Photography
Entry requirements
A level
one of which to be in a relevant subject
Access to HE Diploma
A typical offer would be based on students achieving their Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits, 24 of which are to be at Merit grade in a relevant subject.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Desirable but not essential: English Language Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in a relevant subject
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in a relevant subject
In a relevant subject.
UCAS Tariff
Typical offer: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), one of which must be in a relevant subject.
You may also need to…
Attend an interview
Present a portfolio
About this course
Gain exposure to the captivating photographic industry with this degree. You will study a range of photographic techniques and disciplines such as documentary, fashion, portraiture, fine art and commercial, allowing you to create independent briefs. Benefit from guest talks, practical projects and work-based learning to develop into a versatile photographer.
Pursue a personal specialism and build a career in photography with our foundation degree programme. You will gain the technical knowledge of how to use a variety of cameras and how to make the most out of available and studio lighting. Practical learning is underpinned by photographic historical and contextual understanding.
You will explore multiple aspects of photography, ranging from refining your ideas and concepts, to working in the industry. You will develop your creative vision and produce a professional portfolio capturing your talent. You will also visit art and photography festivals such as Liverpool Look Festival and Derby Format Festival.
We emphasise work-related learning so you’ll experience guest lecturers from industry speakers such as Tom Martin, Ian Beesley and Murat Özkasim. We also encourage international residential visits to engage with the international creative industry.
Modules
Level 4 focuses on skills and knowledge, giving a flavour of the genres of photography with an opportunity to try out ideas and build the skills needed to be a successful photographer.
Commercial Photographic Techniques (20 credits) – You will develop technical photographic skills and build knowledge of cameras, the exposure triangle, simple lighting techniques and post production. You will learn to purposefully select equipment and processes to create a portfolio of photographs.
Commercial Practice (20 credits) – Allows you to explore how you can make your own work commercial and saleable.
Fashion and Editorial Photography (20 credits) – Allows you to practically examine the fast paced world of commercial photography. You will learn skills relevant to the communication of narrative, theme or mood, to be used in a variety of contexts including use alongside a supporting text, or as standalone images. The module will allow you to develop your research skills, increase your knowledge of well-known practitioners in the field, and build a good understanding of specialised photographic techniques within the industry.
Fine Art Photography (20 credits) – Delve into the work of photography as art. This will introduce you to historical and contemporary practitioners, creative techniques and concepts, and show you how to build a career as a fine artist within photography. Explore the importance of effective communication through the created image and its presentation to an audience.
Photographic Discourse (20 credits) – Through this module, you will be encouraged to think ethically about the role of the photographer in terms of communication and how the image is interpreted by the viewer.
The Creative Professional (20 credits) – Allows you to identify a career path. Focusing on a chosen photographer/artist you will explore how you can create a career trajectory based on your findings.
Year 2 – Level 5
Level 5 (FD) incorporates work experience (this is encouraged in level 4) and collaboration, working with your peers as photographers and with other practitioners within the creative arts. You are supported to find your own photographic style and direct your own photographic trajectory, evidenced through both practical and written forms:
Collaboration (20 credits) – You will explore the trial and complexities of working in an interdisciplinary context, by collaborating with students from different disciplines to produce a shared outcome.
Advanced Photographic Techniques (20 credits) – This module will serve to develop your knowledge of new sophisticated techniques in relation to planning, shooting, post production and presentation of images. With these tools you will be able to work both in the studio and on location when producing commercial (e.g. PR, fashion and advertising), documentary and fine art photography.
Personal Photographic Project (20 credits) – Use your project management skills in the planning, preparation and realisation of a career-defining portfolio that demonstrates your own identity as a practitioner. Think about how to act as a responsible practitioner and reflect the culturally diverse world around you by making considered and ethical choices in your realised projects.
Contemporary Issues in Photography (20 credits) – This module encourages you to identify, analyse and further adapt the work of current photography practices that inspire you. You will think about the significance of your own role as a photographer within the wider industry and begin to defend your practice in a professional context.
Working in the Photographic Industry (40 credits) – This live brief encourages you to think about yourself as a practitioner and how you promote your work in the professional arena. You will explore the relationship between the creative, technical ability and communication skills that are required to fulfil professional photography briefs and adhere to client specifications.
Assessment methods
You will be assessed in a variety of modes. This will vary depending on the style of module, you will be expected to undertake written work in the form of blogs, workbooks and essays. Presentations and portfolio reviews, along with practical submissions.
Tuition fees
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