Photography and Digital Media

This course is designed for students looking for an experimental, creative and critical environment in which to engage with photography and digital media.

Modules cover broad contexts of photography including, but not limited to the following areas: fashion, landscape, advertising, architecture and environment, documentary and editorial.

The course also explores potential directions in which technological change impacts upon photography, through methods of moving image, sequence and interactivity.

You will develop your creative ability and technical skills through a range of set and self-directed projects.

This course is designed for students looking for an experimental, creative and critical environment in which to engage with photography and digital media.

Why study Photography and Digital Media?

This course covers broad contexts of photography including (but not limited to) fashion, landscape, advertising, architecture and environment, documentary and editorial. You will develop your creative ability and technical skills through a range of set and self-directed projects, and you will explore potential directions in which technological change impacts upon photography.

Ratio of applications to places

No. of applicants (2011): 224

No. of places (2011): 30

National student survey results

Satisfaction with teaching for courses in this subject area (2011): 73%

Course structure

Year 1 looks at fundamental photographic principles and practice, and you will develop an awareness of photographic practice within the creative industries. You will gain practical and technical skills to enable you to apply tools and methods to a defined problem and will work with others as members of a group. You will learn to research visually and analytically and evaluate your work with tutor guidance. Modules cover darkroom, studio and basic principles of digital imaging.

As you progress to Year 2 you will develop a detailed knowledge of major theories relating to photographic practice, and a deeper awareness of social and ethical implications for the photographic industry. You will negotiate activities with tutors, and will be able to analyse, synthesise and evaluate work more independently.

Studio modules offer tutorial-led project work and incorporate professional workshop sessions led by industry practitioners. Visiting lecture and master class programme speakers have included Ian Teh, Kathryn Faulkner, Neil Drabble, and Grant Gee. Production workshops explore materials and methods for photographic reproduction in both print and electronic forms of communication.

At 3rd year level you will become more confident in identifying and defining complex visual solutions and have the freedom to define your own area of practice. You will apply appropriate knowledge and practical skills to produce your own body of work. You will be able to initiate, manage and critically evaluate your work and that of others, and demonstrate an informed knowledge of contemporary professional practice and the issues and debates that provide a context. The year ends with a public exhibition of portfolio work.

Course assessment

Assessment is by exhibition, written papers and live presentations. There are no written exams

Throughout the course you will explore the subject’s contextual framework through Historical and Critical Studies modules and gain industry awareness through Professional Context modules.

Teaching methods

Throughout the course you will explore the contextual framework of Photography and Digital Media through Historical and Critical studies modules and you will gain industry awareness through Professional Practice Modules. The programme will engage with creative and industry partners to offer 'Live' projects and open up opportunities to experience a professional working atmosphere in a safe environment.

You will benefit from links with local, regional as well as national and international creative industries and associations such as the Royal Photographic Society.

Application method

All full time applications are through UCAS

Course enquiries

For more information please contact Course Leader Kellie Hindmarch on k.hindmarch@bathspa.ac.uk

Entry requirements

Satisfactory completion of A-levels and a Foundation Studies course in Art and Design or appropriate BTEC course.

A portfolio of photographic and image based work.

Career opportunities

Students graduating from this course can find employment and self employment in the following career paths:

• photo journalism
• fashion photography
• product photography
• portrait photography
• photo editor
• editorial design
• advertising
• moving image
• curation
• art direction
• marketing
• studio management
• teaching