Introduction:

The BA (Hons) in Photography offers an exciting specialist programme that aims to enable creative students to understand and appreciate photography as a means of visual communication and creative expression. The Programme offers an opportunity to develop practical photographic and imaging skills underpinned by an understanding of critical and theoretical perspectives. This focus for study will enable each student to develop their individual creative and technical abilities to a high level.

The Programme is delivered within the specialist facilities of the Broadstairs Campus which currently include a specialist digital imaging and processing suites and a well equipped studio and darkroom. Students will benefit too from excellent editing facilities, technical support and the latest DSLRs, medium format, and large format equipment. The Programme includes regular field trips, exhibition and gallery visits and is supported by visiting professionals, enhancing further the teaching and learning experience.

Throughout the Programme emphasis is placed upon the integration of practice and theory. All the modules are designed to develop students’ awareness of supporting theoretical concepts informing their own practice and encouraging students to develop areas of specialism as they progress from year one to an increasingly individualised programme of study at year three.

Content and Structure:

In year one both Single Honours and Combined Honours students will be introduced to critical approaches to studying photography and to the creative practice of photography, introducing basic imaging skills and techniques.

In year two the modules taken will vary according to whether the Programme is studied as Single Honours or as Combined Honours. All students will take a double module in Advanced Creative Photographic Practice with additional optional modules in year two listed below.

In year three a greater emphasis is placed on independent learning. Students will, for example, take a compulsory extended double Specialised Study by Practical Project, developing their individually negotiated projects and preparing for their final degree show. The modules for both Single and Combined Honours students at year three are listed below.

YEAR 1

• Introduction to Creative Photographic Practice
• Introduction to Photographic Studies
• Photography in Context
• Digital Imaging: Photography
• Visual Research: Photography 

YEAR 2

• Advanced Creative Photographic Practice
• Analogue and Darkroom Practice 1
• Documenting the Real: Photography
• New Media and Society
• Advanced Digital Imaging: Photography
• Researching Industry Practice
• Photography in Film
• Exhibiting and Exhibitions

YEAR 3

• Specialised Study by Practical Project
• Analogue and Darkroom Practice 2
• Independent and Art Photography
• Media Management
• Mixed Media Research Methods
• Mixed Media Essay
• Individual Study
• Photography and Professional/Community Practice

Further information about options within degree programmes can be found here.

Methods of Assessment

A broad range of assessment strategies will be used, modules will be assessed by the submission of coursework which will involve tasks such as portfolios, dossiers and notebooks, essays, seminar presentations and end of year exhibitions.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Application is via UCAS, see the UCAS codes page. Entry requirements are typically 240 UCAS points including CCC at A2 Level, see the entry requirements page for more information. All applications will be considered on an individual basis according to qualifications, background and experience. All applicants must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in photography and a potential for practical work. 

Employment Opportunities

Successful students will have gained a full range of theoretical, creative, social, technological and administrative skills and resources appropriate for employment within the creative and cultural industries. Students may progress to professional employment in photography and digital imaging or more broadly into a very wide variety of settings where creativity, confidence, discipline and flair are important.