This one year course deals with a wide range of commercial contexts including practical photographic projects, a final major project, critical and contextual written work, professional design studies and business modules.

Full-time

You will combine creative, visual and intellectual skills with technical expertise, in order to work within today's evolving creative industries. You will already be competent photographers through previous study to HND level.

Practical project work in Semester one introduces a ‘diagnostic’ approach where you are facilitated to choose projects related to your identified strengths and interests through to Semester two where you will build on this experience with a Final Major Project. Throughout the course you will also undertake a programme of theoretical study as well as business planning.

The class size is normally 20-25 max and is a full time course delivered over two full days of study.

Staff delivering this course

Staff teaching on this course are Mick Eason, Course Leader from Grays School of Art, who will provide contextual input, while Steve Smith and Colin Thom, Associate Lecturers at Grays and Nescol will provide practical delivery. Iain Morrison from Communication Design supports on Professional Design Studies and Graham Grant, supports on the Business delivery.

There is also input from industry experts during the Professional Design Studies and the Guest@Grays Lecture programme. Some sessions are also delivered by Study Skills staff and technician support in studio, darkroom and print usage.

Facilities

• Photography Studio
• University Library
• Specialist Mac Suite
• Student Support Services 

How you are assessed

Typically students are assessed:

• One Written Assignment, including essay
• One Report
• One Project Output
• Two Oral Assessments
• One Practical Skills Assessment
• Two Group Critiques
• One Portfolio

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Disability & Dyslexia Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

More on Study Support

Alternative Qualifications: Those who may not hold the standard qualifications, are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate life and work experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the University during open days or the Visit Afternoons for further advice and guidance. A folio of work is still a requirement for this type of candidate.

Applicants from Partner Colleges: A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3, subject to meeting conditions criteria and successfully passing the selection. Find out more about Degree Link.

Advanced Entry: All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

Interview/Portfolio Review: Suitable applicants will be invited in with their portfolio for an informal review/discussion with academic staff. This allows students to meet staff, see the teaching environment and allows the School to explore your ambitions through informal discussion. You may also be invited to attend an interview.

English Language

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

English Language requirements

* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. A small number of courses require higher levels, but this will be stated explicitly on your offer letter.

If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.

Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:

• Student Finance England
• Student Finance Wales
• Student Finance NI

Disclaimer

Course fees are reviewed periodically and so are subject to change for new applicants. All tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in your offer letter. You will also be liable to pay a graduation fee of £40 before receiving a University award.

Information for Undergraduate Applicants

Terms and Conditions of Admissions

The Terms and Conditions of Admission describe to applicants holding an offer of a place to study at RGU, the principal rights, duties and obligations of both the applicant and the University prior to enrolling on a course of study.

Terms and Conditions of Admissions (PDF 142KB)

You will gain the skills and confidence that are needed to become a successful self-employed freelance photographer. The fields that are covered will allow you to explore the following: advertising, corporate, food, fashion and sport (studio-based and location-based). 

After completing the course students have predominantly gone on to start up new photographic businesses and gain employment with local photography companies. They have also secured employment within Higher Education institutions. 

Students have re-located to work in London with major fashion photographers whilst others have travelled to secure internships in New York and London after graduation.

The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:

• £60 Studio fund
• £50-150 Materials
• The cost of books that you may wish to purchase. Find your reading list by module.
• Costs associated with your placement / study abroad: approx. £750 (to be confirmed) International Travel
• Accommodation and living costs
• Printing

Other Fees and Charges