ObjectivesThe study programme incorporates the areas of science, imaging (both industrial and media production), research and communication. The professional imager is vital to modern commerce and industry, and the development of these skills offers the integration of science technology and the commercial application. In an ever-changing society, the professional imager is becoming a powerful voice in the way imaging is re-laid and how that information is interpreted. During this course we aim to give students an intensive and applied skills base to compete in a competitive world.
Entry requirementsThe MSc in Biological Photography and Imaging is ideal for students wishing to pursue a career in professional imaging. In an ever-changing society, the professional imager is becoming a powerful voice in the way imaging is re-laid and how that information is interpreted. During this course we aim to give students an intensive and applied skills base to compete in a competitive world. Students with professional experience at a level equivalent in experiential learning to that of a first degree will also be considered. A condition of entry to this programme is attendance at a one-week intensive photographic skills course. This course is usually held the week before the academic year starts in September. Satisfactory completion of this course will compensate those students without a photographic background and ensure that all students have the basic techniques required for the MSc programme. Students applying to this programme are expected to have their own S.L.R. (preferably digital) system. The camera systems normally used on this course are Nikon or Canon, should you operate a different system, you would need to discuss this with the Course Director.
Academic titleMSc Biological Photography and Imaging
Course descriptionKey facts
-Throughout this course, you will have full access to photographic stereo and compound microscopes.
-You will be given tuition in the leading industry-standard web design and animation software and, by the end of the course, will have set up an online portfolio of your work.
-This course includes a business component, enabling you to market your skills in the competitive market place. With this in mind, you will have the opportunity to work with VIVA Imaging, a Nottingham-based professional imaging enterprise.
-You will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of field trips in order to develop every aspect of your photography skills. Specialist experts – such as wildlife photographers, Heather Angel and Nick Garbett – are closely involved with these trips.
-Teaching in the School of Biology was rated as ‘excellent’ (23/24) in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment Exercise.
Course Content
If you have an interest in the imaging area, this course will provide the necessary professional skills for competitive application to industrial and media production.
The objectives of this course are to provide a skills-update for people already in the photographic and imaging fields and training in new skills in an area where technological advances require constant updating as the technology develops.
It will:
-Provide you with a thorough knowledge of the principles of photographic, film, video and imaging technique.
-Develop your skills of critical thinking and problem solving ‘in the field’.
-Enable you to critically evaluate the scientific content and value of any biological image or series of images.
-Teach you to review the ways in which imaging technologies currently support (or could be used to support) the scientific work of professional biologists.
-Encourage you to demonstrate practical competence in the core technique of biological image production and manipulation, including the ability to generate biological images of the highest technical quality and scientific value.
-Enable you to define and delineate the operational domain of the digital image, with particular reference to compression, processing and electronic distribution.
-Give you the skills to devise and manage the application of modern imaging techniques to the description investigation and communication of biological phenomenon.
-Provide you with a detailed knowledge of commercial techniques and business planning.
-Advise you on the principles of copyright and ownership as they apply to the use, modification and distribution or proprietary imagery.
The MSc in Biological Photography and Imaging consists of six compulsory modules. These involve a mix of image acquisition; video production; business and marketing strategy; copyright law; image analysis; microscopy (light and electron); multi media; and website and graphic design (MX Studio and Adobe Indesign).
The modules are listed below:
-Applied Digital / Conventional Imaging
-Image Manipulation and Multi-Media
-Film Production and Digital Film / Video Photography
-Microscopy and Image Analysis
-Professional Techniques in the Field
-Commercial and Business Application for the Professional Imager
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
Field projects and hands-on working make up a large component of the course. A mini field course is undertaken at the British Wildlife Centre.
During the summer semester, a ten-week work study project is undertaken in a subject area agreed with the Course Director.
This work-study project can be carried out in the UK or abroad. The project requires you to specialise in a specific area relevant to the course. It gives you the opportunity to put your taught skills into practice in one large, intensive project.
Course Structure
The MSc in Biological Photography and Imaging is taught on a full-time basis over one year (September to August). Although you will register on the full-time route, it may be possible to negotiate a part-time route through the programme.
The course comprises 180 credits, split across 120 credits worth of taught modules and field projects, followed by a 60-credit ten-week work study project.
The course is preceded by a three-day skills course held during the week before the programme starts.
Assessment is completely based on coursework projects and assignments, and you can expect to spend approximately 50% of the taught course practically based in the studio, IT labs, or field environment.
The pass mark for the MSc is 50%.
We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Biological Photography and Imaging, which covers the taught component of the MSc but does not have a dissertation requirement.