MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy
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BA (Hons) Fashion Photography
Aldgate
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This degree is designed to cultivate the creative practice and build the essential portfolio required for a successful career in the fast-paced world of fashion photography. The program provides a strong foundation in both the technical and conceptual aspects of image production, emphasizing the creation of innovative and highly creative work. Students gain an in-depth understanding of visual aesthetics and the techniques of image production and consumption, crucial for today's image-led industries. For those who may not initially meet the standard entry requirements, a four-year program including a foundation year (Year 0) is available, providing a thorough grounding in art, design, and photography before specializing in fashion photography.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Fashion Photography program is structured to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students engage with a range of modules that cover the history and theory of fashion photography, the technical aspects of both digital and analogue photography (including access to both colour and black-and-white darkrooms), and the development of a personal creative vision. Modules may include "Critical and Contextual Studies: Dissertation (Photography and Fashion Photography)," "Looking and Making," and "Professional Practice: Fashion Photography." The course also incorporates projects that are designed to be industry-facing, allowing students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios and build a strong professional portfolio. Assessment is typically through practical and written coursework, with no final examinations.
Research Focus: While the program is primarily a practice-based degree, a strong emphasis is placed on critical and contextual understanding. Students are encouraged to engage in research related to the history, theory, and contemporary issues within fashion photography and the broader creative industries. The "Critical and Contextual Studies" modules provide the framework for this, guiding students to explore the cultural, historical, social, and political contexts of fashion imagery. In their final year, students will often undertake an in-depth Honours-level dissertation, allowing them to research a topic of their choice and demonstrate their critical thinking and academic writing skills. The program also encourages engagement with the East End Photography Archive, providing a valuable resource for research.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of the London Metropolitan University's Fashion Photography program is its strong links with the fashion and photography industries. Students benefit from being taught by experienced academics and practitioners who are actively involved in the field. The course incorporates industry-linked project briefs, providing a taste of the professional world. Opportunities for portfolio reviews with industry professionals, visiting lecturers, and studio visits are also part of the program. The university and its tutors actively support students in finding work placements, providing invaluable real-world experience and the chance to network with potential employers. Collaborations with students in other creative disciplines, such as fashion design, further enhance the industry-relevant experience, such as creating look books and campaign imagery for fashion shows.
Global Perspective: Studying fashion photography in London, a globally recognized fashion capital, naturally provides a global perspective. The program, with its emphasis on contemporary practice and industry trends, equips graduates with skills and knowledge that are transferable to an international context. The diverse student body and faculty also contribute to a global learning environment. While the information primarily focuses on the London-based experience, the skills and portfolio developed on the course are highly valued in the international fashion industry. The program aims to prepare graduates for a range of career opportunities within the global fashion landscape.
Location
Aldgate
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
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 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
London Metropolitan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options designed to assist international students with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK. These scholarships aim to support talented students, regardless of their financial background, and encourage diversity in the university’s student body.
International Scholarship: London Metropolitan University provides an International Scholarship for non-UK students who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This scholarship is designed to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying at the university more affordable. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and student eligibility, typically covering a partial reduction of tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, and students are assessed upon application for the program.
Regional Scholarships: To encourage students from diverse regions to study at London Metropolitan University, the university offers Regional Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to attract students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The scholarships are often based on merit and financial need and offer varying amounts of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition fees.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships offered by organizations, government bodies, and foundations. Some notable external scholarships include those offered by the British Council, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide significant funding to international students pursuing higher education in the UK. London Metropolitan University encourages its international students to apply for these prestigious scholarships in addition to institutional funding opportunities.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Fashion Photography program at London Metropolitan University are well-prepared for a diverse range of career paths within the dynamic and competitive fashion and creative industries. The program's strong emphasis on both technical proficiency and creative development, coupled with its industry connections, equips students with the skills and portfolio needed to succeed.
Fashion Photographer: This is a primary career path, with graduates working for magazines, fashion houses, advertising agencies, or as freelance photographers creating editorial, advertising, and lookbook imagery. Their portfolio, built throughout the degree, is crucial for showcasing their style and technical abilities to potential clients and employers.
Editorial Photographer: Graduates can focus on creating images for fashion magazines and online publications, often working with stylists, hair and makeup artists, and models to tell visual stories that complement editorial content. This role requires strong creative vision and the ability to work within a team.
Advertising Photographer: This path involves creating images for fashion brands' advertising campaigns, both in print and online. It often requires a keen understanding of branding and marketing, as well as the ability to produce high-quality, commercially viable images.
Freelance Photographer: Many fashion photography graduates choose to work independently, building their own client base and managing their own projects. This offers flexibility and creative control but requires strong business acumen and self-discipline.
In-House Photographer: Graduates can work directly for a single fashion brand or company, responsible for creating all their photographic content, including e-commerce images, social media content, and campaign imagery. This provides a more stable work environment than freelancing.
Assistant Photographer: A common starting point for many fashion photographers, assisting established photographers provides invaluable hands-on experience, the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, and a chance to build industry connections.
Picture Editor: Graduates with a strong eye for detail and a deep understanding of visual storytelling can work as picture editors for magazines or publishing houses, selecting and editing photographs for publication.
Post-Production Specialist: Given the significant role of digital manipulation in modern fashion photography, graduates skilled in retouching, color grading, and other post-production techniques can specialize in this area, working for photographers or post-production studios.
Fashion Stylist (with a strong photographic background): While not a direct photography role, a strong understanding of visual aesthetics and the ability to work on set can lead to a career in fashion styling, collaborating closely with photographers to create compelling images.
Content Creator/Social Media Manager (specializing in fashion imagery): In the digital age, fashion brands heavily rely on visual content for their online presence. Graduates can use their photography skills to create engaging content for social media platforms, manage social media accounts, and develop visual marketing strategies.
