Course - Foundation Degree in Professional Photography
Entry requirementsEntry onto the course is by interview. You will need to bring with you some examples of your work that you would like to talk about and a piece of your writing about photography. An academic or employer reference would be useful. At interview you should demonstrate potential to benefit from this course. Ideally you will have the minimum of 1 related A level or the equivalent level 3 vocational qualification (National Diploma in Photography, Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, etc). If you dont think that you have the right qualifications but think this is the right course for you then apply or come along to the college to see how we can support you.
Course descriptionDuration of course:
The course is 2 years in duration.
Where does it lead?
The Foundation Degree in Professional Photography is a vocational higher education degree course the equivalent to year 1 & 2 of an honours degree.
When you successfully complete the Foundation Degree at City of Westminster College you can progress directly into employment or you have the opportunity to progress onto the final year of the BA (Hons) Degree in Photography at the University of Westminster subject to passing a bridging module.
What does it include?
The course is validated by and was developed in partnership with the University of Westminster. As a student you will experience the very supportive working relationship that the course has with the university.
Whilst studying on the course you will develop your knowledge of professional photographic practice through challenging live project briefs. You will develop your technical skills and knowledge in the use of format, studio & location practice, traditional and digital developing & printing techniques. Your practical work will be underpinned by learning essential research and personal development skills. A critical engagement with photographic history and wider contemporary cultural theory and contextual issues will be linked directly to your practical work to inform and improve your photographic practice.
You will be supported to help you find your own area of interest within contemporary professional photographic practice and in year 2 you will choose either conceptual or vocational pathway modules. You will be guided and supported to help you build a professional portfolio and acquire the knowledge and skills to be able to engage with employers. It is a compulsory part of the course that you carry out a period of professional practice and this is supported by a dedicated tutor. Your study will culminate in a major public exhibition to promote your work.
Regular museum and gallery visits are part of project research as well as attending industry events. The course has a history of annual residential visits relating to projects. The residential visit in the 05/06 year was to New York. All of your learning will be taught by experienced and dedicated lectures and technicians who currently work within the photographic industry. Your learning will take place in our purpose built studios and darkrooms and the digital facilities at our Paddington Centre that have been awarded Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status by the Learning & Skills Council.