Photography BA (Hons) - University of C

Tuition Fee

GBP 13,950

Per year

Start Date

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

36 months

Program Facts

About Program

About University

Admission Requirements

Video

Gallery

Easy Apply

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Bachelors

Major

Photography

Area of study

Arts

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

Tuition Fee

Average International Tuition Fee

GBP 13,950

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2023-04-24	2023-02-10
2023-09-19	2023-01-27
2024-01-03	2023-11-25
2024-09-01	-

About Program

Program Overview

This BA Photography program emphasizes the craft of photography as a foundation for independent practice. Students explore contemporary issues and debates in photography, embracing its social dimension and engaging with diverse contexts and genres. Through lectures, workshops, and guest speakers, the program prepares students for careers in art practice, documentary, fashion, and other photography-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

You will develop an approach to photography where the craft of making photographs forms the basis for an independent practice which embraces photography's multiple contexts. During the course, you will be introduced to the key issues and debates which inform contemporary practice as you develop a critically reflective approach to independent and professional practice. Our course is rooted in photography as a creative practice, but also its social dimension as an agent of change. You are encouraged to draw on your personal experience and curiosity, as well as engage with a diverse range of contexts and genres whether art, documentary, editorial or fashion. Our team has a wide range of practice and research expertise in analogue, digital and new media applications, and you will also benefit from visiting and guest lecturer input from industry professionals. These have included Markéta Luskačová, Tom Wood, Anthony Luvera and Craig Easton, alongside other industry professionals, including curators and writers. We will introduce you to a wide network of galleries, museums and employers in the North West and beyond, which includes a long-standing relationship with the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool. Your BA Photography studies will 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.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

University Study Skills (Compulsory)
Reading and writing critically
Constructing and evaluating an argument
Note-taking techniques for reading and listening
Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity
Introduction to reflective practice
Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations
Referencing and citation
Summarising and paraphrasing written sources
Literature searching
Report writing
The culture and expectations of higher education
The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback
The nature of research journal publishing
Independent Project (Compulsory)
Research and planning skills
Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject
Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study
Identifying areas of interest
Application and development of critical analytical skills
Development of self-directed study
Use of learning resources
Critical Thinking (Compulsory)
An introduction to creative and critical thinking concepts
Considering credibility; belief and truth
Identifying how language is used for persuasion
Identifying how image is used for persuasion
Recognizing how media is used for manipulation
An introduction to advertising and marketing techniques
Representation and misrepresentation of data
Applying critical thinking skills to contemporary media and technology
Tools and Methods in Visual Communication (Compulsory)
Creative tools and methods used in the construction of visual messages
Analogue and digital visualization media
Colour theory
Basic elements and principles of design
Media manipulation and practice with creative problem solving methods
Analytical and observational visualization techniques exploring line, volume, tone, spatial relationships, composition, form and perspective through drawing, photography and screen based digital tools
Concepts in Practice in Visual Communication (Compulsory)
Identify concepts that underpin and inform visual communication practice.
Introduce ideas on narrative, design, communication, creativity, imagination, semiotics and interpretation.
Exploring concepts and methods of constructing meaningful visual communication messages.
Understanding differing demands of self-expression and communication problem solving.
Visual Culture: History and Society (Compulsory)
Introduction to semiotics and visual language
Emerging trends: environment and interiors
The birth and evolution of cinema
The human commodity: advertising, celebrity and reality television
Introduction to postmodernism and popular art
Photography as social commentary
The internet and digital spaces

Year 1:

Methods Materials and Possibilities (Compulsory)
The fundamental concepts, theories and principals associated with their individual subject area
The broad critical, historical, contemporary contexts and future potential of their area of study and the significance of the work of other practitioners within their field of study
A variety of approaches to research, within, through and about their area of study
The basic skills and techniques required to produce outputs in response to set briefs
The visual and verbal communication techniques appropriate to their subject area
The tools, technologies and materials relevant to their subject area
A range of approaches to problem solving
The importance of taking personal responsibility for their own learning

Year 2:

Design Placement Year (Optional)
The traditional academic programme structure is not applicable in relation to this work placement-based experiential learning module.
A mid-placement workshop, usually held in Chester in February, will enable peer to peer sharing of experiential learning feedback and allow an analysis of the range of skills and benefits derived from the placement.
All students will engage in the drawing up of a learning agreement on acceptance of the placement that will cover a contact plan and agreed learning outcomes with their designated academic tutor and placement supervisor.
Contextual Practice (Compulsory)
A series of lectures and project briefs based on the key issues and debates, which inform contemporary photographic art practice.
Practical workshops in the acquisition of enhanced photography skills.
Seminar group sessions support experimentation and diverse approaches in different areas.
Field trip and study visits supporting project development and research.
Collaborative Practice (Optional)
Practical and workshop based sessions complement individual and group tutorials.
The development and production of individual project work within the context of collaborative practice and small group work.
The research, investigation and organisation of site-specific, public or virtual exhibition contexts and outcomes.
Specialist Photography Practice (Compulsory)
Creative thinking strategies and idea development
Market awareness – understanding roles, genres and contemporary practice in editorial, advertising and independent photography
Exploring live briefs, competitions and external opportunities
Professional contexts - budgeting, call sheets, pitching, pricing, copyright, agencies and business planning
Career development networks – The AoP, Skillset, BJP, RPS.
Art & Design: Preparation for the Creative and Cultural Industries (Optional)
This module will develop student’s awareness and understanding of the diverse range of career pathways available to creative graduates and enable them to confidently build a career development trajectory for their final year and after graduation.
Students will be encouraged to identify the diverse career opportunities within the creative and cultural industries and to explore potential pathways as an independent practitioner and/or employment-based opportunities beyond graduation.
Through negotiated independent research students will critically analyse and evaluate their current skills, competencies and attitudes and devise an action plan to address gaps in subject specific and transferable skills.
Throughout the module students will build a portfolio of work experience activity which can include short employment placements, work shadowing, involvement in Department projects or external partner projects, self-initiated placements or volunteering.
Cave Drawings to Hip-Hop to Videogames: How Stories Work (Optional)
This optional Level Five module will introduce students to theories of narrative and stylistics across media showing the necessity of these frameworks for reading and understanding stories in the Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Photography, Literature and Film.
The module will introduce students to media synergies and dissonances, relative to a range of concepts of narrative and style.
By studying examples from across different media, including folk tales, fiction, film, comics, photography, music and videogames, the module will demonstrate the widening reach and current application of theories of narrative and stylistics, well beyond their historic roots in linguistics.
Experiential Overseas Learning (Optional)
Part A: Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:
The multiple facets of Global citizenship
Ethical engagement and practice
Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
Intercultural communication
Theories, models and strategies of learning
Theories and models Intercultural competence
Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
Experiential learning models
Self-directed experiential learning
Personal and placement-related skills
Enhanced independence
Improved command of multicultural behaviour
Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
Effective time management and organisational skills
Project management – working away from University and independent study
Self-management and personal development
Team building and team work
Part B: Overseas
Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours
Year abroad study exchange (Optional)
Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:
Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world
Theories, models and strategies of learning
Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection
Personal and placement-related transversal skills
Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
Effective time management and organisational skills
Project management – working away from University and independent study
Self-management and personal development
Whilst abroad:
Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load.

Year 3:

Professional Practice (Compulsory)
Bringing together students and staff from across Art & Design programme disciplines, this module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of graduate and professional development in Art & Design.
Following the module introduction, a series of guest lectures by recent graduates and early, mid-career and high-level Art and Design professionals, will introduce students to practitioner-oriented career pathways within the creative and cultural industries.
Module content will in particular focus on enabling students to critically identify the context of their practice/design work and how it might be developed within a graduate, professional environment.
Critical Essay - Photography (Optional)
In this module students will normally research and investigate a chosen subject related to their personal practice, but not exclusively where another topic might be photography-related.
Lectures in research skills and extended essay research and writing guidance.
Negotiation of Essay topic with Essay-supervisor based on an appropriate research and practice subject area.
Individual tutorial discourse.
Group tutorial dialogue, presentation and feedback sessions.
A series of formative assessment points which guide the identification and research of an essay topic and its context.
Negotiated Photography Project Single Hons (Compulsory)
This module will consist of:
The development of a learning agreement which identifies and contextualises a specific subject area or field of practice, which has emerged across the duration of the programme of study
Independent research linked to ongoing project development and critical reflection
The production of an interim exhibition/folio or prototypes
Peer review and critical analysis
The development of a portfolio
The design and implementation of a website developed as a promotional tool
A final exhibition of photographic practice
Publishing Practice (Optional)
Learners will choose either a pathway in online media, moving image or the printed book as appropriate to their practice, with the following content:
Research into contemporary practice
Project planning, budgeting and funding
Organising rights, permissions and releases
Gathering and preparing source material
Editing and sequencing
Review, analysis and reflection
Packaging for output, display or distribution
Dissertation in Art and Design (Optional)
Generic content will cover the time management, structure, organisation, referencing and writing style required for a dissertation.

Assessment:

Assessment is based on the submission of a folio (‘portfolio’) of photographic images or prints in the form of a collection, narrative, series or sequence dependent on each project brief, or strand of practice introduced. A journal which documents and evidences the development of a habitual, week-to-week approach to practice is an important resource, which forms a key part of your assessment. The journal is also a repository and storehouse of your practice to refer to and reflect upon in the future – which might include video/object-based works and photobooks – plus written assignments. The final year exhibition represents the culmination of your studies.

Teaching:

Lectures and practical workshop sessions will introduce materials and processes in the context of the key areas and debates surrounding contemporary photographic and professional practice. We will also reference those contexts including social and new media, as well as the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the context of contemporary and industry related practices. You will also have open access to lighting studio and workshop areas dedicated to moving image, bookmaking, darkroom practice, high-resolution scanning and digital printing. A Camera Store is equipped with all the equipment you need to use and borrow (take out) for each project.

Careers:

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. 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, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance. Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work. We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study

Other:

As part of your Level 5 studies, you will take our Preparation for the Creative and Cultural Industries module, where you will explore the potential career paths available to anyone with an Art or Design degree. You will be supported in the steps required to securing a work placement of at least 80 hours, giving you the opportunity to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. This provides you with a crucial advantage in gaining employment after graduation. Alternatively, you may wish to explore other cultures while you work and undertake our Experiential Overseas Learning module. With Experiential Overseas Learning, you can take advantage of our long-established links with organisations worldwide and undertake a five-week work placement abroad. An additional option for most students is the yearlong Study Abroad module. This offers the exciting opportunity to study overseas for a full academic year. If you opt for this module, you will undertake study at one of our partner universities, once you have successfully completed Level 5; it is expected that you choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which accrue at least (100 credits; 50 ECTS). Additional subjects may be taken, but these can only be used for credit if the university abroad assigns ECTS credits to them (i.e., if students pass all the required assessments associated with the relevant module at the university abroad). As an alternative to the Study Abroad module, at the end of Level 5, you can opt to undertake Working in the Creative and Cultural Industries, our yearlong work placement module. This is an opportunity to enhance your subject understanding through observation and application of subject skills in the workplace; gaining professional insights, exploring industry tasks and responsibilities, fostering personal and professional growth and transferable skills, and familiarising you with real-world work dynamics, problem-solving and teamwork.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Home Students

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study. The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals. Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

International/EU Students

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study. For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section. Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.