The first year of the photography degree introduces and explores key concepts that are relevant to contemporary photographic practice through challenging practical projects. All practical modules – whether based in fashion, advertising or fine-art photography – will develop your technical skills and provide stimulating assignments to develop your creativity. Skills will be enhanced in both digital and analogue photographic techniques and you will engage in other relevant media such as moving image and sound.
As you move through the photography course, it will reinforce your emerging photographic practice through a sound knowledge of the history of photography and an awareness of contemporary developments in the medium. The contextual elements of the course will encourage you to think critically about photography and its impact on culture and society.
Year One
Photography and the Real
Photography and Illusion
Photography as Narrative
Photography and Responsibility
Critical Practice 1: Histories
Critical Practice 2: Languages
Year Two
Defining Practice
Negotiated Project
Critical Practice 3: Paradigms
Critical Practice 4: Research
Year Three
Refining Practice
Dissertation
Professional Resolution
Modules and course content may vary depending on year of entry.
Learning and teaching methods
The emphasis of this photography degree is practice, but it also contains theoretical elements that provide context. The practical teaching is delivered through a combination of workshops, lectures and tutorials, with screenings, gallery visits, field trips and other events.
You will usually develop your practical work individually, but will occasionally work in groups.
You will have guidance on assignments but will also be expected to work in a self-directed way, especially in your final year Major Project that concludes with a public exhibition. Most theory modules have seminar sessions as well as lectures.