Photography

BA (Hons)

Intermediate award(s): CertHE, DipHE
Full-Time

This course is available in Clearing, call us on 0845 271 3333 for more information

In the most recent National Student Survey (2012), our BA (Hons) Photography course achieved a score of 98% for 'learning resources'.
Our Photography students at work.

Course overview

Our Photography course offers the opportunity of studying photography within the dynamic and stimulating environment of Cambridge School of Art. Throughout your studies you will be encouraged to develop your individual visual language within a teaching process that includes lectures, seminars, workshops, one-to-one studio dialogue and individual tutorial support. Theory sessions will help you gain a better understanding of the historical and contemporary issues surrounding photography.

The course will provide you with a thorough grounding in all aspects of photography, taking into account both analogue and digital image-making techniques and crossovers. Course content explores a number of related fields including moving image, exhibition and installation techniques.

All our teaching staff are practising photographers and/or visual artists and will be able to share their wide-ranging expertise and experience with you. You will learn to work independently, develop your own ideas and put them into practice. The course is practical and inspiring and will allow you to prepare for a successful career in the field of photography and visual arts.

Additional course information

Year 1
You will develop the basic skills required in producing photography as a creative means of expression. Amongst skills taught are: the use of different cameras, 35mm and medium format, basic studio lighting, colour and black and white printing. A pinhole camera workshop opens discussion about the use of alternative equipment and processes.

Year 2
Process to Practice presents different ways of interpreting images through process and experimentation. You will be developing your own artistic practice. Practical workshops explore aspects of process to help build upon the existing skills base. The emphasis is upon the importance of experimentation as a part of developing one's own style. The 4x5 camera is introduced in advanced studio workshops. Complementary to this, studio lighting is revisited and the portable flash and on-camera flash introduced. Workshops are conducted in fibre-based black and white printing and analogue colour printing. You will make your own book, handmade or professionally bound.

Year 3
The final year presents you with the opportunity to further refine your photographic practice in preparation for the Major Project and final degree show. Considering the crucial importance of effective editing and presentation, you will plan and work towards your final submissions, which may involve video, installation, a book, a set or series, incorporating new concerns and showing an awareness of the importance of critical contexts.

Module guide

Year one core modules
  • Photography Contextual Studies

    This module serves as an introduction to a series of historical, technical and theoretical perspectives for contemporary photographic practice. Extensively illustrated, it will trace many of the major changes and continuations in the development of the medium, ranging from an exploration of the ways in which technological advances have shaped the subject since its earliest days, to examining links with wider cultural, political and aesthetic trends.

  • The Photographic Image

    The module is intended as a wide-ranging introduction to some of the leading questions raised concerning the photographic image. It considers contemporary photographic practice and the diversity of approaches within it. The module will also explore the uses to which the photographic image has been applied. Debates about the photographic role as 'document' or 'art' are explored, relating to notions of 'reality' and representation. Ethical issues, in relation to gender, sexuality and ethnicity are examined through analyses of contemporary photographic practices. The relationship of the photographic to mass media and to the museum are examined in the light of technological change, in terms of exhibition display. Particular attention is given to current exhibitions in London, including critical debates in publications.

  • Contemporary Lens Media

    In this module, you develop the basic skills required in producing photography as a creative means of expression. Amongst skills taught are: the use of different cameras, 35 mm and medium format; basic studio lighting; printing in black & white and colour. The subtext for this module is creative control. Developing a fundamental technical foundation and being able to demonstrate competence across a broad range of photographic skills, enables you to begin to experiment with confidence when working towards your project briefs. Theory lectures cover the basic concepts needed for understanding photography in practice, such as depth of field, aperture and shutter speed, the characteristics and use of different films, film speed and its relation to film processing, an introduction to colour, the effects of different paper in B&W printing and colour printing.

Year two core modules
  • Process to Practice
  • Debates and Practices
Year three core modules
  • Multiple Roles
  • Research Project
  • Major Project

Assessment

Assessment for this course will be by both written and practical (portfolio) work.

Facilities

Cambridge School of Art has black, white and colour darkrooms with enlargers catering for 35mm, medium format and large format film. We have computer laboratories equipped with Apple Macs, A4 and A3 flatbed scanners, 35mm, medium format and large format scanners. It is also possible to print on calibrated wide format printers up to 44in width.

You will have access to three fully equipped photographic daylight and artificial light studios and you can borrow equipment including digital cameras (35mm and medium format), large format cameras, lenses, light meters and lighting kits.

Libraries

Our campus libraries offer a wide range of publications and a variety of study facilities, including open-access computers, areas for quiet or group study and bookable rooms. We also have an extensive Digital Library providing on and off-site access to e-books, e-journals and databases.

We endeavour to make our libraries as accessible as possible for all our students. During Semester time, they open 24 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, until midnight on Friday and Saturday and for 12 hours on Sunday.


IT Resources

Our open access computer facilities provide free access to the internet, email, messaging services and the full Microsoft Office suite. A high speed wireless service is also available in all key areas on campus. If you are away from campus or a distant learner, our student desktop and its many applications can be accessed remotely using the internet. Your personal student email account provides free document storage, calendar facilities and social networking opportunities.

Throughout your studies you will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing course notes, reading materials and multi-media content to support your learning, while our e-vision system gives you instant access to your academic record and your timetable.

Special features

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) for Art and Design, 70% of our research work was 'internationally recognised', 'internationally excellent' and, in some cases, 'world-leading'. As a result, our income from the RAE to support our research is double our 2002 allocation.

Course Leader

Kirstin Hacker

Mary Humphrey

BA (Hons) Photography

“For three years I had the good fortune to be a photography student at Cambridge School of Art, undertaking an honours degree course that far exceeded my expectations. I was constantly encouraged to embrace challenges whilst being actively supported, directed and mentored within the community of the Photography Department.

I learned technical skills, incorporating traditional photography, digital photography and other media such as video, integrated with academic, contextual lectures that enhanced my maturation as a photographer. Other creative disciplines such as printmaking and creative writing provided a holistic approach contributing to my intellectual and artistic development.

My honours course culminated in my award of The Anglia Trust Foundation Scholarship which funded an extraordinary and unique nine day photo- expedition. The resulting body of work narrated the experiences and situations that I encountered whilst meeting and photographing Transylvanian Roma families.

My work at Cambridge School of Art has enabled me to identify my own unique photographic style which can now be developed and improved with confidence.
”

Links with industry and professional recognition

Alongside a core staff of permanent lecturers, Cambridge School of Art further consolidates its relationship with industry through the regular contribution of part-time lecturers with national reputations as practitioners.

Each year our second and third-year students enter a number of local and international competitions, including the NPG Schweppes Portrait Award and the Student of the Year Award at AOP (the Association of Photographers, London). We are a college member of AOP and are affiliated with the British Institute of Professional Photography.

Work placements

Students undertake work-based learning.

Associated careers

Employment or self-employment in the photographic, creative and media industries, and/or work as artists in digital and analogue media.
UCAS Tariff points: 200 - 240
Additional Requirements: Required subject(s): A-level Art, Design or Media Subject at grade C, OR ND in Art & Design Preferred contrasting subject(s): BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (level 3) is an advantage. Non-Academic Conditions: Art Portfolio, Interviews GCSE(s) Required: English at grade C or above (or equivalent)
Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio should include the following:
  • work that demonstrates:
-basic skills in photography (analogue and/or digital)
-an understanding of photography as a medium of artistic expression
-your passion and understanding for the subject
  • research books that show an awareness of recent practitioners/ artists
  • a workbook demonstrating your approach of theme

International Applicants
International applicants are encouraged to host their portfolios online and provide us with the URL or submit in pdf format by email attached. CD or hardcopy formats submitted by post to our International Admissions Office are also acceptable but please note that these will not be returned to applicants.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

If we have confirmed you do not meet our entry requirements you might want to consider a preparatory course at Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC), our partner college, based on our Cambridge campus, before coming to study with us.

How to apply

UCAS code

W640

Location

Duration

3 years

Available starts

September

Student finance

Open Day

Saturday 22 June
Undergraduate Open Day

Advice & support

Employability

Faculty

Arts, Law & Social Sciences

Department

Cambridge School of Art

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:
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