Art Degrees Online

The photography program has, as its underlying basis, the recognition of photography as a unique and elegant blend of science and art which has evolved into one of the most influential media of communication on the planet. As a fine art that works directly from reality and is, therefore, grounded in truth, it is an extremely potent and evocative means of self-expression. As the preferred means of news reportage, it has, since its inception, been the primary force in documenting global events, and, in some cases, even shaping world history. As the medium of choice for product advertising, it accounts for billions of dollars of consumer trade, annually. And now, with the advent of digital photography, the creative power and control of the individual photographer is almost unlimited.

A two-year Associate in Fine Arts degree, or a two-year diploma, is offered for students wishing to prepare for this field. Also, a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Digital Imaging has been designed to cover the increased digital needs of our students, as well as to continue to offer the skills, concepts and history of traditional gelatin/silver photography. This program has been carefully designed to accurately mirror the dynamic merger of traditional and digital imagining which is currently evolving in the field.

The BFA program offers the student a unique experience that covers both fine art and commercial photography. Students will be given the opportunity to acquire skills that enable them to choose from many different photo career directions which is currently evolving in the field.

Career opportunities in photography are quite varied, and include portraiture, photojournalism, architectural photography, product photography, wedding photography, photographic processing and printing, and many forms of prepress digital manipulation.

Aim of the programme

MRes Photography provides an exciting opportunity for students to pursue an individual research project, which may be practice-based, historical, critical, curatorial or theoretical.

Programme highlights

High profile photography department; academic staff exhibit/publish individually and contribute within the Research Centre for Land/Water and the Visual Arts.
Facilities include a purpose built daylight studio; digital and analogue dark rooms.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree or above in Photography or a related subject; or an equivalent degree from overseas. Evidence that you are ready to pursue your proposed project. IELTS of 6.5 minimum or equivalent.

General programme structure

We particularly welcome research proposals in the following areas: land and environment; camera-less photography; contemporary art practices; documentary and reportage; architectural photography; women’s photography. The programme engages current ideas and debates, skills and methodologies for research into or through photography.

The programme comprises three assessed modules:
Photography, the practice of research, shared with the taught Masters programmes in photography (30 credits)
Research in the Arts and Humanities (30 credits)
A masters thesis or approved research project (120 credits)

The project/thesis may be assessed entirely through written work, or through a substantial practical project accompanied by an extended contextual essay.

Full-time students take Photography, the practice of research in term one, Research in the Arts and Humanities in terms one and two, and their project/thesis across the whole academic year.

Part-time students take the two taught modules in year one and carry out their project/thesis in year two.

The project/thesis is taught via one-to-one supervision during term time and through contact by arrangement up to final submission in September.

Students are also encouraged to attend research seminars in a wide variety of arts disciplines, and the faculty-wide training events.
Detailed programme structure

We will help you to ground your chosen project in the latest theoretical and conceptual approaches in photography studies and beyond. This programme explicitly embeds research skills to prepare graduates for MPhil/PhD programmes.
Teaching and learning will take place through one-to-one meetings/tutorials; group seminars, discussions and workshops; staff/student research seminars; lectures/presentations by staff and visiting practitioners/academics; written feedback;

What makes the Photography degree program at UArts special?
Our internationally recognized program will guide you to become a successful photographer. In addition to increasing your creativity and inventiveness, you’ll build a solid technical competency in traditional and digital image-making. Students studying for a degree in Photography at UArts will benefit from:
• Superb digital and traditional darkroom-based, and alternative processing facilities
• The Paradigm lecture series featuring prominent photographers and artists
• Two department-run photo galleries featuring work by renowned photographers
• Field trips to New York each semester
• An extensive internship program that provides invaluable professional experience
• Dedicated and involved faculty, who work closely with students
• Our location in Philadelphia, one of the strongest photography communities in the country, with a very active art scene

What kind of Photography facilities will I have access to?
Students learn in advanced photo labs and show their work in various on-campus galleries. Facilities also include:
• Four photography shooting studios
• Four state-of-the-art black and white darkrooms with 55 Beseler 4×5 enlargers
• Color darkroom with 14 individual stations with Beseler 4×5 enlargers, and a 32-inch Colex RA-4 color processor
• Two dedicated Apple G5 Digital Imaging Labs, with G5 systems, with dual LCD displays, scanners at every station, and a variety of input and output devices
• A well-equipped Equipment Room with professional industry-standard equipment

What careers are available to photography majors?
Our alumni work in fashion, documentary, photojournalism, fine art, commercial, studio work, architectural photography, editorial, and advertising photography. Some choose to work in gallery management, art direction, photo editing, and advertising.

The photography program is designed to teach entry-level skills for careers in the photographic industry. Students interested in photography as visual expression or an adjunct to a vocation will also benefit.

Flexibility of the advanced program allows a student to concentrate upon a specific photographic career area.

Students planning to prepare for a four-year degree in Photography should consult the lower division requirements of the university to which they plan to transfer.
Career Opportunities
Studio Photography, Portrait & Wedding Photography; Photographic Lab Technician; Photojournalism; Industrial and Architectural Photography

Some Career Opportunities may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some Career Opportunities or for preparation for transfer to a university program.
Highlights
Modern Lab and Studio Facilities
Sixteen Color Enlargers
Sixteen Black & White Enlargers
Digital Media Lab
Digital Scanners and Printers
20″ Rapid Access Processor
Color Film Processor
Field Trips to a variety of photographic businesses in Sacramento and the Bay Area.
Field study courses in Yosemite, the Eastern Sierras, and Monterey
Special Seminars

Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree
Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.
Field Study Classes at Cosumnes River College
Nature is often the best classroom! Come learn outside in Cosumnes River College’s field study courses. These classes consist of short classroom sessions followed by extended trips to some of the most unique and beautiful environments in California, including Big Sur, Monterey Bay, Mt. Lassen, Point Reyes, Yosemite and more! These short-term classes are offered by several departments, including Biology, Geography, Geology, Photography, and Physical Education. For more information about specific classes, consult the class schedule or contact each department.