Photography is a practice-based course where you are encouraged to develop a highly individual approach.
Campus
Chester
Course
BA (Hons) Combined
Length
3 Years Full-time
Start date
September 2012
Photography is an exciting and dynamic course of study, developing each student's individual approach to making photographic images. The programme is supported by guest lectures from international photographers, artists, writers and curators.
The cross-flow of ideas between Photography and Fine Art is a core feature of the programme. Through the course you are encouraged to explore the material possibilities of the medium by developing digital and darkroom skills while investigating a wide range of different photographic forms including the print, artist's books and the photograph as object. We encourage a wide range of approaches to the medium including documentary, fashion and portraiture and fine art photography practice.
We also encourage interdisciplinary study and support access to other art production facilities and teaching contact across the department. Over the three years of the course, we encourage you to reinforce your practice with thorough and wide ranging research.
Features:
The Photography programme at Chester is taught by artists, writers and curators, practicing in national and international contexts. This creates a learning environment which stimulates creative practice where the student is encouraged to explore all aspects of art photography.
The programme also relates photographic practice to other areas of study, including popular culture, cinema, sociology and psychoanalysis. The city's proximity to the cultural capitals of Liverpool (40 mins), Manchester (1 hour) and London (2 hours) by rail provides access to important archives, galleries and museums.
Students are introduced to all aspects of the medium - analogue and digital and are taught to use all camera formats via location, studio and workshop teaching whilst relating their work to the practice of other photographers. Students begin to prepare a professional approach to portfolio and exhibition possibilities which continues throughout the course.
Photography Theory (20 credits)
A series of lectures and seminars address the histories and theories of photographic practice from its pre-existence and its invention through to its contemporary usage as part of contemporary art practice.
Level 5 (Year 2)
Contextual Practice (40 credits)
This module merges practice and theory as you develop an emerging visual identity as a photographer. In agreement with your tutor you will start to identify personal work supported by thorough artist research. You are encouraged to explore and experiment in more than one area of investigation which could include moving image, printmaking or artist's books.
Collaborative Practice (20 credits)
This is an optional module where you develop an in-house and public display of your work within a group context. You are encouraged to explore contemporary approaches to showing work which could include making artefacts, an installation, a performance or a time-based piece. The module is supported by teaching which deals with the logistics of this practice, curation, and the history of artist collaboration.
Fine Art Experiential Learning and Work Based Learning
During the second year, students elect to study either the Work Based Learning module or Fine Art and Photography Experiential Learning module. Work Based Learning is a more general option providing work experience within a wider social and/or commercial context. Fine Art and Photography Experiential Learning provides the opportunity to work in a creative environment related to an area of Fine Art or Photography practice. Previous students have undertaken work in agencies, photographic studios, museums and galleries, as well as in forensics, or undertaken practice-based travel or residential projects at home and abroad.
Level 6 (Year 3)
Negotiated Photography Project (40 credits)
By Year 3, you will have established a self-directed approach to your photographic practice which is supported by individual tutorials where your specific interests are discussed with a view to the final degree show exhibition.
Students continue to explore the boundaries of their practice and produce experimental and innovative work. This includes the production of handmade books, moving image, performance, and installation-based photographic artworks.
Fine Art and Photography Professional Practice (20 credits)
Photography Critical Essay
Students who major in Photography engage in seminar discussions which the address key issues informing contemporary photographic art practice. This is delivered via a series of lectures which are orientated around the relationship of still and moving image (video and cinema), and a wide range of other subjects. Students negotiate their own essay topic and write an extended essay, which relates to and informs their practical work.
All teaching is delivered via studio, location and workshop teaching, seminars and tutorials. Group and individual tutorials are key to each student's progress where advice is given specific to each individual's need. As a result, students ultimately develop an autonomous and critical approach to their own learning whilst production time and teaching/technical support is available outside timetabled teaching.
Study visits to museums and galleries are key to the student's knowledge base and understanding of photography. These include trips to galleries and archives locally in Liverpool and Manchester, in London, and abroad in Paris and New York.
An examination of practical work presented in a portfolio (which may be in a digital audio or video format) or as an exhibition/installation.
An assessment of a written assignment.
Assessment of a research journal that documents the contextual framework that emerges out of any given set of practical work.
A verbal presentation.
These forms of assessment contribute in various proportions to the overall mark of any given module. This type of assessment is usually referred to as summative assessment.
Formative assessment occurs as part of an ongoing review of your work, but no marks are awarded as part of this process. Through reflection, discussion, comparison and feedback within individual and group sessions, you will be encouraged to develop your work in an informed and critical manner. An important factor in this type of feedback is the development of your own ability to self-assess and reflect critically upon your work.
Students are prepared for careers as practising artists and photographers. Visual creativity is an invaluable resource and, alongside associated communication skills, is a highly transferable skill.
This potentially opens the way to employment in museums, galleries and agencies (as art directors, designers and photographers). The acquisition of critical and interpretation skills might also lead to careers in the art press and journalism. Students also progress to postgraduate study and beyond.
