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Back to Educational information and advice |
The key to successful applications.
The most important advice that can be given to anyone contemplating a course of study in
professional photography, film or video production is to DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
You need to do some research on two fronts.
Firstly, find out as much as you can about the profession you are just about to make your career. You would be surprised how many people make applications to colleges not having thought beyond the course itself. Professional image making can be an exciting and satisfying business but it is competitive and demanding work. It is also very diverse so it is important to know at least something about the various aspects of the business before you try and choose a course. Read magazines, talk to working professionals, arrange work experience - anything to get properly briefed.
The second area to research is the education on offer. As described on the'WHAT'S AVAILABLE' pages, the character and variety of courses reflect the diversity of the profession itself. It is vital to get to know as much as you can about the courses you are considering applying for so you can make the right choice.
Finding out
To find out about courses talk to your teachers if you are at school or your lecturers at
college. Speak with any working professionals who themselves went to college. Write
directly to colleges or universities for a prospectus and details of the programmes on
offer. Ask about open days or opportunities to look around. Try and get to see at least
three colleges offering the sort of courses you have in mind. Start early, many colleges
will offer open days as early as November the year before the course you want commences.
The application
When you are sure you have found the course you want its time to go for it in earnest.
Just like going for a job interview with a thousand other candidates, put everything into
it!
You will have found out how to apply from the college or university so make sure you have the correct form. If you need to apply through UCAS for example, register and get the form in good time.
Filling in the form
Take great care completing the application form. Its a good idea to make a photocopy and
practice filling that in first. Write neatly and avoid blatant grammatical or spelling
mistakes. Provide the information asked for and double check to make sure all your details
are correct. If a photograph is required make sure its a sensible likeness. Colleges and
Universities process hundreds if not thousands of forms every year and anything that takes
longer than normal to extract the information from is not popular.
The interview
As a rule, the higher up the academic scale the course is, the more difficult it is to get
onto. GNVQs, National Diplomas and part-time courses are often the least difficult while
degrees and HNDs may receive hundreds of applications each year and must select candidates
carefully.
Most institutions offering studies in this area include an interview as part of the selection process. Different colleges will arrange the interview according to their own established practises. This can be anythingfrom a relaxing, pleasant chat through to a real test of nerve. Hopefully your homework will have told you something of the college you have applied to and you will have an idea of what to expect. Key tips are: Make sure you read any information sent in advance. If you are not sure of anything telephone and ask. Be early, allowing time for late trains or unexpected delays.
Looking the part.
Again this is a difficult area but - and this brings up the next point - look the part and
be keen. Look and sound as though you know something about the profession you hope to
enter, have properly researched the educational opportunities, have chosen this college in
particular; and finally, you really want a place. This may all seem so obvious but any
institution will tell you of candidates who, when interviewed, give the impression that
they selected the college by sticking a pin in a directory and considered photography or
film or video simply as 'something nice to do'!
When you attend for interview you will be expected to show a portfolio. Some institutions let you talk through it as part of the interview, others may look at it separately. Some are really tough and look at it first and only give an interview to a selected few. Ouch! The best advice is be selective and only put in your best work. Colleges will often give advice at open days so be sure to ask if someone hasn't already. About 20 pieces of work(photographs), a 5 minute video tape (showreal) or selection of artwork is about right for most places according to the subject you are applying for. Don't be afraid of including anything that demonstrates your creative talents.
If you are interviewed be keen, respectful and positive about your achievements and goals (just don't go over the top!) and GOOD LUCK.
Finally, if you are not offered a place don't get depressed. The selection process should be about matching candidates to courses and it might be that the interviewing team didn't think the course they had to offer matched your aspirations. If you think differently write, thank them for the interview and ask if you may be considered if any vacancies arise. Some institutions have waiting lists and even as late as September there can be last minute opportunities so make sure they know where to contact you!
