Photography (including a Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

You will develop an approach to photography where the craft of making images forms the basis for an independent practice which embraces photography's multiple contexts.

Course overview

During the course you will be introduced to the key issues and debates which inform contemporary practice as you develop a critically reflective and self-initiated practice. You will have the opportunity to engage with the medium of photography in an experimental way, and as the course progresses you will evolve a personal practice and visual identity in your chosen genre and context. BA Photography studies culminate in the Art and Design degree show where you will present a body of work, which has emerged from a personal project created over the course of your final year's study.

Why study this course with us?

The course embraces all forms of photography, but we encourage you to approach your photographic image-making as an independent and critically reflective practice.

The course is rooted in the development of project-based work, which emerges from your own experience and ideas.

The teaching is structured around introductory assignment briefs which are open ended in how you interpret the outcome.

Timetabled sessions take the form of practical workshops and studio practice alongside lectures and seminars, which embed independent, art practices and their context.

The course is also built around a meeting of practice and theory in its widest sense.

The course is distinguished in its support of photobook and moving image, new/mixed media and installation based uses of photography.

The course regularly invites photographers from the art world and creative industries to share their professional experience as artists and photographers as well as their knowledge of the photographic industry and its employment opportunities and industry protocols.

The teaching staff are also established practitioners whose research interests enrich the identity and philosophy of the course.

We also have a longstanding team of Visiting Lecturers who also contribute to the course, including Tom Wood, who is an internationally renowned photographer.

Teaching methods

Lectures and practical workshop sessions will introduce key areas and debates surrounding contemporary photographic practice. You will also have access to workshop areas set up for moving image, bookmaking and printmaking.

Job prospects

During the course students have the opportunity to meet with practitioners, curators and writers who provide invaluable advice and insights. These experiences help you to move into a diverse range of photography careers, including art practice, documentary and fashion, as well as specialist areas such as medical illustration, and cinematography.

Assessment

Assessment is based on the submission of folio and journal work – which might include video/object-based works and photobooks – plus written assignments. The final-year exhibition represents the culmination of your studies.

Careers service

The University has an award winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum; through employer contact and through tailored group sessions and individual information, advice and guidance.