BA (Hons) Photography

BA (Hons) Photography The Course
This course explores contemporary photographic practice within a broad cultural context, and is underpinned by historical and critical approaches to the medium of photography. Your individual creativity and personal ambition are at the centre of the course's philosophy rather than an imposed 'house style'. We will encourage you to undertake an expansive, risk-taking enquiry into the possibilities of photography. The curriculum allows for a flexible approach to image-making in relation to both subject and resource, and you will be required to position and articulate your photographic work critically in relation to your audience.

We have an extensive range of analogue and digital resources to support this diversity and you will be encouraged to experiment with these in any and all genres of the medium. Our aim is to build a broad understanding of visual culture and to consider how your developed expertise might ultimately lead to professional opportunities.

What We Look For
As well as a demonstrable passion for photography, you will possess a mature outlook, with strong interest in research and contextual studies. Ideally, though not necessarily, you will have studied for a Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design and have a developed knowledge of visual concepts. We look for evidence of photographic ability but understand that not everyone has access to facilities allowing them to fully execute their ideas. You should have an appropriate level of awareness of contemporary photography and visual culture. We are interested in your individual creativity and how you communicate to the world around you through the medium of photography.

Interviews and Portfolios
Interviews are an opportunity for you to demonstrate your commitment and self-motivation to a chosen area of study, and to discuss aspects of your chosen course. You will be expected to display and discuss your portfolio. Portfolios should contain examples of work (both finished and work in progress) that showcase your particular interests - not only course or school work, but also any independent work including, for example, photographic contact sheets, research files, sketchbooks and any other evidence of your ideas, your interests and your passion for photography.

Course Structure
Year 1 introduces you to the technical skills and theoretical issues that are fundamental to photographic practice. You will be required to engage in a series of projects that address contemporary practice, challenge your creativity and provide grounding in studio lighting, printing and other photographic techniques.

In Year 2 you will begin to define your own practice and specialisms. Units of study become longer and more demanding, and experimentation and risk taking are encouraged. Digital imaging practice and theory are also major components of the curriculum.

In Year 3 you will focus on your own areas of interest and produce a major body of work for exhibition, a portfolio and a critical text. Every unit of study is introduced with a briefing and contextual lecture, which is followed by seminars, individual and group tutorials, viewings and critiques.

Resources
All students have access to professional lighting studios, black and white (wet and dry) processing facilities and printing resources. There is also a colour processing and printing resource, together with a range of digital imaging facilities. Seminar and lecture rooms are used to deliver lessons and students have the choice of working on location or within these resources. Specialised equipment can be borrowed from the equipment store.

We have a core staff team comprising dedicated course tutors and a number of specialist technical demonstrators - we match your activities to the relevant learning space and teaching. We also regularly invite photographers and specialist practitioners to give lectures about their work and professional experience. Visiting tutors also lead seminars and provide tutorial support.

Developing your Skills
Students are encouraged to undertake work experience and may participate in exchange programmes which provide opportunity for study at European Institutions. Graduating students may exhibit their work in London and at the graduating Summer Show held at the Institute. Educational trips are also made to both UK and international destinations.

Future Careers and Graduate Success
The course regularly sees finalists and winners in a number of prestigious awards; a number of students have held critically acclaimed exhibitions; many have contributed to leading
photographic publications; and some have progressed to
postgraduate study.

Our graduates receive a rigorous photographic education and have a variety of professional opportunities available to them. This includes working in photography or related industries, or moving on to further study at postgraduate level. Our graduates are independent, critical thinkers who understand where to position themselves and their work.

COURSE DETAILS
Mode of Study: Full-time
Course Duration: 3 years