Photography: Editorial and Advertising BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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The Photography: Editorial and Advertising BA (Hons) program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive world of editorial and advertising photography. It emphasizes practical experience and professional application, guiding students through the theoretical and practical aspects of the field. The program covers a range of key areas, including technical proficiency, visual storytelling, professional practices, critical analysis, and entrepreneurship.

Program Outline

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Photography: Editorial and Advertising BA (Hons)

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Degree Overview

The Photography: Editorial and Advertising BA (Hons) program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive world of editorial and advertising photography. It emphasizes practical experience and professional application, guiding students through the theoretical and practical aspects of the field. The program covers a range of key areas, including:

• Technical proficiency: Students develop advanced skills in camera operation, lighting, and post-production techniques.
• Visual storytelling: They learn how to create compelling visuals that effectively communicate messages and engage audiences.
• Professional practices: They gain a thorough understanding of the industry, including client communication, copyrighting, and self-promotion.
• Critical analysis: They acquire the ability to critically analyze their work and that of others, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Entrepreneurship: They develop the skills and confidence needed to launch and maintain a successful career as a freelance photographer.
The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and integrated learning experience. In addition to intensive hands-on training, students participate in guest lectures, industry visits, and professional networking opportunities. They also work on live briefs and participate in collaborative projects, simulating real-world scenarios. The program's goals are to:
• Nurture creative vision and artistic expression: Encourage students to develop their personal style and voice as photographers.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry: Prepare them for a range of career paths within editorial and advertising photography.
• Empower students with entrepreneurial skills: Equip them to navigate the freelance market and build a successful career.
• Foster critical thinking and analysis: Develop their ability to critically evaluate their work and engage in intellectual discourse.
• Promote responsible and ethical practices: Instill in them the highest ethical standards and professional conduct.
By combining creative development, technical proficiency, and professional readiness, the Photography: Editorial and Advertising BA (Hons) program aims to prepare graduates for rewarding and successful careers in the field of professional photography.

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Outline

The Photography: Editorial and Advertising BA (Hons) program is offered as a full-time, three-year degree program. It can also be taken with an integrated foundation year, extending the duration to four years. The program structure and modules vary across the different year levels.

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#Level 4 (Year 1)

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All Modules:

• Photography Skills: This foundational module introduces students to essential practical skills in photography, encompassing both studio and location work, lighting techniques, exposure control, digital workflow, and film processing.
• Image Form and Meaning: This module focuses on fostering students' ability to analyze and interpret visual messages, enabling them to speak about photography meaningfully and connect with the underlying intentions and meanings embedded in images.
• Introduction to Advertising & Editorial Photography: This introductory module provides an overview of contemporary editorial and advertising photography, exploring publications, campaigns, and the relationship between image and text.
Students begin to develop their artistic vision and professionalism through various practical assignments.
• Introduction to Moving Image: This module guides students through the core aspects of moving image production, including filmmaking, stop-motion animation, and Vlog creation.
They learn fundamental techniques in pre-production, production, and post-production, focusing on developing creative films and animations using professional tools and processes.
• The Personal Portfolio: This module encourages students to explore and develop their personal visual language through self-initiated projects.
They experiment with different formats and narratives, creating compelling visual stories using still and/or moving image.
• Photography History, Ideas, and Contexts: This module delve into the history of photography, exploring key developments and theoretical approaches to visual analysis in various contexts, genres, and applications.
Students develop critical thinking and research skills while studying the works of renowned photographers and engaging with critical interpretations.
• #Level 5 (Year 2)

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All Modules:

• The Photograph: This module examines historical changes and continuities within photography, focusing on the works of influential photographers throughout history and exploring various theoretical and philosophical questions related to the medium.
• Communication for the Creative Industries: This module equips students with crucial communication skills necessary for navigating the professional creative industries.
They learn to effectively engage with industry professionals, online and in person, through social media, websites, email communication, and CV construction. They participate in workshops and receive industry mentorship, fostering strong professional networks.
• Creative Futures & Placement: This module supports students in exploring their creative future aspirations and placements.
Through lectures and tutorials, they formulate plans and reflect on their prior learning, personal work, and interests to establish a solid basis for their final-year major project and dissertation. This module guides students in securing and maximizing real-world work experience within the creative industries, offering insights into professional conduct and assisting in analyzing and articulating their acquired knowledge.
• The Visual Narrative: This module delves into the importance of visual storytelling, teaching students how to create clear narratives using imagery.
They explore methods of independent publishing to disseminate their work, learning how to balance image and text, sequencing, pacing, layout design, and typography to effectively capture and express their chosen subject, cause, or purpose.
• Editorial Photography with Moving Image: This practical module builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the first year.
Students engage in professional, practice-based briefs using stills and moving images, honing their technical and professional expertise with advanced equipment and software like Phase One, Capture One, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. They refine their skills in studio and location lighting, large format film and digital cameras, and moving image production and editing, while fostering innovative approaches and experimenting with new methods of visual communication.
• Creative Research & Development: This module encourages experimentation and creativity, providing students with the freedom to explore new methods of working, research subjects, and genres to discover and define their unique voice as photographers.
Through self-directed and set briefs, they engage with advanced Photoshop techniques and explore diverse avenues for creating still and moving images, culminating in the generation of new ideas that potentially form the basis for their major project in the final year.
• #Level 6 (Year 3)

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All Modules:

• Dissertation: Major Research Project: Building upon the planning and research initiated in Level 5, students embark on a self-directed research project, either in the form of a 7000-word formal dissertation with accompanying illustrations or a combined theory and practice project balancing 3000 words with a practical outcome.
They choose a subject for in-depth investigation and analysis, often aligning with their major project topic, and receive close supervision and guidance from a dissertation supervisor to develop a strong and coherent argument. This module culminates in a dissertation that demonstrates the student's research expertise, analytical capacity, and ability to articulate complex arguments.
• Advanced Professional Practice: This module builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in previous modules focusing on industry engagement, employability, and freelance or employed practitioner status.
Students learn about essential aspects of running their own business, including invoicing, copyrighting, licensing, keywording, tax, insurance, risk assessments, and more. They secure a live commission, applying the professional contracting process through negotiation, planning, pre-production, model releases, estimates, invoicing, and issuing licenses. Through lectures, workshops, and guest speakers, students gain valuable insights from successful professionals and graduates to prepare for their entry into the industry.
• Major Photography Project: This year-long module enables students to showcase their creative journey and artistic development throughout the program.
They produce a substantial body of work that reflects their distinctive style, interests, and career aspirations. Through negotiation, students create a long-term project or series of projects aligned with their chosen area of focus and professional ambitions. Building on their experience in Level 5 modules, they create a photobook in the first semester, incorporating both print and digital formats that may include moving image and sound. With feedback from design professionals and publishing editors, students develop a comprehensive body of work. They may choose to expand this project in the second semester or embark on a new one to further their artistic and professional exploration. Running in parallel with other Level 6 modules, students learn how to position their work within a professional context and prepare for their transition into industry careers. The作品 created in this module form the core of their portfolio, website, and social media presence, and will be exhibited in degree shows in London and Cheltenham.
• The Creative Professional: This module assists students in transitioning into the professional world, teaching them how to effectively present their skills, achievements, and potential to prospective employers, collaborators, and commissioners.
They share their work and receive feedback from top industry professionals, further refining their self-promotion skills. Through workshops, they create "ice-breaker" videos, develop elevator pitches, build industry networks, participate in mock interviews, seek mentorship, and establish engaging online presence. Collaboratively, they curate and exhibit their works in both online and physical showcase exhibitions across London and Cheltenham, launching their professional careers with confidence and preparation. Many graduates have successfully obtained freelance commissions and full-time job opportunities soon after graduating, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for a successful industry entry.

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Assessment

The Photography: Editorial and Advertising BA (Hons) program employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate students' understanding, practical skills, and critical thinking abilities. These methods vary across different modules and year levels, reflecting the learning objectives and expectations of each specific component of the program.

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Common assessment methods include:

• Portfolio development: Students continually develop and refine their portfolios throughout the program, showcasing their technical proficiency, artistic vision, and evolving style.
Portfolios are assessed against specific criteria, often including technical competency, conceptual clarity, coherence, and demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge.
• Written assignments: Students engage in written assignments, essays, and research projects that demonstrate their ability to analyze, synthesize, and critically evaluate relevant concepts, theories, and historical perspectives related to photography and visual communication.
• Presentations: Students present their work and research findings orally, developing communication skills and the ability to engage their audience effectively.
• Practical tasks: Students are assessed on their practical skills and application of knowledge through various assignments and projects, including creating photographic narratives, experimenting with different formats, and responding to professional briefs.
• Participation and engagement: Active participation in class discussions, workshops, and group projects contribute to the overall assessment, recognizing the importance of critical reflection and collaboration in the learning process.
The specific assessment criteria and weighting vary depending on the module and learning outcomes. Students receive detailed feedback on their work, enabling them to identify strengths, address areas for improvement, and refine their skills in preparation for their final year projects and entry into the professional realm.

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Teaching

The Photography: Editorial and Advertising BA (Hons) program employs a diverse range of teaching methods to foster an engaging and intellectually stimulating learning environment. The program emphasizes:

• Small class sizes: Enabling individualized attention and personalized support for each student, fostering a close-knit community where students can thrive and connect with their peers and instructors.
• Expert lecturers: Faculty members are experienced professional photographers, industry leaders, and academic researchers, bringing a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and current industry insights to the classroom.
• Guest speakers and industry visits: Students engage with guest speakers and participate in industry visits, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives, real-world scenarios, and established professionals in the field.
• Individualized feedback and support: Instructors provide regular feedback on assignments and projects, helping students refine their skills and develop their artistic voice.
• Collaborative learning: Group projects and workshops encourage teamwork, communication, and exchange of ideas, fostering collaborative environments that reflect the collaborative nature of the professional field.
• Innovative technological resources: Students have access to industry-standard equipment and software, including professional studios, film cameras, cutting-edge digital technologies, and editing suites.
• Studio-based learning: Students spend significant time in professional studio settings, acquiring hands-on experience using lighting setups, manipulating light and shadow, and practicing composition techniques with guidance from experienced professionals.
• Location photography: Students engage in location assignments, learning how to adapt their skills to diverse settings, capture real-world scenarios, and effectively work on-location with professional equipment and approaches.
• Emphasis on critical analysis: Students develop critical thinking skills through lectures, discussions, and written assignments, learning to analyze and interpret diverse visual materials and engage in sophisticated discussions about photography as an art form and a communication medium.
• Exploration of ethical considerations: Students explore ethical issues in photography, reflecting on copyright, representation, responsible visual storytelling, and the societal impact of professional photographic practice.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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UK Fees:

• £9,250 per year

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International Fees:

• £16,600 per year

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Payment:

• See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.