Foundation Degree in Photography

FdA PhotographyCourse ModulesWhat our Graduates doEntry Requirements

A broad-based course designed to prepare students for a career in commercial photography, fine art, photojournalism, picture editing, picture research, curating and exhibition organisation, photography writing and criticism.

Photography has an ever increasing role within our culture, through an array of applications and uses. This programme is structured to provide a solid overview and understanding of the subject area, with the opportunity to specialise in practical research projects and develop links with relevant photographic theory. As such, you will gain hands-on experience with both traditional and digital processing techniques and work with a variety of formats and equipment.

Our tutors are always here to help. They’re approachable, so knowledgeable about their subject and have an amazing breadth of experience between them.


FdA Photography Modules offered:

Year One Compulsory Modules

Investigation of Photographic Practice

Critical and Contextual Research

This module will explore contexts that have a bearing onart and design and will develop the student’sability to write reports and essays. It will develop student’s communication, research and analysis skills as well as increase their skills and confidence to present their ideas to an audience.

Introduction to Personal Planning

Lectures, seminars andtutorials will familiarise students with the higher education learning environment. Students willdevelop skills central to their programme and they will be encouraged to reflect on their learning.

Year One Optional Support Modules

Two modules are chosen from the following:

Photography for Advertising

Of particular interest to both photography and graphic design students, this module will introduce learners to a range of photographic materials, techniques and terminology and go on to explore the medium in relation to its use in advertising. Prior experience is not a requirement, as individuals will receive a thorough introduction to the photography darkrooms and studios, practising both analogue and digital photography. This will be followed by a series of short projects, where students will explore the use of photography in relation to advertising briefs or concepts.

Fine Art Print Autographic Expression

Through a series of practical workshops based around a set theme or brief, this module will introduce students to the materials, techniques and terminology of a range of printmaking processes, including Relief Printing, Monoprint, Linocut, Drypoint, Etching, Screenprint and Letterpress. This all takes place in our well-equipped Printmaking Studio, and is suitable for art or design students that enjoy working with process-based approaches to developing 2D visual language and imagery.

Illustration with Printmaking

Based in our Printmaking workshop, this is a practical module aimed at developing students’ technical and creative skills in printmaking with particular reference to illustration. Working from a set brief, learnerswill explore their illustration ideas and designs in relation to the specific qualities of printmaking techniques such as Linocut, Drypoint, Etching and Screenprint. This will give individuals the opportunity to see how theirideas develop and communicate when processed through different media.

Introduction to 3D Construction

This module introduces students to a range of basic skills and creative and technical processes in the use and manipulation of wood, metal and plastics. Based in our 3D workshops, through demonstrations, lectures and practical work students will produce a series of material and process samples, as well as learning about the safe working practice and health and safety that underpins all such activity. The study of historical and contemporary examples of work by other artists and designers will also inform the use and understanding of materials in relation to the making and design process.

Introduction to 3D Visual Communication and Design

This studio based module introduces learners to the communication and development of three-dimensional design through the use of visual language. This includes drawing, photography, rendering and visual presentation techniques as well producing models and maquettes for concepts and prototypes. Design thinking and development techniques are also examined and will help students build a sound design methodology as well as an understanding of basic design principles. IT facilities will also be used in later sessions to reinforce and develop previous learning on the module.

Introduction to Digital Imaging and Manipulation

This module provides a structured introduction to digital photography and image manipulation. Based in the Mac suite, students will learn photographic and digital ‘post production’ techniques, developing high quality images through manipulation and enhancement to open up a range of creative possibilities in creating ‘hyper-real’, ‘painterly’ or artificially enhanced images. It is not a requirement to take this module, but for those with previous experience of it, there will also be opportunity to apply any previous knowledge of analogue photography to digital processes.

Introduction to Fashion Construction

This module introduces learners to the materials and techniques associated with garment construction. It is a practical, workshop-based module, where students will be introduced to the skills, techniques, equipment and materials associated with flat pattern cutting and modeling on the stand, as well as learning how to produce seams, pockets, fastenings and collars. Students will produce a finished pattern from a block that they will then use to make a toile, or test garment. At the end of the workshops individuals will then have the chance to incorporate their learning into the design of a garment.

Introduction to Textile Applications

Based in our Knit and Print workshop this module provides an opportunity to engage with a range of creative and technical textiles processes. Through workshops and demonstrations, students will experiment with traditional and new textile methods and techniques and carry out investigation and exploration through sampling and experimentation with the creative application of colour resist, knit and embellishment, culminating in the production of a collection of textile design samples.

Introduction to Drawing Processes

Delivered in our dedicated drawing studio, this module is designed to introduce students to materials, techniques and processes in relation to the act and language of drawing. Working from a range of sources, including the life model, it is intended to extend and strengthen skills and general knowledge of the subject, as well as develop an inventive approach to how individuals can apply drawing to their particular discipline. Students will also study the language of drawing through examination of historical and contemporary examples of work by other artists and designers.

Print Media

Of particular interest to photographers and graphic designers, this studio and IT based module will introduce students to the knowledge, skills and visual language of commercial print media. Students will investigate the use of print technologies in packaging, signage, corporate identity, advertising, mailing, point of sale and aspects of publishing. Through studio work individuals will practice the design of grids for documents or posters; work with typography as both text and image; explore the potential of photography and word interpretation and use narrative strategies in the organization of information. The module will culminate in the use of computer software to construct a paper-based document in relation to a set brief.

Fine Art Sculptural Processes

This is a workshop-based module open to all students who have an interest in developing their 3D process and making skills. It will introduce students to the visual language of sculpture and a basic range of associated materials, such as wood, metal and plaster. Students will also explore the practical concerns involved in processing, manipulating and combining those materials. As a focus for producing work, emphasis will be on the generation and development of ideas through a series of practical challenges that use particular materials and techniques.

Year Two Compulsory Modules

Specialist Photography Project 1

Students will identify a professional direction and split into specialist pathways focusing on ideas of space, site and locality in order to explore the specifics of place, the idea of audience and participation, agency, the local and the global.

Personal Development Planning

Through lectures, seminars and tutorials students will reflect on their individual learning and critical judgements and will develop an understanding of their future photographic career.

Developmental Research

Through lectures, seminars and tutorials students will focus on the development of their personal direction, thereby contextualising their practice in relation to current art and design theories and debates.

Web-based Media

Working in one of our Mac suites, students will create and refine a dedicated website for their own photographic practice. This will be through a combination of digital workshop activity and analysis of current commercial practice and theoryin web communication, with specific reference to dedicated creative websites. Students will be introduced to the web design skills they need to construct their site and establish a personal, professional identity, resulting in the practical and effective communication of their work online.

Photography in the Contemporary Moment

This is a contextual studies module composed of lectures and seminars intended to further develop learner’s understanding of photographic history and the different contexts it which it can be considered. This will typically include topics such as, creative and applied approaches to photography; image properties such as truth and fiction; the photograph as a virtual entity rather than a physical object; the photograph as a collectable item that we compile and archive, buy and sell, frame and display in museums and galleries. As part of this module students will also produce a piece of written work and a give a presentation on a set topic or theme.

Final Specialist Project

Students will produce a major body of practical work which will synthesise their learning on the programme and will culminate in an exhibition.

Students who successfully complete the FdA Photography Foundation Degree can go on to the final year of the BA (Hons) in Photography.Students who successfully complete the Foundation degree can go on to the final year of the BA (Hons) in Photography.

Career Opportunities

This course prepares students for careers in commercial photography (including product, fashion, food and illustration photography), fine art, photojournalism, picture editing, picture research, curating and exhibition organisation, photography writing and criticism.

Course Progression

From the Foundation Degree students may be eligible to progress on to the third year of an Honours degree course. Students graduating from the Honours degree could progress to further study at postgraduate level such as an MA.

Portfolio of artwork supported by 160 UCAS points gained from study on Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or level 3 Diploma in an art related subject or 2 A Levels (one in photography) along with 3 GCSEs (grade A*-C) including English language, or an Art and Design Foundation Year. Students without formal qualifications but with appropriate portfolio of artwork/ work experience, will be considered. All applicants are formally interviewed.

How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme.
Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible.
You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester
(for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL

Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

If you are currently at school, please check with them as some schools will be coordinating applications centrally.
If you have any further questions about the application process, please visit our
Frequently Asked Questions page.

Applying for a Full-Time Degree-Level course

Apply through UCAS

If you would like to apply for any of Colchester Institute's Degree Level courses, your method of application will differ depending on whether
you want to apply for a full-time or part-time version of your chosen course. If you are applying full-time, you will need to apply through the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which is a UK-based charity whose main role is providing the application process for almost
all British universities.

The service cost £23 for a multi application and £12 for a single application in 2015, however it is possible this may increase for 2016 applicants.
Each course has a unique "course code" that you will need to make note of and use during your applciation. You can find out more information and
sign up to the service here. The UCAS code for Colchester Institute is CINST C75.

Applying for a Part-Time Degree-Level course

All part-time degree-level courses are not offered through UCAS, and must be applied for directly through Colchester Institute.
For this you will need to fill in and return to us as soon as possible. This application form can be downloaded here, quoting the relevant course code:

Download Part-Time HE Application Form

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