Course description
BA (Hons) Photography
Our BA (Hons) Photography degree is a fantastic option for anyone with an interest in developing and applying their creative and technical skills to a range of projects that critically explore the role of photography.
As an open-access flexible degree, the course can be studied anywhere in the world, at a time and pace to suit you. You’ll be joining a creative community of students who support each other, coming together to share their unique ideas and work.
Throughout your studies, you’ll be provided with one-to-one tutor support and feedback, guiding you through the course materials to maximise your creative potential. Our tutors share a wealth of experience from across the photographic, creative and cultural sectors. Their combined skills and experience reflect the exciting range of possibilities and pathways which the study of photography can lead to.
A degree in photography with the OCA will support you in the development of your creative practice, research and critical thinking. These skills will enable you to question the value of the image in digital culture, producing work that is inspiring, engaging and meaningful.
So pick up that camera, whether it be new or old, and begin your photographic journey today.
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Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Photography is an open access degree; this means that there are no formal qualifications or experience required to join the course. All you need is a passion for the arts and willingness to learn.
All OCA courses require students to be IT literate, have a good internet connection, and have a good standard of English equivalent to CEFR B2.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the institute website.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Final Award Title and Type: BA (Hons) Photography
Upon successful completion of the course students are able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in a comprehensive range of photographic practices and techniques and have detailed knowledge of visual and conceptual strategies in digital photography.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the wider social and cultural contexts in which the digital image operates, gained comprehensive knowledge of own area of specialisation and be able to situate own work within a large context of practice in chosen field.
- Demonstrate by means of written work and oral presentations a critical understanding of the principles of photography and knowledge of emerging aspects of the discipline and those at the forefront of the debate.
- Critically and objectively evaluate own work.
Training Course Content
Core Units
Level 1 begins with two core units, Photography 1: Expressing your Vision, and Photography 1: Context and Narrative. Photography is a visual language – like any form of communication, it is important to understand the structure and vocabulary in order to express yourself and communicate effectively.
The Photography 1: Expressing your Vision unit will help you to understand the importance of your decision making when taking photographs and how this can have an effect on the range of meanings that your photograph can communicate.
The Photography 1: Context and Narrative unit builds upon the visual skills acquired in Expressing your Vision. It aims to help you to create meaningful photographs by looking at the use of photography across different genres and contexts.
Throughout Level 1 and on to Level 2, there are a few Optional Modules to choose from, which are defined below.
At Level 3, you’ll study a flexible negotiated programme which consists of three core units. Here you apply your research within Photography 3: Contextual Studies, and use it to inform the development of a photographic investigation in Photography 3: Body of Work, before finally presenting your work to the public within Photography 3: Sustaining Your Practice.
Optional Units
Following completion of the two core units at Level 1, you have the option to either choose to study Photography further, or to choose a complementary discipline:
- Photography 1: Identity and Place
- Moving Image 1: Setting the Scene
- Visual Studies 1: Understanding Visual Culture
There is also the opportunity, should you have chosen to study it at Level 1, to study Moving Image with the Moving Image 2: Moving Image Methodologies unit.
At Level 2 you have the choice of two elective units from the list of units below:
- Photography 2: Landscape, Place and Environment
- Photography 2: Documentary – Fact and Fiction
- Photography 2: Self and the Other
- Photography 2: Digital Image and Culture
Course delivery details
As a flexible degree, you can complete the programme in 4–9 years, with a maximum of three years to complete each level of the course.
Reviews
Average rating 4
I have developed a good relationship with my tutors. I've really enjoyed being able to curate my own exhibition. Reaching out into and developing my own community of peers thr...
Expenses
UK 2020/21 Fees
- Foundations: £900 per course
- Level 1 (HE4): £4,050 for the level
- Level 2 (HE5): £3,340 for the level
- Level 3 (HE6): £3,340 for the level
Outside of the UK 2020/21 Fees
- Foundations: £1,050 per course
- Level 1 (HE4): £4,500 for the level
- Level 2 (HE5): £3,690 for the level
- Level 3 (HE6): £3,690 for the level
Continuing Studies
Upon completing the BA (Hons) Photography degree, you’ll be set with skills to help you navigate the workplace.
While you’re enhancing your photography profession, you can find a range of options to support your work. You could use your creative and research skills to work in visual communications, marketing, and many more roles. Prospects can help you with a variety of options of where your degree could take you.
My current tutor has been superb and helped me with my research. I'm using the experience and skills I've learnt to curate my own exhibition and develop a design for my book.