Throughout the creative industries there is a need for skilled, creative, mature image producers, fully conversant with analogue and digital technologies and how they can facilitate powerful, innovative communication from media publishing and advertising to fine art and film. This innovative course combines the practical and academic study of photography within the inspirational and interdisciplinary context of the School of Art and Design. A distinctive feature of the course is the integrated approach to the teaching of professional photographic skills and the development of a critical understanding of photography's place in popular culture. The course develops creative ability and embraces diversity and individuality, emphasizing the increasing role of technology and innovation in contemporary image production. The study of photographic history and key aspects of art theory that relate to the medium, provide a critical framework that links with other allied disciplines in the School. An interdisciplinary approach to photography is encouraged and outcomes include; photographic and video installation, documentary, editorial, interactive media, gallery exhibition, artist book works, printmaking and more traditionally commercial practices like photojournalism or fashion photography.

Three years Full-time

Year One of the course is structured to provide an understanding of the diversity of photography, and of the contexts in which the fundamental and common practices and theories of photography may be applied. New technologies offer fresh creative techniques and wider access to photography but they demand new skills as additions not replacements to traditional ones. A series of workshops support the acquisition of analogue and digital skills in parallel with modules exploring documentary practices, narrative, the politicised landscape, the constructed image and representation of the body.
Modules include: Documentary, Landscape, Narrative and The Constructed Image.

Year Two introduces advanced level professional skills that along with the study of the history and theory of photography continue to underpin the development of practical projects. There are practice led modules on authorship, the institution and photography in the context of contemporary art.

In your final year you will produce a body of personal creative work, which should reflect the highest standards of innovation and professionalism. At final level, you develop your work to a professional standard using appropriate research and development techniques to create innovative and practical outcomes. Programmes of study are individually negotiated and outcomes are not necessarily constrained by the confines of the photographic medium at this stage.

Career opportunities include professional fine art practice, editorial photography, fashion photography, documentary, advertising, publishing, editing and curatorial posts, gallery/project management, writing, technical support, picture research, PR, music, portraiture, architecture, newspaper, medical, wildlife, police photography and further research and study. There are also opportunities for those wishing to teach after the completion of a postgraduate teaching qualification.

Taster Days and Open Days
We hold several taster mornings and open days so that you can meet staff and students, tour facilities, see student work and discuss portfolio preparation. Please contact the School office for dates.
Teaching and Learning Methods Formal presentations and case study lectures form the core of each module. These are supported by workshops, group tutorials, critiques and seminars. Technical workshops and modules in the history and theory of photography run in parallel to practice modules. Students present their work in peer group critiques at a review stage in each practice led module. Field trips, placements and visiting professionals are a key feature of the course.