and artists, to an Amsterdam trip with expert curatorial talks across agencies and galleries; our students have been honing and exploring their practice alongside gaining industry experience.

Read more

Teaching staff

Paul O'Leary

Senior Lecturer

As a socially-engaged photographer Paul O’Leary records the time in which we live and the lives of others. His current practice explores post-industrial towns/cities, looking at old/new forms of civic identity.

Paul's profile

Rick Barks

Senior Lecturer

Rick has extensive professional and teaching experience, and currently plays a major role in the delivery of contextual studies across the BA Photography course.

Rick's profile

Rebecca Nunes

Associate Professor Of Lens-Based Media

Becky Nunes is an artist and educator whose work has been awarded, published & exhibited locally and internationally. Nunes’ lens-based practice considers the complexities of land use and amplifies marginalised and polyphonic voices.

Rebecca's profile

Karina Lyburn

P/T Lecturer (Hrly) - Photography

Karina's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation
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