Programme Specification for Photography Foundation Degree
|
Final award |
Foundation Degree |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert H.E. |
|
UCAS code |
|
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements Art & Design Qualification Benchmark |
Foundation Degrees, Art and Design |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
March 2011 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
If you want to work in photography or the creative industries then this programme will enable you to develop your creative and technical skills whether it is documentary, social, fashion or commercial photography that you are interested in.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be at least 18 years of age and have educational attainment equivalent to 120 UCAS points i.e. at least two A levels (grade D) a pass (PPP) at BTEC National Diploma, or DD in a relevant AVCE.
A further requirement is the achievement of GCSE English Language at grade C or above, or equivalent key skills qualification in communications.
If you have been out of education for a few years but have relevant vocational experience in photography or creative subject accreditation of prior experience will be considered as an alternative entry requirement in line with UEL’s policy on Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL).
If you are an overseas applicant then you are required to show certificated evidence of qualifications that have equivalence using the NARIC system. This must include a written English Language qualification at a level equivalent to GCSE English Language Grade C or above.
You will be required to attend an interview and to present a portfolio of your own creative work that demonstrates engagement in at least one of these specialisms: photography, art, graphic design or media.
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Photography?
Photography has a strong history and tradition that has helped shape societies attitudes over much of the last two centuries both within the fields of contemporary art as well as design and communication. If anything the importance of the medium is becoming more crucial in all aspects of commercial and creative practice with the development of global mass communication.
Photography at Barking & Dagenham College
Your programme combines the development of practical vocational skills with independent creative work. The photographic facilities include two full size double height photographic studios, black and white darkrooms, colour darkrooms and individual printing and processes booths. Photographic equipment includes large format, medium format and 35mm cameras as well as digital studio cameras and digital SLRs, studio flash and a range of professional accessories. In addition to traditional photographic media there is an emphasis on digital photography and here equipment includes digital workshops with negative scanners and a range of printers including large format digital printing.
Programme structure
This is a two year programme with each year divided into two semesters. You will be required to study for a minimum of 35 hours per week – this will be made up of a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, independent study, research and project work.
The programme integrates three modules from the UEL Skills Curriculum – Skills for Academic Learning, Employability Skills and Research Skills. These units will provide important transferable skills that are relevant to all employment sectors and academic research.
Learning environment
The learning approach is very student centred with the opportunity for you to pursue your own specialist pathway within the broad field of photography.
Studio Project Work; studio based work is undertaken by an individual or group of students in collaboration with project tutors. It includes and intro briefing and the development of ideas.
Professional Practice: you are encouraged to develop an understanding of professional practice through working alongside visiting professionals and through your work placement.
Self-Initiated Work: these are structured projects based on your own written proposal, agreed and discussed with your module tutor.
Seminars: these are small mixed sessions discussing a project or contextual issue and sharing views.
Lecturers: group teaching around a particular topic.
Workshops: practical demonstrations and hands on learning takes place especially in relation to your own self initiated projects. Learning Support Officers are available to support the development of your technical skills.
Study Visits: these are trips to external venues such as museums and art galleries which are arranged as part of module delivery.
Assessment
The 11 modules that make up the programme have a total credit value of 240. The method of assessment will vary and you will be required to present work for assessment in the form of major photographic projects: portfolios of creative work: reports, diaries or essays.
Individual module assessment at the end of each semester.
Work experience/placement opportunities
An important aspect of the Foundation Degree is the work placement element in the second year of the programme. Prior to this you will carry out an investigation into photography and other aspects of the cultural and creative industries. There are good links between the college and industry professionals who will delivery lectures and facilitate visits to their companies. You will also have many opportunities to visit photographic and art exhibitions in the London area.
Project work
Working as a photographer requires a mixture of effective group communication skills and the ability to work independently. Over the two years of the programme you will be required to work on a variety of photography projects linked to the opportunity to exhibit your work. The negotiated major project will enable you to develop extensive individual and independent work. There is an emphasis in this final project on demonstrating professional working practices and you will be required to contribute or the organisation of a group exhibition at an external venue.
Added value
There are close working relationships between the staff of the two institutions and students are encouraged to support events organised at either venue. For example, a programme of guest speakers from the photography industry is arranged and these events are open to UEL students as well as Barking & Dagenham College students.
Satisfactory completion of the Foundation Degree will enable you to progress into the third year of the BA (Hons) Photography at Barking & Dagenham College or UEL. Alternatively you may wish to progress directly into employment.
Barking & Dagenham College is situated within 15 miles of central London where the largest number of photographers and photographic companies in the UK have their premises. This proximity enables you to build meaningful industry links during your work placement and enables staff to organise regular visits to exhibitions, festivals and events.
Barking town centre receives regeneration funding and is within the exciting Thames Gateway development with planned expansion of the transport infrastructure, new housing and educational, employment and cultural opportunities.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Photography
- Visual arts and exhibitions
- Fashion, style and image
- Popular culture
- Graphic design and publishing
- Advertising and marketing
If you enjoy...
- Taking photographs
- Developing creative ideas
- Working as an individual and in groups
- Exploring a range of techniques and processes
- Engaging with the vibrant contemporary art scene
If you want...
- To develop and apply visual skills within the field of photography
- To be equipped to join other creative practitioners within the field of photography and related cultural and creative industries
- To participate actively in group working at college and in practice
- To be able to, potentially, contribute to the growing visual culture based in London
Your future career
Career opportunities include image producers such as photographers; photographic technicians; employment in photographic laboratories; photo retail including picture libraries and agencies; graphic design, advertising and marketing; visual media; fine art photography and exhibition and photographic support services
How we support you
You will be well supported through an effective tutorial system and staff will focus on your individual needs as a learner. A range of professional services are available including: careers advice: learning support: counselling and health advice. The college library provides study skills workshops and in addition to book and non-book resources there is a quiet study area that is prioritised for higher education students. You will have excellent access to ICT equipment including a range of high quality specialist facilities in art, design and interactive media.
Bonus factors
- Close proximity to Central London with it’s world class art galleries, museums, and exhibitions.
- You will have opportunities to submit work to local and national photographic exhibitions, and competitions.
- Close links with UEL including the opportunity to use the Docklands campus resources such as Skillzone, the library and student services including the on-line UEL Direct.
- Opportunity to progress onto the third year of the BA (Hons) Photography programme at Barking & Dagenham College or UEL.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Develop practical skills, techniques and understanding of photographic image production
- Provide a platform for students to access their imagination and develop their creative identity
- Establish key transferable and employability skills and develop a multi tasking and multi skills approach to professional practices.
What will you learn?
On completion of this programme you will be able to:
Knowledge
- Understand the historical development of photographic formats, equipment and materials
- Understand the theoretical, aesthetic and ethical positions in relation to photographic imaging
- Understand the relationship between traditional and digital photographic imaging
- Understands the conventions of a variety of photographic genres
Thinking skills
- Self reliance and self evaluation
- Self reflection / analysis and critical awareness
- Creative thinking and convention
- Visual research skills
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Techniques and processes in black and white, colour and digital photography
- Technical aptitude in studio and location photography using a variety of formats
- Professional practice in planning and organisation
- Presentational and exhibition skills
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Time management - participation and working to deadlines
- Working within groups and independently
- Work experience
- Interpersonal skills - client awareness
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 240 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 2 years, full time attendance.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September, running through until June and is split into two equal semesters with assessment points at the end of each semester. A student will register for 120 credits in an academic year.
What you will study when
A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year.
It is not possible to combine modules offered at Barking & Dagenham College with modules offered on other programmes at UEL. There are no option pathways and therefore all modules are core – must be taken.
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme
|
LEVEL |
UEL Module Code |
TITLE |
SKILLS MODULES (Insert Y where appropiate) |
CREDITS |
STATUS |
|
1 |
The Photographic Image: context & meaning |
Y |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
Technical & Creative Processes |
N |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
Image & Identity |
N |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
Digital Imaging |
N |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
Representation and Society |
N |
20 |
Core |
|
|
1 |
Experimental Photographic Project |
N |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
Extended Photographic Techniques |
N |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
Critical Approaches to Contemporary Photography |
N |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
Launch Pad for Employment |
Y |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
The Digital Portfolio |
N |
20 |
Core |
|
|
2 |
Negotiated Major Project |
Y |
40 |
Core |
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:
A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
(A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree)
In order to gain aCertificate of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher
Foundation Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for a Foundation degree, the award classification is determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of all marks obtained for modules at level 1 or higher contributing to the programme and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
Distinction |
|
55% - 69% |
Merit |
|
40% - 54% |
Pass |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Workshops and demonstrations
- Lectures, tutorials and seminars
- Professional practice talks
- Personal research and independent study
- Exhibitions and gallery visits
- Screenings of films
- Using learning resources and the internet
Thinking skills are developed through
- Tutorials and seminars
- Independent creative practice
- Project work
Practical skills are developed through
- Practical workshops
- Working to project briefs
- Professional practice talks
- Study visits
- Use of computers
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Professional practice talks
- Work placements
- Group projects
- Personal and team presentations
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Oral presentation of ideas during seminars, tutorials and at the end of each module
- Essays, reports and research folders at the end of each module
- Breadth and depth of research work
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Oral presentation of ideas during seminars, tutorials and at the end of each module
- Essays, reports and research folders at the end of each module
- Innovation and lateral thinking displayed in realisation of work in relation to project briefs
Practical skills are assessed by
- Continuous monitoring of workshop progress
- Presentation of portfolio at the end of the module
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Participation in workshops, seminars, tutorials and meetings
- Time management in relation to meeting project deadlines
- Engagement in professional practice components of the programme, work placement, and group activities
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Student representation on programme committees
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
- Industrial links including employer questionnaire
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
This programme is only recruiting at Barking & Dagenham College |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site http://www.uel.ac.uk
- The student handbook vle.barkingcollege.ac.uk
- Module study guides (on e-campus)
- UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework
- UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes
- www.barkingcollege.ac.uk
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
