Photography & Moving Image BA (Hons)

This is an exciting, but challenging time to be entering the photographic industry. Never has photography been so popular, nor so competitive. As such, this course has been designed to produce graduates that are: socially engaged, culturally and ethically aware photography and moving image practitioners; able to integrate criticality and reflection in their practice; independent thinkers who can collaborate and lead; sophisticated ‘makers,’ able to utilise contemporary and traditional technology and methodology appropriately for a range of audiences and functioning, and commercially adept practitioners of photography and moving image.

During the course of the programme you will study a range of subjects directly associated with photography and moving image. Alongside all the modules you will develop your academic skills that will help you progress smoothly. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and you will study the following modules:

Level 4 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include:

• Contextual Studies (Photography and Moving Image)
• Creative Process 1
• Location and Studio Practice
• Photography and Moving Image
• Professional Practice 1

Level 5 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include:

• Critical Studies (Photography and Moving Image)
• Creative Process 2
• Professional Practice 2
• Photographic Practice
• Moving Image Practice

Level 6 Modules (all modules are mandatory) include:

• Dissertation
• External Engagement
• Extensive Personal Practice and Exhibition
• Professional Practice 3

You’ll need 80 UCAS points to join this programme. Applicants should have and be able to verify that they have a pass in English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 English or equivalent as an entry requirement. Proof of this should be shown at the interview. 

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have relevant work/life experience will be considered on an individual basis and may be invited to interview. The interview will consider prior formal qualifications, and evidence of experience gained through employment or other verifiable sources. Students will be admitted when the interviews are confident that the student has demonstrated sufficient prior knowledge, skill, aptitude and interest to be equally able to succeed as a candidate offering the standard entry criteria.

Applicants should also exhibit an interest in the subject of photography and/or moving imagery, either as processes or theoretical.

You will also need:

• 80 UCAS points
• The ability to work independently, using your own initiative to resolve sophisticated bodies of work and exhibit the commitment to undertake this three year, higher level course
• A portfolio of photographs and/or moving imagery, presented to a high standard
• A pass in English GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 English or as an entry requirement (proof of this must be shown during the interview)
• As you progress through the programme, you may find it beneficial to invest in your own camera system, and potentially lighting equipment, depending on how your specialism develops. Our experienced staff will be on hand to advise you, thus ensuring that you make the right investment decisions.

In addition, throughout the programme, you will be required to invest in materials for the production of and presentation of photographic portfolios and moving-image works suitable for assessment and (at Level 6) a public exhibition. We advise that any equipment or materials queries be directed at the programme delivery team. There may be trips to external locations for workshops, conference or another external event that you will be required to pay for.

Care Leavers or Young Carers

We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.

Assessment will be undertaken through a range of established methodologies at various stages throughout your learning experience. This incorporates standard practices through initial, diagnostic, formative and summative stages. Examples of assessment activity includes:

• Essays
• Seminars
• Projects and Portfolios
• Dissertations
• Reflective/Summative Reports
• Group presentations
• Peer assessment
• Group assessment

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team could include senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators and technical officers.

Academic Support

We have a dedicated Student Engagement Team who will be able to provide support in the following areas:

• Study Skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
• Written English
• Academic Writing (including referencing)
• Research Skills
• Work Placement

Graduates from BA(Hons) Photography and Moving Image can progress onto a range of visual communication careers including: Advertising and industrial, documentary, news and editorial, fine-art, commercial (including e-commerce) community arts, teaching and postgraduate study.

You will be required to undertake work in your own time and also undertake private study. This will be in addition to your taught hours in class. You may also be required to undertake a work placement/work-based learning. This is in addition to the taught timetabled classes, please bear this in mind with your planning. 

The University Centre reserves the right to change timetables for the year ahead and this information is provided to you as a guide. The days of study in subsequent years of the course may vary.