MSc Computer Engineering
The MSc in Computer Engineering program at Solent University is designed to equip stude...
BA (Hons) Photography
Southampton City Centre
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Photography program at Solent University in Southampton, UK, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in photography, covering a wide range of technical, creative, and conceptual skills. This program prepares students for careers as professional photographers or for further study in photography-related fields. Through a combination of practical assignments, theoretical lectures, and hands-on experience, students develop their visual literacy, technical proficiency, critical thinking abilities, and professional practice skills.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Photography program covers a diverse range of topics essential to the practice and understanding of photography. Students explore fundamental principles of photography, including camera techniques, lighting, composition, and image editing. They also study historical and contemporary approaches to photography, learning about influential photographers, movements, and genres. In addition, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as documentary photography, fine art photography, commercial photography, or photojournalism. The program culminates in a final major project where students have the chance to showcase their individual creative vision and technical skills.
Research Focus: Solent University encourages research and critical inquiry within the field of photography, providing students with opportunities to explore theoretical concepts, historical contexts, and contemporary debates in photography. Students may undertake research projects that examine topics such as the role of photography in shaping identity and culture, the ethics of image-making and representation, or the impact of digital technologies on photographic practice. Through research-focused modules and independent study, students develop analytical skills, research methodologies, and a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and ethical dimensions of photography.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Photography program emphasizes industry engagement, offering students opportunities to connect with professional photographers, industry professionals, and creative organizations. Solent University maintains strong links with photography studios, galleries, magazines, agencies, and cultural institutions, facilitating guest lectures, workshops, portfolio reviews, and industry placements. Students also have the opportunity to participate in collaborative projects, exhibitions, and competitions, gaining exposure to the professional photography industry and building their networks within the creative community.
Global Perspective: Solent University recognizes the global nature of contemporary photography and integrates a global perspective into its curriculum and activities. Students in the BA (Hons) Photography program study a diverse range of photographic traditions, practices, and cultural contexts from around the world, gaining insights into different visual languages, aesthetics, and perspectives. The university offers opportunities for international exchanges, study tours, and collaborations with photographers and institutions overseas, allowing students to broaden their horizons, gain exposure to diverse photographic traditions, and prepare for careers in a globalized creative industry.
Location
Southampton City Centre
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 14250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at Solent University should have completed their secondary education with a minimum of 65% or above in their respective national qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component.
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 59, with no component below 59.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 100 is required.
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.
Solent University in the UK offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to assist international students in their academic journey. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward academic excellence, as well as provide support to those who may face financial constraints.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional international students who have achieved outstanding academic results. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for the duration of the student's course.
International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies. It offers a partial tuition fee reduction and is awarded based on academic achievements and potential.
Solent Sports Scholarships: Solent University has a strong focus on sports and offers scholarships to talented athletes who have achieved excellence in their chosen sport. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and coaching expertise to help athletes balance their studies and sports commitments.
Regional Scholarships: Solent University offers a range of scholarships specific to certain regions or countries. These scholarships aim to support students from particular regions and provide financial assistance to help them pursue their studies at Solent University.
External Scholarships: In addition to university-specific scholarships, Solent University also encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities. The university provides guidance and support in identifying and applying for external scholarships offered by organizations, foundations, and governments.
Financial Hardship Support: Solent University understands that some international students may face financial difficulties during their studies. The university provides support and advice through its Student Hub and Student Funding team, who can assist in exploring additional funding options and provide guidance on managing finances effectively.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Photography program at Solent University in Southampton, UK, are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of exciting career paths within the field of photography and related industries. With a combination of technical expertise, creative vision, and professional experience, graduates have the opportunity to establish successful careers as professional photographers, visual artists, or creative professionals in a range of sectors.
Professional Photographer: Many graduates choose to pursue careers as professional photographers, specializing in various genres such as portrait photography, fashion photography, commercial photography, documentary photography, fine art photography, or wedding photography. They may work independently as freelancers, running their own photography businesses, or they may be employed by photography studios, media agencies, advertising firms, or publishing companies. Professional photographers capture images for clients, including individuals, businesses, organizations, and publications, and they may work on assignments such as editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, events coverage, or documentary projects.
Fine Art Photographer: Some graduates pursue careers as fine art photographers, creating original photographic artworks for exhibition in galleries, museums, art fairs, and public spaces. They may explore personal themes, concepts, and narratives through their work, experimenting with different techniques, processes, and formats to express their artistic vision. Fine art photographers may sell prints of their work to collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, and they may also receive commissions for public art projects, site-specific installations, or editorial features.
Photojournalist/Documentary Photographer: Graduates interested in storytelling and social issues may pursue careers as photojournalists or documentary photographers, documenting current events, social issues, and human experiences through visual storytelling. They may work for newspapers, magazines, online publications, news agencies, or nonprofit organizations, covering local, national, or international stories. Photojournalists and documentary photographers use their images to inform, educate, and provoke thought, and they may work on long-term projects, multimedia productions, or investigative reports that shed light on important social, political, or environmental issues.
Digital Imaging Specialist/Retoucher: Some graduates specialize in digital imaging and post-production, working as digital imaging specialists, retouchers, or image editors for photography studios, design agencies, or post-production houses. They use software tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One to enhance, manipulate, or retouch digital images, ensuring that they meet the technical and aesthetic requirements of clients. Digital imaging specialists may also provide technical support, training, or consultancy services related to digital photography workflows and technologies.
Photo Editor/Curator: Graduates with a strong eye for visual storytelling and curation may pursue careers as photo editors, curators, or image researchers for publishing houses, media organizations, galleries, museums, or online platforms. They are responsible for selecting, editing, and organizing photographic content for publication, exhibition, or online presentation, ensuring that it aligns with the editorial or curatorial vision and meets the needs of the target audience. Photo editors and curators may also commission work from photographers, license images for publication, or contribute to the development of visual narratives and storytelling projects.
Educator/Workshop Facilitator: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in education, sharing their knowledge, skills, and passion for photography with others as educators, workshop facilitators, or mentors. They may work in schools, colleges, universities, community centers, or arts organizations, teaching photography classes, leading workshops, or providing one-on-one tuition to aspiring photographers of all ages and skill levels. Educators and workshop facilitators play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of photographers, nurturing their creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking abilities.
