Course Alumni
What are the job opportunities offered by this course?
- Stefan Klenke
- Freelance photographer
"I learnt so many useful skills from the Media Photography degree, which have prepared me for work in the world of media." Read more about Stefan Klenke >>
BA (Hons) Media and Communication (Media Photography) - UCAS code P9W6
Is it for me?
This three-year course is designed for students who want to develop a career as a photographer or in the digital imaging industry.
What does it involve?
You will begin by developing key skills in digital and chemical photography and explore how to produce photographs for publication. You will also develop visual literacy and skills in related software. All these skills will be put into practice in the live Production Event, where you will work to produce an exhibition of photos on a particular subject, or produce images to a brief from a magazine, PR campaign, or website.
As you progress through the course you will develop a portfolio in an area of your choice, such as documentary, portraiture, fashion photography, music photography or travel photography, as well as continuing to further experiment with camera technique, lighting and image manipulation. You will also explore the working practices of the freelance photographer as you work within the constraints of professional briefs.
Complementing your practical skills, you will develop a broad base of media theory and analysis skills, looking at the photography industry, image production, consumption, and the images themselves.
The Professional Studies strand of the course will build your contacts in the media, help you find placements in the industry, and improve your employability.
Will I do placements as part of the course?
You will undertake 2 industry placements during your course, at the end of the Year 1 and Year 2. Your tutors will work with you to find placements suited to your interests or specialist areas; the department's close links with industry mean that students are able to find placements with the top media employers. These placements provide an invaluable insight into working in the media, as well as contributing to your CV and improving your employability.
What will I be able to do when I've finished the course?
Upon successfully completing the degree, you will be able to conceive, plan and shoot photographic commissions in a variety of editorial fields. You will have a critical understanding of photographic styles and creative techniques in fields as diverse as documentary, photojournalism, fashion, portraiture, live music, sport, travel, promotional and advertising photography. Your post-processing skills will enable you to digitally enhance the images for the required visual communication. You will develop a unique and creative personal style as a media photographer – and you will also have acquired professional experience and contacts within the industry. In addition, you will have gained desirable complementary skills in other media based areas that you have chosen to study - these might include web and new media design, video and audio production, media relations, journalism, music industry skills, or print design.
Career opportunities open to you include freelance photography or in-house photography supplying images for print and online publication, photographic assistant, digital image-making, retouching, illustration and mixed media design.
What are the entry requirements?
Academic qualifications (shown below) are only part of what we look for in an applicant. You will also need to demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of the public relations industry and ideally some media-related work experience.
Normally we look for one of the following:
- 280 Tariff Points
- a BTEC ND with Distinction overall
- an International Baccalaureate with 32 points
- an equivalent qualification or experience as judged by the department: if your experience is particularly extensive, or your portfolio demonstrates advanced ability, we may accept lower qualifications.
How do I apply?
For information on applications or to apply now visit the Applications page.
