Programme Specification BA (Hons) Photography

1.  / Awarding Institution/Body / Teesside University [TU]
2.  / Teaching Institution / Leeds City College
3.  / Collaborating Organisations
(include type) / N/A
4.  / Delivery Location(s)
[if different from TU] / Park Lane Campus
5.  / Programme Externally Accredited by (e.g. PSRB) / N/A
6.  / Award Title(s) / BA (Hons) Photography
7.  / LeadSchool / Creative Arts – Creative and Service Industries
8.  / Additional Contributing Schools / N/A
9.  / FHEQ Level
[see guidance] / FHEQ Level 6
10.  / Bologna Cycle
[see guidance] / First Cycle
11.  / JACS Code and JACS Description / W640 Photography
The study of/training in all aspects in the creation of still images on photographic film or plates
12.  / Mode of Attendance
[full-time or part-time] / Full time and Part time
13.  / Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s) / Art and design
2008
14.  / Relevant Additional External Reference Points
(e.g. National Occupational Standards, PSRB Standards) / National Occupational Standards
QAA Subject benchmarks
15.  / Date of Production/Revision / March 2013
16.  / Criteria for Admission to the Programme
(if different from standard University criteria) / A typical offer is likely to be 55% average at Foundation Degree or a Merit profile in a relevant HND, together with 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English (Maths isn’t required).
In the absence of formal learning qualifications applications are welcomed from persons who can demonstrate relevant work experience, including work in a voluntary capacity. The course structure actively supports claims for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria. Speakers of other languages need to have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or a recognised level 2 English qualification.
We welcome applications from mature candidates who may not have met the academic criteria, but can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
All students must be able to demonstrate either by qualifications or testing that they have the required literacy skills to complete the course.
All students are to present a portfolio and supporting academic text. This is undertaken during an interview or correspondence for distance applicants.
The course can be offered as part-time, but is not advertised as such.
17.  / Educational Aims of the Programme
The overall aims of the programme are to:
§  Provide a comprehensive and challenging vocational programme in Photography, including core and specialist modules, which facilitate access and progression for a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds into various photographic industry contexts.
§  Offer a robust BA (Hons) programme that is relevant to current photographic practice in the Creative Industries, that will allow students to be autonomous and progress onto their chosen trajectory
§  Produce graduates who have the ability to critically reflect and learn from their practical and workplace experience in a photographic context and relate this experience to relevant theory
§  Produce graduates who have both subject specific skills (expressive, creative, technical) and transferable skills (communication, teamwork, project management) which are key to being employable within the photographic industry
§  Produce graduates who have an analytical and reflective understanding of photography in the context of the workplace today and in relation to the wider social and cultural environment
18.  / Learning Outcomes
The programme will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills listed below. On successful completion of the programme, the student will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding(insert additional rows as necessary)
K1 / Plan, undertake and evaluate a negotiated, self-managed major photographic / academic project
K2 / Demonstrate a comprehensive and detailed understanding of photography by critically analysing a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks.
K3 / Synthesise and critically appraise different aspects of disciplinary knowledge in complex contexts and evaluate appropriate knowledge / concepts to facilitate problem-solving in a range of photographic situations
K4 / Analyse and evaluate the impact of ethical and legal issues relevant to the generation of knowledge in photography
Cognitive/Intellectual Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
C1 / Synthesise, appraise and evaluate evidence from appropriate sources to make independent judgements
C2 / Question orthodoxy using balanced, logical and supported argument
C3 / Demonstrate intellectual flexibility and openness to new ideas, within approaches to the photographic industries
C4 / Is confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex problems and the application of appropriate knowledge, tools/methods to their solution
Practical/Professional Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
P1 / Operate ethically in complex and unpredictable contexts, requiring selection and application from a wide range of standard or innovative techniques
P2 / Act autonomously with limited supervision or direction within agreed guidelines
P3 / Confidently approach photographic projects with creativity through a complex and developmental photographic process
P4 / Confidently and professionally fulfil photographic briefs by applying photographic skills and using appropriate equipment in the production of technically excellent outcomes
Key Transferable Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
T1 / Plan, manage and evaluate the acquisition of new knowledge and skills as part of a lifelong learning strategy
T2 / Demonstrate both employment potential and ability to manage future professional development in the photographic industry
T3 / Communicate clearly, fluently and effectively in a range of styles including academic discussion and the presentation of arguments in a professional manner
T4 / Select and evaluate software applications for different tasks within the context of photographic practice
T5 / Recognise and evaluate factors which enhance group processes and team-working, and modify and evaluate own personal effectiveness within a team
19.  / Key Learning & Teaching Methods
·  There is an emphasis towards practical workshop learning, which underpins both context and industry relevant topics
·  The lecture programme and technical photographic delivery will impart the necessary principles and concepts
·  The seminars will be a mixture of student and tutor led sessions considering practical examples of the principles and concepts introduced in the lecture programme, which will support learning through an experiential approach
·  Group work will allow students to develop their research, communication and teamwork skills
·  Tutor and peer led reflective feedback form the basis of student learning programmes in the form of personal and professional action planning
·  Tutorials will take the form of individual support and feedback for student guidance
·  Opportunities will be provided to work within the creative industries using our strong links with working professionals and industry partners
20.  / Key Assessment Methods
·  Practical Assessments
·  Photographic Portfolios
·  Formal Essays
·  Presentations
·  Workbooks documenting process (could be electronic)
·  On-line (VLE) personal and professional development planning

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Programme Specification – BA (Hons) Photography – Version 1 – Mar 2013

21.  / Programme Modules
(additional copies to be completed for each named pathway)
Level 6
Code / Title / Credits / Status / Non-Compensatable / Compensatable
4 / Negotiated Study / 40 credits / Programme Core / ü
4 / Dissertation / 40 credits / Programme Core / ü
4 / Photographic Innovation Project / 20 credits / Programme Core / ü
4 / Applied Professional Practice / 10 credits / Programme Core / ü
4 / Photographic Trajectories / 10 credits / Programme Core / ü

Programme Specification – BA (Hons) Photography – Version 1 – Mar 2013

22.  / Programme Structure
Overview of structure of the modules across the Academic Year.
Level 6 / WORK RELATED / ACADEMIC / PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE
Semester 1 / Applied Professional Practice (10 Credits) / Dissertation (40 Credits) / Photographic Trajectories (10 Credits) / Negotiated Study (40 Credits)
Photographic Innovation Project (20 Credits)
Semester 2
Full-time route:
Level 6
Level 6 challenges the student to work autonomously to negotiate their own learning with the ultimate aim of defining and sculpting their chosen trajectory. Practically, the Negotiated Study module allows the student to invest in a sustained photographic body of work which is intended for public exhibition. This module pushes the student to think about the creativity, meaning and coherence of their photographic output to enhance their creative abilities, which may be applied to more commercial situations in the future. Students are challenged to put their area of photographic practice in a professional context in Applied Professional Practice. This is followed by Photographic Innovation Project which pushes the student to realise photographic, curatorial or business-related concepts in a professional context. The dissertation module must be linked with the photographic work produced in ether Negotiated Study or Photographic Innovation Project in terms of research focus. This flexibility is designed to accommodate students from both a contemporary art photographic and commercial perspective.
·  Negotiated Study, 40 credits
·  Dissertation, 40 credits
·  Photographic Innovation Project, 20 credits
·  Applied Professional Practice, 10 credits
·  Photographic Professional Development 2, 10 credits
A timetable for part-time course
Year 1:
·  Dissertation, 40 credits
·  Applied Photographic Practice, 10 credits
·  Photographic Professional Development 2, 10 credits
Level 6 / WORK RELATED / ACADEMIC / PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE
Semester 1 / Applied Professional Practice (10 Credits) / Dissertation (40 Credits) / Photographic Trajectories (10 Credits)
Semester 2
Year 2:
·  Negotiated Study, 40 credits
·  Photographic Innovation Project, 20 credits
Level 6 / WORK RELATED / ACADEMIC / PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE
Semester 1 / Negotiated Study (40 Credits)
Photographic Innovation Project (20 Credits)
Semester 2
23.  / Support for Students and Their Learning
The award adopts the approach to student learning support as identified in the Scheme programme specification.
·  Tailored induction support begins before students arrive with the admissions team, and is reinforced at the detailed induction programme
·  A robust communications system functions to give students access to lecturers and management; this includes e-mail, the VLE and notice boards in studios.
·  All necessary information about the programme is provided by means of the student handbook, module handbooks and the VLE.
·  Each student is allocated a tutor for regular tutorials and personal development planning. This is implemented in the first term and continued throughout the two years of study
·  There is an extensive range of learning resources in the Library, supported by specialist staff who provide bespoke study skills sessions for students.
·  The University provides an extensive range of services for students, including support for those with special needs
·  There is a range of student services such as welfare, counselling, financial and careers advice
24.  / Distinctive Features
·  Students have access to an excellent range of facilities including:
o  HE Baseroom containing a suite of Macs
o  Teaching rooms containing Macs
o  A silver-based darkroom with 16 enlargers
o  Two bookable Photographic studios with professional Elinchrom lighting
o  New installation of professional Bowens Hi-Glide studio lighting system
o  A Phase One digital back
o  Mamiya medium format cameras
o  5x4 large format cameras
o  Canon 5D & 7D SLRs
·  The department curates a professional gallery space called Flannels in Leeds City Centre
·  We have a relationship with Adobe meaning that the Macs always have the latest version of Adobe Master Suite.
·  Strong teaching team with links to the photographic industry that brings opportunity to students
·  The provision of real experience of working within the industry
·  Strong relationships with local photography galleries, White Cloth and Impressions
·  Strong relationships with photographers, both locally and nationally
·  A Student Photography Festival in Leeds
·  A regular programme of visiting lecturers
·  Strong links with the college enterprise team that creates entrepreneurial opportunities for students

Programme Specification – BA (Hons) Photography – Version 1 – Mar 2013

Map of Outcomes to Modules

Outcome Key
Module Name / K1 / K2 / K3 / K4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / P1 / P2 / P3 / P4 / T1 / T2 / T3 / T4 / T5
Negotiated Study / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A
Dissertation / A / A / A / A / A / A / A
Photographic Innovation Project / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A / A
Applied Professional Practice / A / A / A / A
Photographic Trajectories / A / A / A / A / A / A / A

Programme Specification – BA (Hons) Photography – Version 1 – Mar 2013