BA Hons Contemporary Photographic Practice at University of Northumbria at Newcastle United Kingdom
COURSE INFORMATION
The Contemporary Photographic Practice programme has been designed to provide students with an understanding of the techniques, theories, research and contemporary usage of photography, within a wide social and cultural context. Early emphasis is placed on methods and materials. At this time students are introduced to the basics of photographic history; how to read photographs; and formative critical theories related to photography. Building on this groundwork the programme then introduces students to key contemporary and post-modern debates relating to the extended range of practices open to a contemporary photographer. However, as the subject itself is continually open to change and re-definition students have an important role in defining and exploring new directions in photographic practice. With this in mind, the Contemporary Photographic Practice degree helps students to develop the range of key skills necessary to be a photographer today and to be able to fully exploit the potential of lens-based practice.
Students are encouraged to identify the subject matter of their photography projects, and in the final year present an exhibition of work made as part of self-initiated (visual) research, and a portfolio for their degree assessment. Previously, students have been supported in a wide range of projects ranging from new approaches to documentary production, desktop publishing, web-based work, digital, video and installation.
The programme is taught by a staff of practising photographers, subject specialists and visiting artists, providing an atmosphere of involved study, research into teaching, theory to practice and importantly, lively debate.
MODULE INFORMATION
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COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT
Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials with lectures and seminars covering photographic history, theory and contemporary photographic practices. Student project work is developed in workshops and through tutorials.
Students are assessed on a combination of project work, essays, seminars and private study. Assessment of Years 2 and 3 contributes to the final degree award. In the third year, all students submit a dissertation and work towards an exhibition of their final project.
SELECTION
Applications are encouraged from potential students who can offer equivalent or alternative qualifications and also from mature students where the usual requirements may be waived.
CAREERS
The programme teaches key professional skills that will prepare students for a successful career in photography. Students completing the programme are articulate and well informed about a wide range of contemporary issues.
Employment is a key issue and the programme recognises that graduates working in photography will need to be flexible, imaginative, creative and possess a sound technical knowledge. Final year students are helped to gain a formative knowledge of possible career paths, and opportunities through a professional practice module that introduces them to a range of practitioners in both the photographic arts and commercial photography. Recent graduates have stayed on with us, to undertake postgraduate study, whilst others have taken up a variety of artistic and media related careers, including artist, editorial photographer, picture editor, curator, teacher and gallery assistant.