2012
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Photography (1 Year Top-up) course at Southampton Solent University is one of only a few in the UK that has an educational partnership with the world renowned agency MAGNUM Photos as well as an affiliation with the Association of Photographers.
This course 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 book work outcomes in line with industry and employer needs and technological advancement.
Historical and critical studies will inform your 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 will offer insights into their practice and will give one to one tutorials and portfolio viewing workshops. You will benefit from our industry standard photographic facilities and receive support from a dedicated team of technicians.
Industrial focus
You will be taught by a highly qualified research active team of practising photographers, artists and writers with a diverse range of specialisms, who are committed to developing your creativity and equipping you with essential career skills.
Course content
Four core units:
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Image Text Analysis 1 and 2
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Contemporary Studio Practice
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Final Major Project
Why choose this course?
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Links with Magnum Photos and the Association of Photographers.
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We have a gallery run by students exhibiting student work.
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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
Presentation, communication, working to deadline and problem solving.
Projects/work experience
Students have recently worked in partnership with Southampton City Council and Southampton City Art Gallery to produce public exhibitions and live projects.
Graduate profiles
Josie Slade, graduate
“The best thing about this course is the independence you get. It's so free, which is really important on a creative course like this. You get regular one to ones with tutors, in the office, or over a coffee - it's really relaxed.
"I'd say that's the best thing about this course - the staff. The tutors are friends! They exhibit too, so you know you’re in good hands.
"Another good feature of this course is that you get visiting speakers. People from the industry that really know what they're talking about, like Richard Billingham. You can put your name down to have a proper tutorial with them too.
"In fact - one of the visiting speakers we had whilst I was studying invited us to see them at work in New York! That was a great trip. We went to galleries and private views, but the best aspect was enjoying time with my course mates in the city. Of course uni life has its ups and downs…balancing time and money. But you'd get that anywhere. So I'd say if you like being spontaneous and want to work in a really free, encouraging environment, you'd enjoy the BA (Hons) Photography course.”
2010 Graduate Ted Park was commissioned to work with postgraduate students at the London College of Fashion; and whilst his Degree Exhibition opened to the public he was assisting the successful British photographer Chris Brooks on a shoot for British Vogue. Since graduating in July 2010, he has been working full time as a freelance photographer, and assistant photographer to some of the most established commercial and fashion photographers in the UK.
2009 Graduate Iain Anderson worked as an Assistant Photographer to one of the world’s leading and most influential Fashion photographers Nick Knight photographing the Cover for Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines in London and Los Angeles. He is currently working in London, Los Angeles and Paris as Assistant Photographer to two celebrated British Fashion Photographers for magazines such as Teen Vogue and American Vogue.
2009 Graduate Thi Bui was selected for The Photographers' Gallery London prestigious annual graduate showcase, Fresh-Faced and Wild-Eyed in May 2010. Her exemplary photographic book entitled 'Here' examined her family's migration as 'boat people' from Vietnam in the 1980s visualising the natural blurring of cultural history and familial memory.
2007 Graduate Toby Carter awarded the Association of Photographers 2007 Student Award.
2006 Graduate Clive Gee had a portrait of the British Chancellor of the Exchequer published on the Cover of The Times newspaper in February 2008 and syndicated around the world just 18 months after he finished his Degree at Southampton Solent University. He is now a successful photojournalist.