BA (Hons) Photography at Plymouth College of Art
Photography is a wide- ranging discipline leading to opportunities in many specialist areas including documentary, fashion, fine art, commercial, social and reportage. On Foundation Degree Photography students explore a variety of photographic styles before choosing a specialist pathway. During the 1st year practical, conceptual, contextual and vocational skills are embedded, informing an increasingly self-initiated approach in the 2nd year.
Throughout the BA Photography programme, students benefit from a comprehensive range of industry standard resources including film and digital SLR, medium and large format cameras, lighting, studio and location equipment and silver based and digital post-production processes. Practical modules are designed to develop technical excellence in all aspects of photographic craft skill. We also encourage experimental work and believe, for example, that a pinhole camera is as valid a tool for image making as a large format camera.
Our overriding concern is to match technical excellence with creative endeavour. Photography students are expected to find innovative and original methods of making photographic imagery, underpinned by articulate visual communication skills and an acute understanding of the formal elements of art and design; composition, tone, line and form. The influence of art and design and the media, which is recognised as fundamental to photographic practice, is supported by a complementary studies option encouraging experimentation with disciplines outside of the photography subject specialism.
Throughout the BA Photography degree, critical thinking and reflective self-awareness are embedded in practical and theoretical modules. Links are made between formal lectures in contextual studies and the themes explored by students in their photographic practice, encouraging ownership of personal direction in all aspects of study. This integrated approach is further supported by the direct involvement of theory staff in studio modules and vice versa.
BA Degree Photography recognises changing career opportunities and vocational aspirations. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of photography related ethics, legislation and business skills, and undertake work-based learning to realistically enable them to meet their career aspirations in the arts, media or associated industries.
Further opportunities on completion of the programme include progression to a BA hons ‘top up’ year and potentially, post-graduate study.
The BA (Hons) honours year in Photography affords the opportunity to develop and expand your skills. You will explore in detail your chosen area of photographic practice leading towards the production and presentation of a major body of work that will be exhibited to the public and form the basis of your professional portfolio.
During your photography studies you will have developed a clear artistic direction and a strong professional identity. You will have learned the skills and developed the contacts necessary to enable you to pursue a career in photographic practice, as a self employed artist or in employment in the creative industries.
Validated by The Open University
