BA (Hons) Photography

• GCSE: For all applicants, Grade C or above, or Grade 4 under newly reformed GCSE grading, in English Language, or equivalent. Please note the University does not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as suitable alternatives to GCSEs.
• A-level subjects: No specific subjects required. Points from A-Level General Studies and AS-Level subjects (not taken onto full A-Level) can be included towards overall tariff. You must have a minimum of two A-Levels.
• EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
• Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; to include 15 level 3 credits at merit.
• Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.

Year 1

You will be introduced to a range of practical and academic skills to broaden and deepen your knowledge of photography and your own approach to the medium. You will take project modules alongside practical workshops including digital and film camera use, film processing, black and white and colour printing, location lighting, studio practice, Photoshop, video, software for page layout, silk-screen printing, lithography and other specialist print disciplines.

A Professional Practice and Work Experience module enables students to begin to locate the context of their own practice, hear from professional practitioners and find out about future career options.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Introduction to Photography
• Exploring Practice in Photography
• Critical Perspectives
• Professional Practice and Work Experience 1

Year 2

You will further develop your creative practice through tutorial-led project work, which becomes ever more self-directed as the course progresses. In the second semester, you will be given the opportunity to concentrate on the production of moving image work and to develop your still image project work.

The Professional Practice and Work Experience module at level 2 provides a series of structured lectures and events designed to help you explore your potential for employment and future professional practice. All students exhibit their work within UWE and at external locations and are encouraged to undertake work placements and live projects. There is the opportunity to undertake an international exchange programme at one of our partner institutions in Europe or further afield.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Developing Practice in Photography
• Creative Analysis
• Professional Practice and Work Experience 2

Plus one of the following optional modules:

• Developing Practice in Photography 2
• International Exchange

Final Year

You will undertake self-directed project and research work that reflects your own ambitions beyond undergraduate study. This will be negotiated with and supported by the academic staff. You will be expected to combine your creative practice with a high level of critical reflection culminating in the presentation of a substantial body of creative work. This will be underpinned by academic research into the professional and critical contexts for the work.

Your portfolio (where appropriate) will be further developed to meet the high requirements of professional practice but as well as working autonomously you will be expected to work co-operatively with your peer group involving yourself in peer-evaluation and any group exhibition of your degree work. The Professional Practice and Work Experience module in Year 3 focuses on self-promotion and readiness for employment.

Visual Culture lectures and seminars will allow students to locate their practice within the context of photographic practices and the wider creative industries.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Preparation for Extended Study in Photography
• Extended Study in Photography
• Independent Research Project
• Professional Practice and Work Experience 3