Photography BA (Hons)
Bath Spa University
Key Information
Campus location
Bath, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 16,075 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* international students full time - UK full time £9250
Introduction
Engage with photography in an experimental, creative and critical environment.
- Hands-on, experiential approach with the emphasis on developing your individual interests and ability.
- Opportunities to work on live briefs and a range of professional workshops with our industry partners.
- Great links include the Royal Photographic Society and Association of Photographers.
Photography at Bath Spa University gives you space to explore, actively enquire, challenge and define the role of the photographic image.
We’re committed to teaching the craft of photography. Analogue techniques are thoroughly explored and equip you to engage more proficiently with digital methods. We explore the ways in which digital technologies change impacts on photography, and we also fully utilise new technologies.
The curriculum is broad, with an emphasis on practical learning. Content is delivered by a team of full-time and visiting specialists who are active practitioners and researchers in the field.
Competitions and awards
You can apply for The Porthleven Prize: an opportunity for Bath Spa University students to take part in a fully-funded ten-day residency based in a Cornish Studio, with travel, accommodation and other expenses included.
Ideal Students
We’re looking for highly motivated individuals who have a deep sense of curiosity and willingness to learn. You should be organized, self motivated and disciplined.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Photography at Bath Spa University have entered careers in:
- photojournalism
- fashion photography
- product photography
- portrait photography
- photo editing
- editorial design
- advertising
- curation
- art direction
- marketing
- studio management
- teaching
Facilities
Curriculum
You’ll develop your creative ability and technical skills through a range of set and self-directed projects. Modules cover broad contexts of photography including fashion, documentary, landscape, portraiture and editorial.
Course structure
Year one
You’ll look at fundamental photographic principles and practice, and develop an awareness of photographic practice within the creative industries. You’ll gain practical and technical skills. You’ll learn to research visually and analytically and evaluate your work with tutor guidance. Modules cover darkroom, studio and portable lighting as well as a wide range of digital darkroom techniques.
Year two
You’ll develop detailed knowledge of major theories relating to photographic practice, and a deeper awareness of social and ethical implications for the photographic industry. You’ll negotiate activities with tutors, and will be able to analyse, synthesise and evaluate work more independently. Studio modules offer tutorial-led project work and incorporate professional workshop sessions led by industry practitioners. Visiting lecture and masterclass speakers have included: Ian Teh, Jem Southam and Andy Sewell, Nick Wapling, Celine Marchbank, Jack Latham and many more.
Year three
You’ll become more confident in identifying and defining complex visual solutions and have the freedom to define your own area of practice. You’ll apply appropriate knowledge and practical skills to produce your own body of work. You’ll be able to initiate, manage and critically evaluate your work and that of others, and demonstrate an informed knowledge of contemporary professional practice and the issues and debates that provide a context. The year ends with a public exhibition of portfolio work.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is entirely by coursework.
How will I be taught?
Teaching takes place through critiques, tutorials, presentations, lectures, self-directed learning and peer review.
Throughout the course you’ll develop your craft and individual photographic interests through practical project work. You’ll explore the contextual framework of photography through Historical and Critical Studies modules and gain industry awareness through Professional Practice modules.
Study options
Integrated Foundation Year (UCAS code: WPQ5)
The preliminary and intensive Integrated Foundation in Art and Design is designed to develop your ideas, skills and confidence in readiness for progressing to year one of your degree programme.
Professional Placement Year (UCAS code: WPQ4)
This year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.
By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.
Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.
On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio detailing your development on your placement, for assessment.
Study abroad
You’ll have the opportunity to study in a wide range of locations around the world. Our students have completed exchange programmes in a variety of countries including Spain, Sweden and the USA.
Fieldwork
From year one to three, you’ll have opportunities to participate in local and international fieldwork opportunities across the BA (Hons) Photography modules. Please note that you’ll have to pay for international study visits. Recent international fieldwork destinations have included New York and Iceland.
Work placements, industry links and internships
The course works closely with a variety of industry partners and associations such as the Royal Photographic Society and Fox Talbot Museum. There are opportunities to work on live project briefs, participate in work experience, and collaborate with a wide range of industry practitioners.
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
English Language Requirements
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