Course description
This programme is concerned with photography as both an art and a documentary practice and will enable you to develop your practical, theoretical and technological skills and prepare you for success as a photographic practitioner. It is integrated into the university's Art and Design postgraduate framework, so you will have many opportunities to relate your studies to other disciplines.
The course, which is the only specialist photography course available in the region, is designed to respond to your individual needs and equip you to achieve your personal targets in photography. You will be challenged to review your present thinking about photography, and to build on that basis, by means of lectures, discussion, research, and practical work. An essential part of the programme is individual project work.
Photography is a fast changing discipline. Sunderland students have access to superb facilities and the very latest equipment. Our teaching faculty includes outside specialists and visiting tutors, so your studies are always related to real-world applications.
Contact Time:
Tuesday & Thursday 2-5pm & Wednesday 1.00-6.00pm.
Course Content
Stage 1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 60 credits
* Critical Sudies 1
* Negotiated and Directed Learning
The way you think about photography - your working philosophy in the work you have done so far - will be reviewed and clarified. Your working assumptions will be challenged or reinforced in critical debate. New ideas and approaches will be introduced into how you plan and execute your work, and this will form a programme of further research for Stage 2.
Stage 2
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) 60 credits
* Critical Sudies 2
* Negotiated and Directed Learning
Your understanding of your approach to photography, particularly in relation to the various contexts in which photography is used and the way in which photography is involved with contemporary issues, will be tested and deepened. Analysis, questioning and research continue in a supportive teaching environment of critical debate. Your ideas will be tested through negotiated projects and directed study. You will be encouraged to define audiences for your work and broaden its appeal. You will also investigate new and compelling ways to present your work.
Stage 3
Masters (MA) 60 credits
* Major Research Project
For your Masters degree you will develop a feasibility study for public exhibition, commission or publication of a live project.
This is used as the focus for exploring the challenges of your working methods and philosophy. You will be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of your chosen strategy.
Teaching and Assessment
At the heart of the programme is individual project work supported by seminars, tutorials, lectures and group work, a Visiting Speaker programme, and the resources of the University's Art and Design postgraduate framework.
The contribution of outside speakers is particularly useful in helping you be fully aware of the range of possible applications of photography and digital imaging in today's world.
Assessment is based mainly on practical work presented both individually and in groups, together with essays and proposals.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this programme have gone on to a varied range of creative occupations, including: professional photography and arts practice; exhibition and design work; and academic occupations such as further research and teaching.
Facilities
World Class Web/Design Tools
The University of Sunderland provides access to the full Adobe/Microsoft suite of web/design applications on campus. Under our Education Partnership Agreement, Adobe/Microsoft tools are upgraded every time there is a new release, to ensure that our students have the very latest industry standard versions. Apply now for access to the latest versions of: Adobe/Microsoft (inc. Dream weaver, Flash, Fireworks, Freehand) Director (web content, DVD & CD Rom production tool). Also Authorware, Contribute, Breeze and others.
