Foundation Degree Photography

In a nutshell

This foundation degree in photography course brings together creative photographic skills and academic study, allowing you to express your creativity and communicate ideas through photography.

This Photography Foundation Degree will allow you to explore and develop expertise in photography that will enable you to turn your passion and creativity into a career path. You will acquire professional digital and photography skills alongside a knowledge of photographic history and practice.

The course involves two years of study at Crosskeys Campus after which you will gain a Level 5 FDa qualification. The course also allows you to progress onto a ‘top up’ year to complete your third year of study, and to achieve a full BA Hons.

This course is for you if...

... You are creative

... You have a keen interest in photography

... You’re serious about a photography career

What will I be doing?

The Foundation Degree in Photography includes everything from commercial photography in areas such as portraiture, wedding, fashion, editorial or advertising, through to fine art, conceptual and exhibition-based art practice. This exciting and innovative course will develop your photographic career and will allow you to become the photographer you’ve always wanted to be.

This photography course allows you to develop your creativity and work towards a specialist area. You’ll gain skills in digital photography and traditional film techniques, as well as in other related media such as moving image, sound, web design, SEO, alternative processes, portfolio building and exhibition expertise. This mainly practical photography foundation degree also develops an understanding of the history of photography, to allow a greater appreciation of the context of photography.

The practical teaching is delivered through a combination of workshops, lectures and tutorials, along with screenings, gallery visits, exhibitions, field trips and an international trip. On the course, we take pride in our links with industry, and provide numerous opportunities for our students to work with creative professionals through client projects. We have longstanding partnerships with Ffotogallery, Porsche Automotive, the RSPB and many other prestigious collaborative partners.

What is expected of me?

The Photography Foundation Degree allows you to enhance your knowledge of photographic technique through a series of challenging practical projects. All practical modules will develop your technical skills and provide stimulating assignments to develop your creativity and improve your skills with the camera.

On the course you will study and research photography and you'll develop unrivalled technical and artistic skills, using dedicated facilities including a traditional wet darkroom, a professional studio, industry-standard computers, software spanning all forms of image manipulation and film, video and web application.

You'll explore still and moving photography, exhibit your work, and you will produce a rich portfolio of work, research sketchbooks, and essays.

To enrol on this course, you’ll need GCSE passes in 3 subjects at Grade C or above, to include Maths and English Language (or equivalent). You’ll also need at least one of the following:

• A relevant BTEC Level 3 profile of Merit/Merit
• DD Grades at A Level
• DE Grades at A Level plus C in Welsh Baccalaureate
• Access to HE where you’ve achieved a Pass Diploma with 45 Passes
• Vocational/portfolio applications are also appropriate for mature students

What comes next?

This two year course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience for a career in photography or you can complete your third year to achieve full BA Hons.

Additional information

You’ll be expected to purchase a good quality digital SLR camera with SD card. Throughout the two years you’ll need to provide display materials, such as sketchbooks and portfolios. You’ll also need to purchase your own prints.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview, take part in a workshop session, or present a portfolio of work as part of the selection process.

This course is franchised by Cardiff Metropolitan University

Institution Code is C20

Campus Code is 7

DSLR Camera, £300+. Mandatory - N