Course Content

Photography graduates now need to be prepared for a more varied and changing work environment by developing a range of broader, more transferable skills.

The visual communications industry requires people who can analyse communication needs and produce creative imagery; people with a combination of technical, visual, creative and critical & analytical skills have a great deal to offer and are recruited into a variety of posts - photography, art direction, picture editing, etc. The development of transferable skills in analysis, problem solving, synthesis, communication and marketing are essential if you are to enjoy a broad range of employment opportunities.

The course team believes that a course concentrating on the development of these skills, combined with the practical skills of photography, will provide a challenging programme worthy of study at degree level.

The first year

During this stage we concentrate on the development of visual language and exploring concepts. We introduce you to the idea of negotiating your own personal direction. This occurs when you select concepts and subjects to explore in which you have a personal interest. Here, as in all of the course, we strongly encourage you to explore, experiment and take risks.

The second year

Builds on the personal direction evident in the first stage work and applies this to a wide range of subject matter, introducing new and personal insights into these subjects. The broad nature of the second year will provide many potential routes for investigation. We think this is important in the long term as it can form the basis of a lifetime of visual exploration and research.

The final year

This stage concentrates on developing a body of work - your book - which draws from the risks and challenges you explored in the first two years. The work is directed both by your own ideas and the areas of work you wish to go into when you complete the course.

Contextual Studies

A programme of contextual studies runs in parallel with the practical units in every year. It provides a broad understanding of the historical, cultural and critical issues relating to images and the use of images. You will develop a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills which will help you to refine your ideas and your work.

Professional Awareness

We also look at the professional photographic context, starting with a period of industrial release in the second year. By the end of the third year you will have developed your own personal marketing strategy and business plan. This will be based on your own research and experience within the market area you find most attractive.