MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BA Hons Photography: Editorial and Advertising
Hardwick, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This dynamic three-year program at the University of Gloucestershire is designed to equip students with the creative skills, professional knowledge, and industry connections necessary for a successful career in the fast-paced world of editorial and advertising photography. The course provides a comprehensive exploration of both still and moving images, with a strong emphasis on developing retouching skills. Students will have the opportunity to delve into a wide array of genres, including fashion, music, sports, food, interiors, celebrity, beauty, and travel photography. A key feature of the program is its strong industry focus and the cultivation of entrepreneurial and professional working practices. It also promotes diversity and ethical working practices within the curriculum.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to build a strong foundation in photography from the first year. Students will gain essential photography skills, working in professional studios and on location, exploring both moving image and still photography. They will also develop their retouching skills and begin to discover their own photographic interests and styles. In the second year, the focus shifts to building upon these skills and enhancing creativity. Students will work on developing their online presence and preparing for valuable work experience in their chosen areas of interest. Practical projects will include creating zines and photobooks, along with experimenting with various photography styles using high-end equipment. The final year culminates in the development of a professional portfolio, a degree show exhibition in Cheltenham, and opportunities to showcase work in London to attract potential employers.
Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Photography: Editorial and Advertising is a practice-based program, it is underpinned by the university's broader research focus on "Creative Practice and Theory." Students are encouraged to engage with the theoretical and historical contexts of photography. Modules often include an introduction to the history of photography and a critical examination of how images convey meaning. While not a dedicated research degree at the undergraduate level, the program fosters a research-informed approach to creative practice, encouraging students to develop their own visual narratives and explore their chosen themes in depth. The final year project, such as the Major Photography Project or the Dissertation: Major Research Project, provides a structured opportunity for in-depth research and critical reflection on their practice.
Industry Engagement: The University of Gloucestershire places a high value on industry engagement, and this is particularly evident in the BA (Hons) Photography: Editorial and Advertising program. Students benefit from regular interactions with visiting speakers who are actively working in the industry, including many graduates of the course. These sessions provide valuable inspiration and insights into potential career paths. The program offers opportunities to work on live briefs for global brands such as Converse, AllSaints, SHOWstudio, lululemon athletica, and Superdry, providing invaluable real-world experience. Furthermore, students can gain practical experience through placements with magazines and newspapers like 'InStyle,' 'Mail on Sunday,' 'The Guardian,' 'Vanity Fair,' and 'Vogue.' The course boasts accreditation with ScreenSkills and an affiliation with the AOP (the Association of Photographers), having also been awarded AOP's Course of the Year in 2021. The program also benefits from experienced lecturers who often have their own industry experience, and the opportunity to learn from leading professionals who have worked for publications like 'Vogue,' 'Tatler,' and Getty Images.
Global Perspective: The program integrates a global perspective by exposing students to international influences within the fields of editorial and advertising photography. While a year abroad is not a standard part of this specific BA (Hons) program, the opportunities to showcase work in international cities such as London, Milan, Paris, New York, Shanghai, and Vancouver (though additional costs may apply) provide students with exposure to a wider global industry. The live briefs from global brands also offer a practical understanding of working within an international context. The university itself has extensive global links with book and magazine publishing houses, galleries, advertising agencies, photography festivals, and photographic events, which implicitly contributes to a broader global understanding within the creative industries.
Location
Hardwick, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
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 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
BA (Hons) in Photography: Editorial and Advertising from the University of Gloucestershire is well-equipped for a diverse range of creative and commercial roles. The program's strong industry focus and emphasis on developing both technical and conceptual skills open doors to numerous career pathways.
Editorial Photographer: Graduates can work for magazines, newspapers, and online publications, creating images that accompany articles and stories. This can involve various genres, including portraiture, lifestyle, news, and documentary photography, requiring strong storytelling abilities through visuals.
Advertising Photographer: This path involves producing high-impact images for advertising campaigns across print, online, and social media platforms. Photographers in this field often specialize in areas like product photography, fashion, food, or automotive, working closely with art directors and marketing teams to fulfill a specific brief.
Fashion Photographer: Specializing in the fashion industry, graduates can work on photoshoots for magazines, fashion brands, and designers, capturing clothing, accessories, and models in a stylish and compelling manner. This role often involves working with a team of stylists, makeup artists, and models.
Lifestyle Photographer: This career involves capturing authentic and relatable moments of everyday life for commercial or editorial purposes. Lifestyle photographers often work with families, individuals, or brands to create images that evoke a particular feeling or tell a story about a product or service.
Portrait Photographer: Graduates can establish their own studios or work for established businesses, capturing portraits of individuals, families, or groups for personal or professional use. This requires strong interpersonal skills to make subjects feel comfortable and a keen eye for capturing personality.
Commercial Photographer: This is a broad category encompassing various photography assignments for businesses, such as corporate headshots, event coverage, architectural photography, and industrial photography. The focus is on creating images that meet the specific needs of the client.
Retoucher/Image Editor: With the strong emphasis on retouching skills in the program, graduates can work as professional retouchers or image editors for photographers, agencies, or in-house creative teams. This involves enhancing and manipulating images to achieve a desired aesthetic and meet industry standards.
Photography Assistant: Starting as a photography assistant provides invaluable experience in the industry. Graduates can assist established photographers on photoshoots, learning the practical aspects of the business, including lighting, equipment management, and client interaction.
Freelance Photographer: Many graduates choose to work as freelance photographers, building their own client base and taking on a variety of projects. This requires strong business acumen, self-discipline, and the ability to market their own services.
Content Creator: In today's digital age, there is a high demand for visual content. Graduates can work as content creators for brands, social media agencies, or as independent influencers, producing engaging still images and moving image content for online platforms. This role often requires a good understanding of social media trends and audience engagement.
