Program Overview
The British University in Cairo offers a B.A. (Hons) Photography program that combines practical and theoretical modules in digital documentary photography, constructed photography, and contemporary photographic practices. Students engage in project development, portfolio creation, visual essays, and a graduation project culminated in a final degree show exhibition. The program requires meeting CPNU regulations, English proficiency, and a portfolio review for admission.
Program Outline
(Hons) Photography program. The program is structured across several modules, categorized by Higher Education (HE) level (HE4, HE5, HE6). Each module has a title, code, credit value, and a summary description.
- ADGMP034 (HE4) Documentary Photography (40 credits): A practical module introducing digital documentary photography. Students develop a proposed documentary project and examine precedents of documentary practice.
- ADGMP044 (HE4) Pre, Present, Post Photography (20 credits): A theory-based module exploring the development of photography from its origins to the post-photographic digital era. Students produce a visual essay.
- ADGMP054 (HE4) The Constructed Photograph (40 credits): A practical module introducing various genres of constructed photography. Students develop a digital portfolio based on these genres.
- ADGMP064 (HE4) Thinking Photography (20 credits): A theory-based module building on previous modules, further exploring the historical and global contexts of photographic practice. Students produce a visual essay.
- ADGMP075 (HE5) Photography Beyond the Frame (20 credits): A practical module encouraging experimental approaches to photography, building on HE4 work. Students produce an experimental photographic portfolio.
- ADGMP085 (HE5) Photographic Conceptual Explorations (20 credits): A theory-based module discussing debates and issues in contemporary photographic practice. Students produce a context report proposal.
- ADGMP095 (HE5) Self-Publishing & The Photobook (20 credits): A practical module focusing on the photobook as a communication tool. Students develop a self-published book. Students present their work in an "open studio" exhibition.
- ADGMP146 (HE6) GMP Critical Context Report (40 credits): A theoretical module building on HE5, requiring students to develop a Critical Contextual Report based on their HE5 proposal.
- ADGMP156 (HE6) GMP Graduation Project - Enq / Dev (40 credits): A practice-based module setting the scene for the final graduation project and exhibition. It includes an extended photographic project.
- ADGMP166 (HE6) GMP Graduation Project - Real / Ref (40 credits): A practice-based module culminating in the final degree show exhibition.
- Visual essays: Required for ADGMP044 (Pre, Present, Post Photography) and ADGMP064 (Thinking Photography).
- Digital portfolio: Required for ADGMP054 (The Constructed Photograph).
- Experimental photographic portfolio: Required for ADGMP075 (Photography Beyond the Frame).
- Context report proposal: Required for ADGMP085 (Photographic Conceptual Explorations).
- Self-published book: Required for ADGMP095 (Self-Publishing & The Photobook).
- Critical Contextual Report: Required for ADGMP146 (GMP Critical Context Report).
- Extended photographic project and final degree show exhibition: Required for ADGMP156 (GMP Graduation Project - Enq / Dev) and ADGMP166 (GMP Graduation Project - Real / Ref). The practical modules involve project development and portfolio creation, while the theoretical modules involve visual essays and reports.
Other:
The text mentions that the program is offered at the British University in Cairo and that admission requires meeting Egyptian Council of Private & National Universities (CPNU) regulations, as well as specific English language proficiency requirements and a portfolio review/aptitude test. The portfolio should include original art and design work, a statement of intent, sketchbooks, paintings, photographs, and digital work (on a memory stick). Applicants can indicate their preferred department within the Faculty of Art & Design (Fine Art, Interior Architecture, Fashion & Textiles, Graphic & Media Photography, Game Design, or Illustration Animation). These choices are not guaranteed and depend on module grades and Prep Year performance.
The British University in Egypt (BUE) is a private institution located in El Shorouk City, Cairo, established in September 2005. It offers a British-style education, awarding degrees validated by partner UK universities and recognized by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities.
Academic Structure:
BUE comprises several faculties, including:
- Business Administration, Economics, and Political Science
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Information and Computer Science
- Mass Communication
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Arts and Humanities
- Law
- Arts and Design
These faculties offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required in today's job market.
Admissions:
Admission to BUE is competitive and aligns with the regulations set by the Egyptian Council of Private Universities. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance and English proficiency. Detailed information on the application process, including specific requirements for various educational certificates, is available on the university's official admissions page.
Campus and Facilities:
The main campus spans approximately 40 acres, featuring modern teaching facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, a comprehensive library, and various recreational amenities. The university is committed to providing a conducive learning environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.
Accreditation and Partnerships:
BUE maintains strong collaborations with UK institutions such as London South Bank University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Queen Margaret University. These partnerships ensure that the curricula meet international standards and provide students with opportunities for global exposure. Additionally, BUE is accredited by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities and has received recognition from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
Leadership:
The university is led by President Professor Mohamed Loutfi, who assumed the position in 2021. Professor Loutfi brings a wealth of experience from previous academic roles in both the UK and Egypt. In December 2022, the esteemed cardiologist Sir Magdi Yacoub was appointed as the first honorary chancellor of BUE, reflecting the institution's dedication to excellence in education and research.
Additionally, all applicants must attend a portfolio inspection group interview session or take an aptitude test.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants must meet one of the following English language proficiency requirements: Submit a valid academic IELTS with a minimum score of 5.0. Sit for the Linguaskill English Placement Test (Cambridge University). Applicants with internationally recognized high school certificates may be exempted from the English test based on the criteria shown in the provided images (images are not transcribed here as they are visual representations of data).
