BA (Hons) Photography

COURSE OVERVIEW

Programme Specification BA (Hons) Photography UCAS CODE W642 UCAS TARIFF 96 - 112 BA (Hons) 3 YEARS

Photography holds significant importance in our ever-expanding world of technology. It not only allows us to capture memories and tell stories but also has the power to bring products, places, people, and brands to life.
Through ongoing collaboration with industry partners and affiliation with the Association of Photographers (AOP), our programme covers everything from analogue darkroom practices to industry-standard digital studio workflows, post-production, and even aspects of AI in the rapidly changing digital landscape. With unlimited access to our industry-standard facilities, we offer an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in developing and applying their creative and technical skills to a variety of projects exploring the role of photography. Our programme prepares you to become a professional photographer and enter exciting fields such as fashion, documentary, editorial, fine art, and other related vocations.
As photography is a highly creative subject, we encourage students to experiment and develop their own individual voices. You will receive a comprehensive induction to our specialist studios and camera equipment and be introduced to a range of techniques to develop your unique brand, vision, and style of photography.
The course provides opportunities for exhibitions, short filmmaking, creating publications, participating in live projects, competitions, and international travel. Our teaching staff, many of whom are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), are practising photographers and filmmakers with extensive technical, practical, and theoretical expertise. Photographs have the power to drive social and environmental change, and through our programme, you will harness this power to make a meaningful impact.

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COURSE DETAILS
WHAT TO EXPECT
GUEST LECTURERS
ALUMNI CAREERS
SPECIALIST SUBJECTS
PORTFOLIO ADVICE
INDUSTRY LIAISON

The programme encourages you to establish a balance between your creative vision and the technical processes required to produce work for a number of photographic outputs and formats. Throughout the course you will have access to Canon, Sony, Hasselblad and Phase One camera systems, plus a range of industry- standard photographic equipment. You will also use a fully equipped professional studio and darkroom, which are designed to prepare you for the industry.

This photography degree is based in superb facilities and taught by staff who work in the industry, so you can be assured of an exceptional learning experience. The focus is on providing you with the technical and creative skills you will need to become a successful practitioner in this industry. This means documenting the world around you through your own personal vision, creating great photographic art or fulfilling client briefs on time and within budget, while producing stunning high-quality images.

Our graduates have gone on to undertake post-graduate study and/or to work in a wide range of careers including: editorial, documentary, fashion, advertising, photojournalism, sport, social portraiture, music, photo-retouching, picture editing, publishing, curating and education. All students are offered training to a professional standard in Capture One, Adobe Lightroom and the Adobe Creative Suite.

Awards
Source Graduate online 2022
Ilford Student Awards 2022
Photo North Student Competition 2022
Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize 2022
Portrait of Britain 2022
British Photography Awards 2021 (shortlisted)
Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards 2018, 2019 and 2021 – shortlist
EIZO Student Awards 2018 and 2019 - finalist
SONY World Photography Awards 2016 - final shortlist
Association of Photographers (AOP) Course of the Year 2017*
*The current degree is a successor to the 2016/2017 award-winning programme.

Student Voice

Watch now to find out more about what it's like to study photography here at The Northern School of Art!

Jamie Macdonald

Hear from Senior Photography Lecturer Jamie Macdonald!

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

on BA (Hons) Photographic Practice

First Year (Level 4):

In Year One you will learn about workflow for both digital and darkroom applications. This is supported by a programme of technical workshops, academic lectures seminars. You will study the history of photography and produce a group exhibition to a professional standard upon completion of your first year.

Second Year (Level Five):

In year two you will work with moving image and produce work around a chosen subject area. This might include client focused work, a photographic publication or a body of work for other outputs and responses. This is again supported by critical investigation of how to read photographs and understand the importance of images and the various uses and applications in the world today.

Third Year (Level Six):

In your final year you will work towards creating a professional portfolio a written dissertation and an industry ready portfolio of work as you consider your personal independent practice and prepare for employment and/or further study.

FACILITIES

You will work within a purpose-built environment with industry-standard equipment, software, techniques and facilities. A varied and intensive introduction allows you the opportunity to become technically competent and creatively aware with a broad range of relevant skills. As you progress, you’ll be encouraged to develop your work; your understanding and acquisition of transferable skills and develop your portfolio in your chosen specialist direction. Regular visits locally, nationally and internationally supplement your studies. Previous study visits include London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin.

STAFF

JAMIE MACDONALD

Senior Lecturer Senior lecturer Jamie is responsible for overseeing the photography programme. He also leads on several modules across the department that relate to his research profile of documentary filmmaking and photographic research. Jamie’s most recent project has been directing and producing a long-term film commission for the Arts Council, based at the Northern Glass Centre for the internationally exclaimed project ‘Glass Exchange’. He is an active member of The Northern School of Art Research and Scholarly Activity Group. Qualifications: BA (Hons), PGCE, MA, FHEA

JILL COLE

Lecturer Jill lectures on developing students’ professional practice in a photographic context. She is responsible for building and maintaining external links and organises events and a visiting lecture programme that provides a platform for students to engage with the wider photographic industry. As a practicing photographer Jill also leads practical modules, working with students in a range of genres. She is a member of The Northern School of Art Academic Board. Qualifications: BA (Hons), MSc, PgCLTHE, FHEA

JAMIE TYERMAN

Lecturer Jamie is a multi award winning commercial fashion photographer. Jamie recently joined the photography programme to pass on his knowledge of the industry. As well as working within the fashion industry for many years he has also worked in the role of club photographer at a Premier League football club, providing imagery for national and world press. He has an extensive knowledge of both digital and analogue photography for professional application. Qualifications: BA (Hons)