Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-25 | - |
Program Overview
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.
Starting with foundation studies that offer a structured introduction to a wide range of materials, processes and techniques, we’ll support you as you develop your own line of visual enquiry, explore different areas of art, design and photography, and develop a sound portfolio of creative work.
Following the foundation year, our broad-based degree offers you a unique pathway of 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 in which 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.
Alternatively, you can opt to transfer to one of our other degrees on successful completion of the foundation year, including Animation and Illustration, Fashion, Fashion Photography, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photojournalism and Documentary Photography or Textiles and Surface Design. You can also explore transferring to another subject area offered by the University of Bolton, such as Special and Visual Effects or Games Art.
(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
Highlights
Key Features
Program Outline
Photographs are viewed by everyone and are a part of our everyday culture. From advertising products, illustrating stories in magazines and books to appearing on apps and websites, it is an ideal medium to communicate beyond barriers.
A photography career offers opportunities to work independently or as a staff photographer for an employer. Our BA (Hons) Photography with foundation year degree helps you to develop valuable transferable skills, such as team working, problem-solving, managing large and complex projects to deadline, the discipline of working to briefs and set deadlines, the ability to exploit creative and challenging visual ideas, a comprehensive understanding of digital imaging issues, and the ability to solve and put forward your ideas to address creative problems. These skills can also lead to other professional opportunities such as employment in sales, marketing and customer care, management and other roles.
What can I do with this qualification?
Many BA (Hons) Photography with foundation year graduates work in areas such as fashion, photojournalism, documentary, fine art, advertising and commercial product photography, as well as in publishing, web design and digital output. Other career prospects include marketing, travel photography, studio management, teaching, medical photography, graphic design, visual media, teaching and camera operation.
Typical employers include retail sales companies, design companies, publishing including magazines, books and newspapers, film and television, wedding photographers, medical-related organisations, the police, holiday companies, universities, and media organisations such as advertising agencies. A large number of photography graduates are self-employed and work on a freelance basis.
There is a range of photography-related postgraduate options available that can support you to develop a strong portfolio career. Some courses look at specific, practice-based areas of photography, such as fine art photography or photojournalism, while others offer a more research-focused approach. Other postgraduate research areas include curatorial, teaching, design, film, editing, journalism and creative enterprise.
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers, bearing in mind that relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required. Some of these careers include: