Program Overview

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Course Details

Photographs are the most exciting and important visual form of global communication, forming a significant part of everyday life. It’s estimated that 4.66 billion people now use the internet (1) and that around 1.1 trillion photos were taken last year (2). The image has become the most widely used international language, and the ability to communicate concise visual statements that engage audiences is at the heart of our course and teaching.

Our broad-based degree offers you a unique pathway to visual self-discovery. You’ll benefit from the freedom to pursue your own interests while receiving expert support from our industry-experienced tutors, developed with help from a panel of industry professionals. We offer a supportive market-aware environment where you can explore various photographic genres such as documentary, fashion, editorial, photojournalism, commercial advertising, portraiture, architectural, wildlife, landscape and fine art.

We’ll invite industry experts to share their knowledge during guest lectures and offer you opportunities to work on placements, ‘live briefs’ and commissions. Our industry links will help to enrich your learning experience and provide you with invaluable ‘insider’ information and possible employment opportunities. You can be part of this fully integrated programme of practical and theoretical knowledge, building your confidence and skills, ready for a career in this dynamic industry.

(1) https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/ accessed 29 June 2021

(2) https://blog.mylio.com/how-many-photos-will-be-taken-in-2021/ accessed 29 June 2021

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Highlights

Our team of highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic photography lecturers offer face-to-face sessions and one-to-one support, ensuring you can access help and advice when you need it.

Based on your interests and strengths, our experienced team will work to help you identify a potential career path and plan your future professional development based on your individual needs. We want to support you as you establish the foundation of your career in your chosen area of the photography industry.

Exhibition and display are key themes in the final year. We’ll offer you the opportunity to present your work in an external exhibition and during Bolton School of the Arts’ Creative Showcase.

We offer opportunities for you to participate in foreign study trips and visit collections and current exhibitions at galleries, museums, and arts centres around the UK. In recent years, visits to major cities such as New York, Paris, London and Toronto have proved valuable learning opportunities for our students.

You’ll also have the opportunity to progress seamlessly onto one of our postgraduate programmes.

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Key Features

Our custom-designed photography department offers outstanding facilities, including darkrooms, a dedicated computer suite with a high output printing facility and four studios with specialist lighting.

Practical knowledge, such as studio lighting and location techniques, combined with research and critique, help you learn to develop your ideas and produce innovative research-led work.

You’ll have access to a rich visiting speaker programme, providing insight into industry experts’ professional practice and up-to-the-minute developments in the sector.

The programme offers work placements, internships, masterclasses, awards, competitions and open calls, such as the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition.

Our specialist tutors and technical support staff have professional experience and industry connections.

As a graduate, you’ll have a wide range of independent, specialist photographic styles based on your own planning and development.

The Guardian University Guide 2022 ranks our Film Production and Photography courses as fourth in the UK for student-to-staff ratio, so you can be assured that we offer you excellent access to individual tutor support and small group teaching.

By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.