COURSE CURRICULUM

The Photography BA with Foundation Year provides a comprehensive and structured journey through the development of creative, technical, and professional skills essential for a successful career in photography. In the foundation year, students gain a grounding in art and design fundamentals, while being introduced to key mental wealth skills that support emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and reflective thinking. These foundational experiences help students identify personal strengths and prepare for their chosen specialism. As students progress into the first year of the degree, they build technical capabilities in analogue and digital photography, lighting, and studio work, while also developing their ability to conduct creative research and explore visual storytelling. Through contextual studies and experimentation modules, students learn to critically evaluate their own work and that of others, enhancing both practical and conceptual development. In the second year, students are encouraged to expand their creative practice by exploring new processes and collaborating across disciplines. They engage with advanced image-making techniques and begin refining their individual style, supported by research-led modules that deepen their understanding of photography within a broader cultural and theoretical context. Opportunities to take part in elective workshops such as printmaking or digital fabrication further broaden their skillset. The final year is dedicated to producing an independent major project, giving students the chance to take ownership of their creative direction and present their work in a professional public showcase. Alongside this, students choose a research pathway that best supports their practice, either through a written extended project or a practice-based investigation. Across all levels, the Professional Life (Mental Wealth) modules play a central role in preparing students for employment or further study by embedding vital skills such as resilience, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. The course equips graduates with both a strong creative portfolio and the professional mindset needed to succeed in the evolving photography industry.