Photography

Years 1 & 2

The first two years are delivered by our partner Further Education Colleges.

Year 3

You will undertake project work that develops your expertise and interests in preparation for your Final Major Project in Term 2. You will then further your knowledge and experience within a professional context and develop outputs that lead towards potential career pathways.

Learning Methods

Learning through doing is an integral part of this course and enables you to gain first-hand experience of the industry. The projects undertaken will test your intellectual and creative application of ideas and you will be introduced to new business concepts to develop your abilities in team and individual projects.

You will be provided with dedicated studio space at Gray’s to help develop your own thoughts and ideas, an integral part to your learning journey.

Activity Summary

Years 1 and 2 are delivered by our partner Further Education Colleges.

Year 3

• Lectures - 25 students per group, 1-2 hours per week
• Seminars - 12 students per group, 1-2 hours per week
• Webinar - 25 students per group, variable hours per week
• Tutorial - 1-12 students per group, 1/2 hour per week
• Project Supervision - 25 students per group, 1-2 hours per week
• Demonstration - 25 students per group, variable hours per week
• Practical class or workshop - 25 students per group, variable hours per week
• Supervised time in studio / workshop - 25 students per group, variable hours per week
• Independent Study - 25 students per group, variable hours per week
• Field Work - 25 students per group, variable hours per week
• External Visits - 25 students per group, variable hours per week
• Placement / Work Based Learning - 25 students per group, variable hours per week 

How long is a BA Photography course?

This course can be completed in 1 year. This includes lectures, tutorials, independent study and other activities.

Independent Study

Throughout the course particular emphasis is placed on your development of independent learning through self-directed photography project/s. You will undertake independent study, reflecting on your previous 2 years’ experience of building expertise and specialist knowledge within your chosen pathway and towards a level approaching professional practice.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The dedicated academic and technical staff on this course have a wide variety of photography backgrounds and their knowledge and experience will provide you with a deep understanding of the discipline.

Industry experts contribute to the course as Professional Associates and through the Guest@Grays lecture programme, which invites national and international artists, designers and photographers to speak about their work. The course works closely with the University’s Library, Study Skills and Careers staff and academia from other Schools and departments of the university.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed:

• written assignments, including essays
• 1 report
• 1 dissertation
• portfolios - varies
• set exercises - varies
• project outputs - varies
• practical skills assessment - varies
• oral assessments - varies
• group critique - varies

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 Inclusion 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.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

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

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

On completion of the course, you will have the knowledge and skills to explore a photography career in the following industries: advertising, photo journalism, corporate, food, fashion and sport (studio-based and location-based).

Is Photography a good career choice?

Previous  BA Photography graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Work with major fashion photographers
• Photography work with magazine publications 
• Educational technicians and lecturers
• Starting a photographic business

In addition, some graduates 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.

English Language Requirements

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.

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. 

Additional Costs

• £60 Studio fund – Year 3
• £50 – £150 Materials
• £200 Field Study (optional)
• £750 International Travel (optional)
• £350 Camera (optional)
• £400 Laptop (optional)
• £350 Tablet (optional)