BA (Hons) Photography (Full Time)

Advance your practical skills and develop a deeper understanding of photography's place in society in our supportive and friendly study environment.

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Photography degree at Southampton Solent University will equip you with strong practical expertise, while also providing the critical thinking skills necessary for a career in photography and the cultural sector.

You will explore the production, philosophy and critical position of the photograph within a wider visual culture, with a focus on print based, screen based or bookwork outcomes in line with industry and employer needs, and technological advancement.

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Historical and critical studies will inform the development of your individual practice, and you will be guided through concepts relating to the production, philosophy and contextual position of the photographic image within contemporary society.

Visiting speakers from the arts and industry will offer insights into their practice and help you to develop your awareness of professional environments and contexts.

Solent offers industry-standard photographic and digital production facilities to produce both print and screen-based work. Working in the large multi-purpose studio space, you will have access to a photographic equipment store that holds comprehensive kits of medium, large and digital format cameras and location lighting.

Industrial focus

Professional practice is an essential part of the course. We are an affiliated centre with the Association of Photographers (The AoP), and have an established educational partnership with the renowned worldwide agency Magnum Photos Ltd. You will have the opportunity to access a significant online resource and photographic library, and will be able to visit the Magnum Photos London Office at any time.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Orientation
• Image Lab
• Representation
• Photographic History and Theory
• Visual Exploration.

Year 2

Four core units and two options:

• Photographic Concepts and Themes
• Photographic Methods and Approaches
• Image Text Analysis 1 and 2.

Option units:

• Photography and the City
• Photography and the Figure
• Photography and the Moving Image
• Photography and the Landscape
• Photography and Global Cultures
• Photography and the Domestic/Public Sphere
• Photography and the Styled Portrait.

Year 3

Four core units: 

• Final Major Project
• Professional Practice Portfolio
• Contemporary Studio Practice
• Final Essay.

Why choose this course?

• Study trips to cultural centres such as Paris and New York.
• Partnerships with Magnum Photos, London, and the Association of Photographers.
• Opportunities to spend time at a partner European university in Year 2.
• A regular lecture programme featuring leading figures in the industry.
• Excellent photographic and digital production facilities, studio facilities equipped with studio lighting and comprehensive kits of medium, large and digital format cameras and location lighting.

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Assessment

Studio projects, presentations, workshop and media outcomes, group and individual case studies and written assignments.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, presentation, project management, working to deadline, analytical and critical evaluation.

Projects/work experience

• The course has recently worked in partnership with Southampton City Council and Southampton City Art Gallery, and you could work in conjunction with them to produce public exhibitions and/or live projects.
• Industry events are held on campus. For example, Canon UK recently held a one-day event for students, professional photographers and retailers at the University, embedding our links with this major worldwide imaging brand.

Student profile

Inga Skålnes

Inga Skålnes is from Norway, and is currently in her second year.

"Studying photography enables me to experiment with different styles and formats. Lectures give an insight and understanding of contemporary photography, which influences my work. I find that combining the theory with my practical work gives my images more depth and meaning.

"After finishing my BA, my dream is to go travelling for a couple of years, preferably to India, because travelling is one of the things that inspires me the most. After doing this, which hopefully will help me focus my practice and produce a lot of work, I'd really like to do an MA in Photography.”