BA (Hons)/Foundation Degree Photography
Bachelor's degree
In Leeds
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Leeds
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Duration
3 Years
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
You will need to have a portfolio of relevant practical work that shows your ability and enthusiasm for the course that you are applying for. Also you need to have passed GCSE English Language, at grade C or above or alternatively Key Skills Communications Level 3. For mature students an Access to Higher Education qualification in art and design will also be acceptable to demonstrate English Language ability. For mature students who are unable to provide formal evidence of an appropriate standard of English, the College may request completion of its own English Proficiency test.
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Course programme
What it's all about?
On completion of the two-year foundation degree you have two choices. You can either enter the commercial world as a photographer or, if you wish, apply for a third year on our BA (Hons) Photography degree course here at the College.
This course will provide you with a sound technical background in the broad and stimulating field of photo-media, as well as developing your critical and conceptual skills. Thought-provoking modules will provide you with opportunities to explore both commercial and personally creative work.
Every aspect of photographic practice has changed dramatically over the last ten years. In order to work effectively in this field, whether as a commercial photographer or as an artist using lens-based media, you need to be aware of these changes and the opportunities they offer.
You'll have an introduction to the potential of new technologies, whilst at the same time acknowledging the technical and conceptual histories of photography. You'll work with traditional methods of photographic image-making as well as contemporary digital methods of image construction and manipulation. In doing so, you will discover how they inform each other.
You'll be encouraged to analyse contemporary photography in a variety of contexts, from the gallery to commercial design. The critical elements of the course will help you to discuss your own work as well as that of others.
Is this the course for you?
If you want to develop your contextual, critical and technical skills in the areas of photography and digital imaging, this course may be for you.
Mature students (21+)
We welcome applications from students who are returning to education. We offer many opportunities for adults, even if you don't have conventional entry qualifications. We're interested in your motivation, your potential, and your ability to follow the course successfully.
Course content
First year
Modules include Materials - Technology & Applications, Audio Visual Techniques, Digital Post-Production & Distribution, Studio Practice 1, Critical Studies, and one elective.
Second Year
Modules include Business Studies, Professional Practice & Personal Development (including work placement), Documentary Practice, Studio Practice 2, Critical Studies 2, an interdisciplinary project, and an independent final project (including research and written work to support your practical work).
Third Year
Modules include Professional Practice, Dissertation, Curating, and a final major project.
Assessment
Assessment is coursework-based.
Real-life briefs
During your second year, there will be an emphasis on industry-led modules, including live briefs and placements. These will address contemporary practice in three main areas:
- Journalism/documentary
- Fashion/lifestyle
- Advertising
Work placements
Work placements take place during your second year. We have links with a variety of businesses which require the skills offered by our students. However, we do encourage you to find your own placements, appropriate to your chosen specialist pathway.
Resources
You will have access to 35mm, medium and large-format cameras, medium-format digital back and digital SLRs. You will also use our fully equipped lighting studio, two large darkrooms and 35mm, medium- and large-format capabilities (black and white).We have two computer suites with Apple Mac G5s, all with up-to-date industry-standard software. A digital video-editing suite and a range of DV cameras are also available. We provide access to all the necessary specialist library publications and contemporary journals.
Study visits
The second year will include a visit abroad; recent trips have included New York and Berlin.
Progression & career opportunities
Former students have become successful as commercial photographers and studio assistants for catalogue, fashion and promotional work. Graduates can use their skills in a broad range of related fields, such as journalism and documentary work, website design and digital video-editing.
BA (Hons)/Foundation Degree Photography