The University of Gloucestershire's BA Photography: Editorial and Advertising degree has been awarded Course of the Year from one of the most prestigious professional photographers' associations in the world.

The Association of Photographers is one of the most coveted and influential award ceremonies in the industry. Nominations for the student awards come from current undergraduates and are judged by a panel of industry professionals. Nominees are asked to write a statement on how the course challenges students, provides quality facilities and offers interactions with leading figures from the industry.

The AOP work with over 55 photographic courses across the UK and each year host student awards to support the best emerging talent in photography, helping them step into the industry. Last year the Association introduced two new categories - lecturer of the year and course of the year.

Trudie Ballantyne, Course Leader for Editorial & Advertising Photography at the University of Gloucestershire, said: "This award represents what our course is all about - students and industry. To be nominated by our students and judged by creative industry professionals to be the Course of the Year, is a triumph and a reflection of all the hard work and dedication the teaching team and technical support staff put into making our community so successful."