BA (Hons) Photography with Foundation

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Throughout the course, students will develop and consolidate their knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be a creative working in the photographic industry and the transferable skills required to be sustainable and ultimately successful.

The professional practice modules at each stage are designed to contribute to the refinement of students’ contextual understanding of their discipline and enable them to focus this towards identified personal career aspirations and the opportunities offered – directly and indirectly – by the industry.

Where could your degree in photography take you?

In addition, the course will support students’ understanding of the skills and attributes that develop entrepreneurial capability and strategies for graduation and progression to employment or further study.

Find inspiration from our graduates

Careers service

Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements and networks, working with the academic staff teaching on your course.

We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.

Learn about our careers service

We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

• Experiment. Have the freedom to experiment and develop your photography using our extensive analogue and digital facilities and resources.
  
  
• Promote. Use your photography to raise awareness and promote change in response to global challenges and environmental issues.
  
  
• Collaborate. Work with creative businesses, charities and organisations to gain real-world experience.
  
  
• Explore. Experience international opportunities through European field trips and established connections for studying abroad.
  
  
• Lifestyle. From making images on Dartmoor National Park in the morning to paddle boarding on the Plymouth Sound in the evening, enjoy a varied and unique quality of life in the city and its coastal location.
  
  
• Industry. Learn from contemporary professionals to help shape your future via our Artist Talks programme.
  
  
• Career. Follow in the footsteps of our prize-winning and successful alumni and achieve a career in various fields of the industry: editorial, commercial, art direction, assisting, styling, curating, picture editing, teaching and arts practice.

• Year 0

• The Foundation pathway provides students with non-standard entry points to progress onto the BA (Hons) programme. The Foundation year allows you to develop skills across a range of media and introduces creative best practice in preparation for the first year of the undergraduate programme. During the Foundation year you will have the opportunity to explore creative processes relevant to visual design, animation, illustration, print-making, fine art, and photography. The course is designed to encourage visual exploration and creative discovery within an engaging and vibrant studio setting. Upon successful completion of the Foundation course, you will join the undergraduate BA (Hons) programme equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete an undergraduate degree.
  

  Core modules

  • Materials, Methods and Media (ADA001)

    This module will introduce students to various techniques, materials and mediums through practise-based experiments, play and problem solving. You will be introduced to different creative processes and methods of working that will help you to develop your ideas and engage in critical and reflective practice.

  • Image, Type and Narrative (ADA002)

    Students will experiment with media, photography and typography to explore the relationship between image and word. This module enables students to gain knowledge within subject areas and explore the importance of developing an independent voice. Projects will become increasingly student driven as they develop their ability to propose ideas and solutions through self-directed inquiry, discovery and production.

  • Risk and Resolution (ADA003)

    Students will consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding in initiating, researching, developing and presenting a final project and exhibition. This module will also enable students to continue to research and develop their strengths as an independent art and design practitioner and prepare them for their next stage of study.

  • Critical Themes in Art & Design (ADA004)

    This module introduces students to transformative phases within the historical and contemporary context of art, design, photography and media. Students will learn to ask critical questions and find answers through information gathering, reading and research. Through articulating responses, students will be introduced to academic conventions in preparation for progression to further Higher Education.

• Year 1

• Experiment & Explore
  • Technical workshops and hands-on activities establish an understanding of professional working methods including: studio practice; analogue processes; digital workflow; bookmaking; digital and traditional printing.
  • Work with new people in new places in new ways. Whether it is making images on the Dartmoor field trip or working collectively on a brief directed by an industry professional, new opportunities will be available to you.
  • Lectures and seminars contextualise your work through the study of contemporary and historical practices.

  Core modules

  • Storytelling (PHO419)

    Students explore the art of storytelling in the form of an editorial/journalistic photo essay and a bookwork, introducing and expanding the practices of editing, sequencing, portraiture, layout, design, to further refine an understanding of professional context. The relationship between individual practice, ideas and the context of others work is continued.

  • Essentials (PHO420)

    In this module students develop an understanding of core photographic, technical and methodological processes of observational practice. Key photographic processes are explored through workshops, tutorials and personal photographic exploration. The relationship between individual practice, ideas and the context of others work is explored.

  • Establishing Practice (PHO421)

    Students develop an understanding of core photographic observational and constructed practice, including portraiture and still life. During workshops, seminars, and personal photographic exploration, key skills are developed. The relationship between individual practice, ideas and the context of others work is explored.

  • Histories 1 (PHO422)

    In this module students are introduced to a wide range of photographic histories, which chart the development of the medium, its characteristics, its practitioners and practices, and its proliferation throughout society. Students gain a broad knowledge and understanding of these histories and acquire skills in critical thinking, research, writing and presentation, which are used to explore and challenge conventional understandings.

  • Histories 2 (PHO423)

    In this module students expand their knowledge of photographic histories and further develop their skills in critical thinking, research and writing, building upon the knowledge and skills developed in Histories 1, with greater emphasis being placed on the practice of academic writing.

  • Making a Mark (PHO424)

    Students explore a range of alternative photographic processes, and techniques for printing photographic images. During a carousel of workshops and seminars, students are introduced to new processes, and facilities in the university. The relationship between individual practice, ideas and the context of others work is explored through individual exploration.

• Year 2

• Develop & Collaborate

  • Develop new ways of working and thinking about photography, through the teaching of new technologies and methods of production and publication.
  • Work across disciplines using one of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals to engage with and promote awareness of global (environmental) concerns.
  • Begin to consider your future and life after graduation by researching career opportunities and engaging in the Artist Talks programmes with established professionals.

  Core modules

  • Collaboration (PHO518)

    The module offers the opportunity to work collaboratively. Individual practice is developed through projects collaborating with an external individual, group or organisation.

  • Tableaux (PHO520)

    The module offers the opportunity to work collaboratively. Students work in groups to build and photograph an ambitious set construction in the studio or on location.

  • Practising Theory (PHO521)

    In this module students are introduced to a wide range of photographic theories and related discourses. They develop more advanced critical skills, including analysis and evaluation, and the application of theoretical concepts to photographic practice, as well as academic writing and research skills. Students continue to develop undergraduate research processes through the use of the Universitys ILS facilities and procedures and prepare for the final year Dissertation.

  Optional modules

  • Mediations (DOCU501)

    This module engages students in forms of contemporary documentary practice involving still and moving image, sound and text. These elements form the basis of a range of skills utilised as methods of intervention in disseminating current narratives. A single, short-duration multimedia piece is constructed over the course of the module.

  • Developing Practice (PHO514)

    This module presents an opportunity to build on previous experiences in order to further develop personal creative skills and interests within the context of contemporary photographic practices.

  • Critical Practices (PHO515)

    In this module students investigate the integration of theoretical ideas into photographic practice, exploring the various forms that this can take within historical and contemporary practice. They devise a plan of personal work that explores such correspondences, giving careful consideration to subject matter, visual (and textual) approach and presentation of work. The final part of the module will be concerned with preparation for the final year dissertation.

  • Exploration (PHO519)

    The module is designed to extend students experience and understanding of subjects beyond their immediate location. Students spend a minimum of ten weeks on location, offering the opportunity to increase communication skills, self reliance, a greater awareness of cultural values and increased professional prospects.

  • Futures (PHO522)

    Through practical project work and its refinement, students prepare for the final year of study through the development of a self-negotiated study programme. Technical, methodological and theoretical elements of practice are consolidated.

• Final Year

• Resolve & Exhibit

  • Research, produce and resolve a major body of work for publication and exhibition at the Summer Degree Show.
  • Consolidate and refine career ambitions and life after graduation through talks and workshops from graduates and industry speakers.
  • Contextualise and critically articulate your work in relation to various audiences and the opportunities these provide: editorial, commercial, fashion, fine art, post-grad study and research.

  Core modules

  • Negotiation (PHO601)

    In this module each student develops an ambitious individual programme of photographic practice in negotiation with tutors, through careful reflection on personal aims and objectives for the final year of study.

  • Resolution (PHO620)

    After an initial period of self-initiated preparation, research and consultation, a written proposal for the production of a body of work is prepared and submitted. Subject to the approval of the programme team, the student undertakes a period of self-negotiated study leading to the production of a substantial body of work, supported by a critical reflection.

  Optional modules

  • Dissertation (PHO617)

    This module completes the Photography research syllabus with an extended essay, researched and written by each student. Students have the opportunity to research and reflect on a subject of their choice, within an area associated with their practice discipline.

  • Extended Dissertation (PHO618)

    This module completes the Photography research syllabus with an extended essay, researched and written by each student. Students have the opportunity to research and reflect on a subject of their choice, within an area associated with their practice discipline.

  • Professional Futures (PHO619)

    Across the final semester, students reflect on both their own individual post University aspirations, as well as the current state of the field. This externally looking module supports students to understand and prepare for life after the degree.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BA Hons Photography with Foundation Programme Specification_6750

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Don’t have 32–48 UCAS tariff points? We will consider ‘non-standard’ applications on a case-by-case basis.

A levels: For Level 3 entry the Tariff points entry level will normally be 32–48 points from A level or equivalent. Non-standard applicants will normally be interviewed.

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended

Irish Leaving Certificate: Irish Highers, H5 in five subjects equivalent to 32–48 points.

International Baccalaureate: 24 overall

Proficiency in English: Students for whom English is an additional language will need to demonstrate ability in spoken and written English equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 and/or successfully complete the university’s special test before entering the foundation year.

English language requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

We are looking for applicants with good potential including with non-standard qualifications and background, so will consider every application on a case by case basis. Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions Team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice.