BA (Hons) Photography

York

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Photography program at York St John University offers students a comprehensive education in photography, combining technical skills with creative vision and critical thinking. Designed for aspiring photographers, visual artists, and media professionals, the program provides a solid foundation in both traditional and digital photography techniques, as well as opportunities to explore conceptual, experimental, and interdisciplinary approaches to image-making. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, studio spaces, and darkrooms, as well as expert faculty who are practicing photographers and scholars. The program prepares graduates for careers in various fields of photography, including fine art, commercial photography, photojournalism, documentary photography, and visual communication.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Photography program is structured to provide students with a well-rounded education in photography theory, practice, and professional skills. Core modules cover topics such as camera techniques, lighting, composition, image editing software, visual storytelling, and portfolio development. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as digital imaging, analogue photography, studio photography, documentary practices, or multimedia storytelling through elective modules and independent projects. Additionally, students learn about the history of photography, contemporary trends, critical theory, and ethical considerations, enriching their understanding of photography as an art form and a cultural practice.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Photography program incorporates a research focus that encourages students to explore photography as a means of inquiry, expression, and cultural critique. Students learn research methods, visual analysis techniques, and critical thinking skills that enable them to investigate topics such as identity, representation, memory, place, and social justice through photography. They have the opportunity to conduct research projects, create photo essays, curate exhibitions, or produce multimedia installations that engage with contemporary issues and contribute to ongoing conversations within the field of photography. Faculty members support students' research endeavors and provide mentorship and guidance throughout the process.

Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes industry engagement and practical learning experiences that prepare students for careers in the photography industry and related fields. Students have the opportunity to participate in professional development workshops, portfolio reviews, and industry networking events that connect them with practicing photographers, curators, editors, and employers. They also undertake work placements or internships with photography studios, media companies, galleries, museums, or publishing houses, gaining hands-on experience, building professional networks, and developing their skills in a real-world context. Additionally, students have access to guest lectures, studio visits, and exhibitions that showcase the work of established photographers and industry professionals, providing inspiration and insight into current trends and practices in the field.

Global Perspective: With its focus on photography in a global context, the program at York St John University offers students a diverse and inclusive perspective on photography as a global language and cultural practice. Students learn about the work of photographers from different countries and regions, explore diverse photographic traditions and genres, and engage with issues such as globalization, migration, environmental sustainability, and cultural identity through their own photographic practice. They also have the opportunity to study abroad, participate in international exchange programs, or collaborate with photographers and artists from around the world, expanding their horizons, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and enriching their creative practice with global perspectives.

Pollster Education

Location

York

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 13000

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic qualification: International students must have a minimum overall score of 60% or above in the relevant secondary education qualification or its equivalent.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 75, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading,  Speaking, and Writing.
  • PTE: A minimum overall score of 46 with no individual score below 36.
  • Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

York St John University offers a range of scholarships to international students, providing financial support and recognition for their academic achievements. These scholarships aim to attract talented students from around the world and promote diversity within the university community.

International Scholarship Programme: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from non-EU countries. It offers a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,500 per year for the duration of the program. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Vice Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is available to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. It provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £5,000 per year. Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

Country-specific Scholarships: York St John University also offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships may have varying eligibility criteria and award amounts. Examples include the Nigeria Scholarship, Ghana Scholarship, and India Scholarship.

Sports Scholarships: York St John University values sporting excellence and offers scholarships to international students who excel in their chosen sport. These scholarships provide support for training, coaching, and competition expenses, along with access to sports facilities and other benefits.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and award amounts may vary each year.

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Photography program at York St John University are equipped with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of photography as an art form, a profession, and a cultural practice. With their technical proficiency, creative vision, and critical thinking abilities, graduates are well-prepared to pursue various career opportunities in the field of photography and visual arts. 

Professional Photographer: Many graduates pursue careers as professional photographers, working independently or for photography studios, media companies, advertising agencies, or publishing houses. They may specialize in areas such as portrait photography, wedding photography, fashion photography, commercial photography, architectural photography, or documentary photography, using their skills to capture images that communicate ideas, tell stories, evoke emotions, or sell products and services. Professional photographers may also work as freelancers, selling their work to clients, galleries, or stock photo agencies, or exhibiting their work in galleries, museums, or online platforms.

Photojournalist/Documentary Photographer: Some graduates choose to work as photojournalists or documentary photographers, capturing images that inform, educate, and inspire viewers about social, political, environmental, or cultural issues. They may work for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or news agencies, covering local, national, or international events, conflicts, or human interest stories. Photojournalists and documentary photographers may travel extensively, embed themselves in communities, or collaborate with journalists, writers, and researchers to produce multimedia stories, photo essays, or documentary films that shed light on important issues and promote social change.

Fine Art Photographer: Other graduates pursue careers as fine art photographers, creating images that express personal vision, aesthetic sensibility, and conceptual ideas. They may exhibit their work in galleries, museums, or art fairs, sell limited edition prints to collectors, or publish photobooks or zines showcasing their portfolio. Fine art photographers often explore themes such as identity, memory, place, or the human condition through their work, experimenting with techniques, formats, and materials to create visually compelling and intellectually engaging images that challenge viewers' perceptions and provoke thought and emotion.

Commercial Photographer/Studio Manager: Some graduates may work as commercial photographers or studio managers, overseeing photography studios, production houses, or creative agencies that provide photography services to clients in various industries. They may specialize in product photography, food photography, lifestyle photography, or corporate photography, collaborating with art directors, stylists, and clients to create images that meet specific branding, marketing, or advertising objectives. Commercial photographers and studio managers are responsible for managing budgets, scheduling shoots, coordinating logistics, and ensuring high-quality results that meet clients' expectations and deadlines.

Photo Editor/Retoucher: Graduates with strong technical skills and attention to detail may pursue careers as photo editors or retouchers, working for magazines, newspapers, advertising agencies, or post-production studios. They may be responsible for selecting and editing images for publication, adjusting color, exposure, and composition, retouching imperfections, and ensuring consistency and quality across a publication or campaign. Photo editors and retouchers may also work with photographers and clients to develop visual concepts, provide creative input, and enhance the overall visual impact of images through digital manipulation and enhancement techniques.

Educator/Teaching Artist: Some graduates may choose to pursue careers as educators or teaching artists, sharing their knowledge and passion for photography with students of all ages. They may work in schools, colleges, universities, or community centers, teaching photography classes, workshops, or seminars on topics such as camera techniques, digital imaging, darkroom processes, or visual storytelling. Educators and teaching artists may also develop curriculum, mentor students, and facilitate hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression in aspiring photographers.

Curator/Gallery Manager: Graduates with an interest in art curation and gallery management may pursue careers in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions, curating exhibitions, managing collections, and promoting the work of contemporary photographers and artists. They may work as curators, gallery directors, exhibition coordinators, or collection managers, organizing exhibitions, selecting artwork, writing exhibition texts, and engaging with artists, collectors, and audiences. Curators and gallery managers play a key role in shaping cultural narratives, fostering dialogue, and promoting the appreciation and understanding of photography as an art form and a social practice.

Arts Administrator/Arts Entrepreneur: Some graduates may become arts administrators or arts entrepreneurs, working for arts organizations, nonprofits, or creative enterprises that promote photography, visual arts, and cultural exchange. They may work in roles such as gallery administrator, festival coordinator, project manager, or cultural events organizer, managing programs, fundraising initiatives, marketing campaigns, or community outreach efforts that support artists, engage audiences, and enrich communities through photography and visual culture. Arts administrators and entrepreneurs may also start their own photography businesses, artist collectives, or cultural initiatives, leveraging their skills, networks, and creativity to create opportunities and make an impact in the arts community.

Visual Content Creator/Social Media Influencer: With the rise of social media and digital platforms, some graduates may choose to pursue careers as visual content creators, influencers, or brand ambassadors, using their photography skills and personal brand to engage audiences, build communities, and monetize their online presence. They may collaborate with brands, sponsors, or platforms to create sponsored content, branded campaigns, or digital products such as presets, tutorials, or e-books. Visual content creators and social media influencers may also use their platform to advocate for social causes, promote sustainability, or inspire positive change through visual storytelling and online activism.


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