Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Digital Photography

Power to communicate meaning: photography is one of the most compelling and authoritative forms of visual communication, challenging the viewer and demanding an emotional response.

The photography course at Ravensbourne is unique in that it will provide you with the knowledge and skills appropriate to a range of careers photography. The course provides a stimulating education in the broader areas of digital photography practice and a substantial grounding in the principles and methods of emerging commercial practices. The course is underpinned by the creative use of digital technology. Emphasis is placed on vocational working, and embraces theory, research and analysis of project work. Students are encouraged to develop their individual creative ability and support this with the development of a high level of technical skills.

The course exploits the facilities and knowledge base from existing courses to make a unique offering to students. There are significant opportunities for collaboration on the course, with students collaborating with other students from graphic design, motion graphics, broadcasting, animation and fashion.

This ensures that the College has an all round ‘offering’, which mirrors the outside world.

The course employs a variety of practicing industry professionals, who understand the variety and diversity of the photographic industry. Students learn in a ‘real world’ environment and tackle project work, which is both experimental and based on industry practice.

Level 1

Deals with the fundamental photographic principles and skills including studio lighting and the basic principles of digital imaging. Units are used to build knowledge and skills and to acquire confidence to enable students to challenge their preconceptions of the scope and nature of photographic practice.

Alongside key technical skills, students are encouraged to develop and exchange ideas through a process of group critique.

Level 2

Focuses on interpretation, experimentation and collaboration. Developing their awareness, knowledge and understanding of the multiple roles of photography and improving skills with digital image management. Students will consolidate previous learning by tackling a variety of briefs within a diverse range of industry and/or fine art based subjects.

Level 3

Focuses on the student’s own aims and ambitions, which reflect their graduate potential and their personal and professional career planning: knowledge and skills required to work as a practitioner with an understanding of communication skills, and the context and market for the photographers’ work.

At this level knowledge and understanding of the medium will be advanced alongside evaluative skills that enable students to reflect on and critique not only their own work but also the work of others.

Assessment

You will be continually assessed through the presentation of written and project work. Assessment in the final year is through dissertation and portfolio.

Learning and Support

You will study through a mix of practice and theory-based learning. This will include lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials, self-directed study and projects. You will be supported by well-qualified teaching staff, sessional staff and visiting professionals who will bring an industry perspective to the course.

Career Opportunities

On graduation, you will be prepared to take up jobs in many diverse industries such as photojournalism, editorial, documentary, portraiture, advertising, fashion, music, architecture, newspaper, picture research, museum curatorial, gallery, project management, technical support and PR.

To find out more on jobs in this field visit I can.

Progression

Successful completion of this course can lead to the postgraduate degree in MA Communication Design.

Download the full course programme specifications (PDF).

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