COURSE OVERVIEW
DEGREE SPEC 2019/20
UCAS CODE W640
UCAS TARIFF 112
BA (Hons)
3 YEARS
Due to the recent outbreak of Covid-19 we have taken extra measures to make your application process a little easier! At the Northern school of Art we are dedicated to providing excellent creative education but understand the safety issues surrounding the current pandemic. Because of this we are temporarily taking away the interview process. Apply to our BA (Hons) Photography degree today using your online portfolio. Further information will be sent to all perspective students after applying.
This programme provides you with the technical skills, photographic opportunities and conceptual frameworks you need to develop your independent creative practice and vision in art-based, documentary photography, moving image or video.
Students will explore fine art, video and documentary photography during their three years of study. Research and risk-taking are at the heart of our exceptional grounding in high-end film and moving image techniques. Business skills and self-promotion will be emphasised so students can build successful and sustainable practices.
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 degree, you will have access to a range of industrystandard photographic equipment, including Canon, Hasselblad, Phase One, Sony and Toyo (large format) cameras. You will also have access to fully equipped studios, specialist film scanners, workstations, colour/ digital and black and white dark rooms.
Phase One Certified Professional
We are one of only a few institutions outside of London who will provide you with an opportunity to acquire your Phase One Certified Professional qualification whilst studying on this degree programme (at a heavily subsidised rate).
This is an industry-recognised qualification in Phase One Camera Systems, Digital Backs and Capture One Software which will provide you with a real advantage in terms of securing your first role in a photography studio or the imaging sector.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
on BA (Hons) Commercial Photography
In your first year (Level Four) you will explore:
• Digital Photography and Workflow
• Commercial Lighting
• Introduction to Critical Thinking
• Digital Enhancement and Retouching
• Genres in a Commercial Context
In your second year (Level Five) you will develop:
• Fashion Photography
• Advertising and Product Photography
• Critical Thinking and Contemporary Photography
• Advanced Enhancement and Retouching
• Negotiated Project
In your third year (Level Six) you will produce:
• Project Research and Preparation
• Dissertation/Report
• Final Major Project
• Final Show and Portfolio
FACILITIES
You will work within a purpose-built environment with industry-approved digital 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 abroad supplement your studies. Previous study visits include London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin.
STAFF
JAMIE MACDONALD
Programme Leader
Jamie is programme Leader for BA Photography. He oversees and manages both the Commercial and Photographic Practice (with Moving Image) degrees. He also leads on several modules across the department that relate to his research profile documentary filmmaking and photographic research. He is currently an active member of The Northern School of Art Research and Scholarly Activity Group.
ANTONY CHAMBERS
Lecturer
Antony teaches across all levels on both photography programmes, with a focus on level 4. His main passion for the subject lies in film photography and darkroom printing, which form the backbone for most of his teaching. The photobook and exhibition modules that Antony teaches provide a platform from which the students can creatively express themselves. As well as exhibiting and self-publishing his work, Antony is involved in a long-term project photographing the landscape in and around his hometown of Middlesbrough. Along with three others, Antony has recently founded WAX, an organisation based in Middlesbrough which is establishing a programme of exhibitions and workshops centred on contemporary photographic practice.
JILL COLE
Lecturer
Jill lectures on both the BA (Hons) Photographic Practice (with Moving Image) and the BA (Hons) Commercial Photography programmes. She leads the Research and Investigation module at L4, the Professional Inquiry module at L5 and the Professional Practice module at Level 6, all of which have a focus 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. She understands the challenges faced by emerging practicing photographers and the opportunities that exist for them after graduation. As a practicing documentary photographer Jill also leads the Photographic Medium and Message module at L4. She is a member of The Northern School of Art Academic Board.
HOLLIE GALLOWAY
Technician Demonstrator
Hollie provides technical support and workshops to students at all levels, as well as providing workshops for other programmes that require photographic guidance. Hollie was selected from a pool of photographers to shoot a campaign for New Balance in the Marble Quarries of Carrara, Italy. This campaign was advertised worldwide and the images were displayed in a wide range of formats. She has also recently been to Bangladesh on a social documentary project, following a filmmaker as he produced a short film about the ready-made garments industry in the developing world.
ALUMNI
In recent years, we have seen the following go on to work in a range of exciting and challenging vocations:
Peter Caton
Editorial travel photographer; Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal
Boo George
Fashion editorial photographer; London, Milan, New York, San Francisco
Dan Holdsworth
Artist / photographer; Australia, America, Iceland, Sweden, Switzerland
Laurie Fletcher
Editorial photographer; London
Jason Hynes
Photographer, Editing + installation work; UK and USA
UNISTATS Data
NEWS
‘Practice’ exhibition goes into creative hibernation
Mar 25 2020An exhibition that was set to open at a popular north east art gallery just as the coronavirus hit the UK has gone in...
Artistic ‘Practice’ by prestigious art school practitioners goes on show
Mar 10 2020A rare opportunity to view work by a range of artists and practitioners who teach at the prestigious The Northern Sch...
UK’s Creative Industries contribute almost £13 million to the UK economy every hour
Feb 24 2020Specialist creative institution The Northern School of Art has welcomed the publication of new statistics that reveal...