| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-04-24 | 2023-02-10 |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-01-27 |
| 2024-01-03 | 2023-11-25 |
Program Overview
Course overview
During the course you will be introduced to the key issues and debates which inform contemporary practice as you develop a critically reflective and self-initiated practice. You will have the opportunity to engage with the medium of photography in an experimental way and as the course progresses you will you will evolve a personal practice and visual identity in your chosen genre and context. BA Photography studies culminate in the Art and Design Degree show where you will present a body of work, which has emerged from a personal project created over the course of your final year's study.
See work by our students and graduates
Why study this course with us?
The course embraces all forms of photography, but we encourage you to approach your photographic image-making as an independent and critically reflective practice. The course is rooted in the development of project-based work, which emerges from your own experience and ideas. The teaching is structured around introductory assignment briefs, which are open ended in how
you
interpret the outcome. Timetabled sessions take the form of practical workshops and studio practice alongside lectures and seminars, which embed independent, art practices and their context. The programme is also built around a meeting of practice and theory in its widest sense. The programme is distinguished in its support of photobook and moving image, new / mixed media and installation based uses of photography. We also regularly invite photographers from the art world and creative industries to share their professional experience as artists and photographers as well as their knowledge of photography's function in society, its employment opportunities and industry protocols. The teaching staff, are also established practitioners whose research interests enrich the identity and philosophy of the programme. We also have a longstanding team of Visiting Lecturers who also contribute to the programme including Tom Wood who is an internationally renowned photographer.
Art and Design Gallery
Preview some current student work in the Department of Art and Design.
Go to Gallery
Student support
We pride ourselves on the quality of support we offer, and have a range of support packages to help support students during their time at University.
Explore our study abroad opportunities and student exchange programmes
Program Outline
Teaching methods
Lectures and practical workshop sessions introduce key areas and debates, which surround contemporary photographic practice. Practical modules incorporate induction sessions in the use of different camera formats (analogue and digital). Workshop areas include two lighting studios and a black and white darkroom, complemented by digital production and dedicated print facilities with C-type, inkjet and laser-print output. You will also be inducted in and have access to workshop areas set up for moving image, bookmaking and printmaking.
You will also work on location as well as in a studio and workshop environment.
In Year 2, you begin to establish your practice via projects, building on skills introduced in your first year. You will also work collaboratively on exhibition and publication projects. Year 2 also affords opportunities to explore opportunities related to professional practice and employment.
Your final year personal project culminates in the degree show exhibition. Throughout the course the relationship between practice and theory is an important aspect of the course.
Assessment
Assessment is based on the submission of folio and journal work as well as written assignments. This might include video and object-based works as well as photobooks. Written and tutorial feedback is provided at each stage of your studies. The final year exhibition represents the culmination of your studies.
Work based learning
As part of your studies you may take our
Work Based Learning
module, where you will be fully supported in securing a work placement of at least 150 hours, which you may be able to use in trying out a future career. Alternatively, you may wish to undertakeExperiential Learning
, which is shared with Fine Art, as either a work placement or residential experience. This module provides you with the opportunity to extend your practice, should you wish to pursue a personal project, which is not necessarily employment related. Placements in the past have included industry and major galleries and museums in the North West and abroad. You are assessed via your documentation and a one-to-one dialogue with your placement supervisor.
Job prospects
Careers service
Job prospects
During the course students have the opportunity to meet with practitioners, curators and writers who provide invaluable advice and insights. These experiences help you to move into a diverse range of photography careers including art practice, documentary and fashion as well as specialist areas such as medical illustration, and cinematography.
Some of our graduates include:
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability - Student Services aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.
Students and graduates of the University of Chester can use our services free of charge for up to two years after graduating.
Join our Creative Community
Home to the Department of Art and Design and the Department of Music, Media and Performance, Kingsway presents fantastic opportunities for collaboration between artists, designers, writers, producers, and performers alike.
Job prospects
During the course students have the opportunity to meet with practitioners, curators and writers who provide invaluable advice and insights. These experiences help you to move into a diverse range of photography careers including art practice, documentary and fashion as well as specialist areas such as medical illustration, and cinematography.
Some of our graduates include:
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability - Student Services aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.
Students and graduates of the University of Chester can use our services free of charge for up to two years after graduating.
Join our Creative Community
Home to the Department of Art and Design and the Department of Music, Media and Performance, Kingsway presents fantastic opportunities for collaboration between artists, designers, writers, producers, and performers alike.
