Overview
The Photography degree course at University Campus Suffolk offers students the opportunity to understand and explore in depth the practices, technologies and debates associated with the photographic image.
Image © Alistair Bartlett
Students will develop their ability to produce photographic work in a range of media, using techniques that are sensitive to the work’s context and audience. Central to the philosophy of the course is an emphasis on producing creative, expressive and risk-taking work, which also engages with critical and theoretical approaches.
Students on the course have access to a range of industry standard studios, darkrooms and digital suites specific to photography. In addition students are taught and have access to a broad range of professional photographic equipment including digital and analouge cameras, professional studio and location lighting, and fully colour managed post production and outputting options. For more information please see Facilities & Equipment|.
Image © Sara Cady
In addition to the experienced lecturers and practitioners on our teaching staff, the course is supported by visiting lecturers and guest speakers of the highest calibre who have included Martin Parr, Gareth McConnell, Tom Hunter, Bettina Von Zwehl, Steve Macleod and Eamonn McCabe.
Image © Carla Smith
This course equips students with transferable skills, and explores the use of photography in modern society, through the use of a hybrid of old and new media.
The course is available as a full-time (3 years) or part-time (4-9 years) programme . Please contact photographyucs.ac.uk| for more information.
Content and Modules
YEAR 1
Image © Shana Yarnel
The first year provides a thorough grounding in both technical and critical skills. Students will be introduced to historical, theoretical, cultural and political debates surrounding lens-based media. This study is directly linked to the use of all camera formats, as well as the specific qualities of analogue and digital photography. Students are required to make work both in the studio and on location.
Year 1 consists of four core days of timetabled study, with an additional day when students will be either on location or in the studios making work. An average week consists of approximately 9 hours of lectures in addition to workshops, critiques, seminars and tutorials.
Module Framework
This is a unitary course in which students take all modules. Students take a combination of 20, 40 or 60 credit modules either in year-long or Autumn or Spring/Summer formats as follows:
Level 4
Documentary (20 credits)
Space and Place (20 credits)
Portrait and Light (20 credits)
Photographic Techniques (40 credits) – year long
Critical Studies: Photography and Visual Culture (20 credits) - year long
Images © Lauren Parker (L) & Inigo Bruguera (R)
Students also benefit from an internationally recognised visiting lecturer programme, along with optional advanced workshops in historical and contemporary techniques and processes including Wet Plate Collodion on glass and tin.
Year 2
Image © Kalina Krawczyk
In the second year students continue to develop technical and contextual skills at a higher level. Risk taking, collaborative and interdisciplinary methods of working are introduced. Specific contact points are developed with industry through placements, visiting lecturers, field trips and exhibition visits.
Image © Andzej Rudzis
Year 2 consists of four core days in semester one, with an additional day of negotiated study. Semester two consists of three core study days, with an additional two days of negotiated study. An average week consists of approximately 5 hours of lectures in addition to workshops, critiques, seminars and tutorials.
Module Framework
This is a unitary course in which students take all modules. Students take a combination of 20, 40 or 60 credit modules either in year-long or Autumn or Spring/Summer formats as follows:
Level 5
Constructed Narratives (40 credits)
Individual Practice (20 credits)
Situated Practice (20 credits)
Professional Practice 1 (20 credits) - year long
Image © Alex Nutting
YEAR 3
Image © Natalie Martin
The third year enables students to develop thier own practice in a contemporary and professional context. This is underpinned through rigorous research in order to challenge, support and fulfil their professional and intellectual aspirations.
Year 3 consists of three core days in semester one, progressing onto a more individually supervised mode of study in semester two. An average week consists of approximately 2 hours of lectures in addition to being assigned a project supervisor for individual tutorials.
Module Framework
This is a unitary course in which students take all modules. Students take a combination of 20, 40 or 60 credit modules either in year-long or Autumn or Spring/Summer formats as follows:
Level 6
Degree Project (60 credits) – year long
Professional Practice 2 (20 credits) – year long
Dissertation (40 credits) – year long
In addition to the campus based teaching, students have the opportunity to experience national and international field trips, gallery visits, professional lab visits, and exhibit their work at a recognised London gallery.
Further Information
Between year 2 and year 3 there is an opportunity to pursue a work placement. During the module Professional Practice students will be introduced to industry links and working methods that prepare them for undertaking placements
The course is assessed through a variety of methods including practical projects, essays, seminar presentations, exhibitions and portfolios
The course at University Campus Suffolk is affiliated with the Association Of Photographers.
Career opportunities in photography include editorial, documentary, portraiture, advertising, fashion, music, architecture, newspaper, medical, wildlife, police photography, reality based visualisation or computer generated imaging and publishing. Other areas graduates can move into are fine art practice, picture research, editing and curatorial posts, gallery or project management, technical support and PR.
The course team comprises experienced lecturers, practicing photographers, writers, and artists using photography. Their work has been recognised nationally and internationally through publication and exhibition. The course is supported by a full time subject specific technical team.
Contact us
Photography
School of Arts and Humanities
University Cmpus Suffolk
Neptune Quay
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 1QJ
Email: photographyucs.ac.uk|
For more information please see: