TVU - education that works
Courses
AT A GLANCE
Attendance:
Study mode: Full-time
Location: Ealing campus
(St Marys Road)
Duration: 1 year.
Start date: September 2009
About this course:
Study level: Masters (Level 7)
Faculty: Faculty of the Arts
Department: School of Art, Design and Media
MA Photography
 
Summary
This course offers students a framework in which they will develop a critically engaged and creative practice as artists specialising in photography. The course enables students to develop their own personal visual art practice using cutting-edge technology and advanced production facilities. Working in small groups and receiving frequent opportunities for personal tuition, students enhance and develop their creative vision, develop advanced technical skills and produce a substantial photographic portfolio with a view to becoming part of the contemporary photographic market.

The course combines exciting theory classes with dynamic and conceptually engaged photographic production forums, a combination that infuses students’ work with conceptual and critical depth as well as aesthetic and formal photographic qualities.

The course facilitates the emergence of a community of photographic practitioners, sharing visual and conceptual practice, informing and supporting personal creative development.

Students from a photographic background will be personally guided to advance their practice and explore challenging and exciting new directions for their work to develop in. The course is also appropriate to suitably qualified students from other creative disciplines, who will be given ample support and guidance to become creative and informed image-makers. Personal skills assessments will be followed with advice and guidance on technical tuition.
Details
Course content

Students will study the following modules:

- Visual Articulation

- Critical Issues in Photographic Practices

- Visual Dissemination

- Contemporary Issues in Photography.

Additional practical workshops are also offered. These are designed for students with lower technical experience and those wishing to advance digital and traditional photographic skills.

The technical, conceptual and theoretical studies and production throughout the academic year culminate in the independent production of a mature industry-standard photographic project designed for gallery exhibition or book publication. Students receive personal tuition from experienced photographic practitioners facilitating the development and completion of the final project. Students can choose to undertake an extended dissertation, instead of a project, in a photography-related topic.
Entry criteria
Applicants must have the following:
- an honours degree in an arts or humanities discipline or evidence of relevant art and/or photographic practice.

Relevant work experience may be taken into consideration.

International entry criteria
International students need to meet our English language requirement at either IELTS at 6.5 or above, TOEFL paper based test score at 575 or above, TOEFL computer based test score at 232 or above, TOEFL internet base test score at 90 or above. Contact our International Office to find out what international qualifications you need to get onto a course www.tvu.ac.uk/international

Interview
Applicants will normally be expected to present a portfolio of visual work at an interview.
During the course

Teaching methods
A combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials. Most programmes also include master classes with visiting lecturers and practitioners.

Learning materials
Module Study Guides and Course Handbooks will be provided. Access to Blackboard (TVU's Virtual Learning Environment) is also available where appropriate.

Student support
Additional practical workshops are also offered. These are designed for students with lower technical experience and those wishing to advance digital and traditional photographic skills.

Exams
All programmes within the Faculty are assessed through a variety of assessment methods.
On course completion

Exit skills
Learners studying for BTEC Higher Nationals in Photography will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study:

• Synthesis of a range of concepts, knowledge and skills relating to Photography
• Application of complex theories to practical realistic situations in the Photography sector
• Independence of approach to study and the generation of Photographic evidence
• ability to engage with complex and/or unpredictable situations in Photographic contexts
• Ability to take responsibility to manage and direct their own and others’ activities
• Insight and judgement in relation to the margins and consequences of error
• Research and investigative skills
• Responsive to change and ability to multi-task
• Ability to innovate and work in a creative way.

Career progression
This course provides students with the latest skills and high-end techniques to gain employment as an artist specialising in photography.
TQI information
Higher education institutions produce a set of teaching quality information (TQI) with a view to assuring quality and standards of teaching, and meeting the information needs of stakeholders, particularly students and their advisors.