“I knew that I had a passion for photography, and Plymouth gave me the space to explore it fully.”
BA (Hons) Photography student Jess describes discovering her passion for the subject and studying in Plymouth.
Why I chose to study at Plymouth
Since studying photography at GCSE and A level, I knew that I had a passion for photography, finding great interest in exploring and capturing my findings. I was eager to learn more whilst discovering a new place – something that I can confidently say that I have achieved during my studies at the University of Plymouth.
I chose to come to Plymouth to continue my studies as it was a great opportunity to gain further independence by moving away from home, meeting new people and exploring a new place. I had visited the University campus at an open day and an offer holder day and was in awe of the Media Hub facilities, having never seen so much camera equipment in one space before. I love going out and about! Plymouth being so close to the coast and Dartmoor meant that I knew that my photography work would be visually varied.
A typical day on the BA (Hons) Photography course
Typically, my day-to-day tasks vary, with some days being out around Devon and Cornwall capturing new images for my course work, whereas other days, I am in Scott building on campus, editing photoshoots and considering where to take the project next. Some days, I am in university learning more from my lecturers, whether this be through lectures (e.g. learning about the history of photography and where it all started) or seminars (e.g. creating group discussions about each other’s work, bouncing ideas off one another). During these longer days on campus, you will often find me in the RLB Café, having coffee and a sweet treat to keep me going while getting on with planning my next photoshoot.
The application process
When I applied to come to the University of Plymouth, I applied relatively early as I knew straight away that this was where I wanted to go. I initially found the idea of having an interview and displaying my portfolio rather daunting, although this feeling very quickly disappeared. The interview process was relatively easy, feeling more like a conversation than a scary questioning interview.
My interview was in person (another excuse to come back to visit Plymouth once again!) with our course lead, Angus Fraser. During this process, it became clear that this opportunity was more of a way to display your potential, and explain your passion and interest, rather than being able to demonstrate professional photography.
The course goes over all of the basics from the very first module to ensure that everyone is confident in working with the camera equipment – particularly since we all come from different photographic backgrounds.
My university experience so far
I have absolutely loved my time at university so far and have met some amazing people – as friends, classmates and educators. I have made the most of living the student life, joining in with the pub quiz at the Students’ Union, going to their club night on a Saturday and cheering on my sporting flatmates in their various games.
I have really enjoyed my course, learning a multitude of new skills such as developing analogue film and learning how to use my photographic knowledge to make a successful moving image piece.
I have also received great support from the Careers team, learning more about the directions that I can take this degree when I graduate. Through this, I have participated in the Careers Mentoring Programme, working on a one-to-one basis with a mentor to gain skills such as creating CVs and cover letters. Through the Careers Service, I have also carried out a micro internship within the University’s Marketing team, learning of how I can transfer my photographic knowledge into a way that can help future students. I am looking forward to seeing what the final semester has to offer and where my degree will take me.
Photography by Jessica Moody
Top tips and advice to prospective students
One top tip that I would give to someone thinking about coming to the University of Plymouth, and joining the photography course, would be to make the most of your time in the South West. There is so much to see within walking distance from the campus, but the train station is also right next to campus making it possible to easily travel around Devon and Cornwall. During each of the modules, take any excuse you can to explore the beautiful landscape in both Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
Interested in photography?
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