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Educational information and advice. |
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Also see HOT TIPS! |
The variety of courses available in the professional area of photography, film and video production is immense, which is why sources of guidance like PHOTOLINK are so essential.
TYPES OF COURSES
It is very difficult to categorise courses but it is useful to consider the differences
between courses of study aiming to prepare students to work in the practice of photography
or video and those which concentrate on the subject in the wider context of media studies
and the social and cultural implications of the medium. The courses included in this
database fall mainly within the former category and may be described as 'vocational' or
'professional' in character.
The other thing to think about is the age old debate, 'photography, art or science' or even more contentious, 'art versus commercialism'. Some courses tend to have developed from art backgrounds and concentrate on artistic aspects of the medium and the creative development of the individual. Others see their role as preparing students for the rigour of commercial life and serving the needs of the image making industry.
Any course worth its salt will include all these elements to some degree. It is vital for instance to know how photography and film fit into the whole range of communication media and their effects within society - the power of the image. Equally, a good course should include opportunities for creative development as well as preparing students to make a satisfactory living from it. If they don't, they need to justify why not!
So the key is to check out the overall philosophy or ethos of the course of studies you are looking for.
LEVEL
Perhaps a good place to start is the level of course you are looking for. What will be
right for you will depend on your age, your level of practical or professional experience,
your academic prowess and your eventual goals.
At one time, entry points into education were very formalised with set entry qualifications strictly adhered to. Nowadays institutions are very much more flexible and will often judge applications more on the basis of whether the candidate is ready or able to succeed on the course applied for.
The Ground floor!
If you are just beginning or are still at school an entry level course may be just for
you. Look for BTEC National Diplomas, GNVQ studies, BTEC 1st Diplomas or Foundation
studies with a strong photographic or video component. At this level courses are often
fairly broad based so it's important to check out that the practical component in
photography, film or video work is sufficient for your needs. BTEC National Diplomas are
likely to offer the greatest amount of specialised study.
If you still have some time left in secondary education, consider a GCSE or 'A' level in photography or gaining experience on work release or through short courses at your local college.
The 1st floor!
If you already have at least one 'A' level and four GCSEs at grade C or above and have
some demonstrable insight into professional image making, or alternatively, have already
studied on a first level course then you will probably be seeking a course in the Higher
Education category.
This may lead to a BTEC Higher National Diploma (2 years) or a Degree (usually 3 years).
There are many courses within this group all with their own character and structure. Application is via an agency such as the Art and Design Admissions Registry (ADAR) (for 1996) or the University & Colleges Application Service (UCAS) and competition for places offers quite a challenge!
If you already have an HND then a course of study leading to the Professional Qualifying Course (PQE) endorsed by the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) may be of interest. A one or two year (BA) degree conversion course may also be worth considering although places on these courses are scarce.
The Penthouse!
A number of courses exist beyond degree or HND level for those who wish to continue their
studies. Master of Arts programmes are offered at a number of centres and some are
included in the database.
Part-time study, workshops and courses for the amateur
There are other courses of varying levels and lengths which may be worth considering. In
the UK, private education for photography, unlike most other European countries, is pretty
much unheard of beyond general interest or amateur courses. However, there is an
increasing variety of short courses on offer so if you are trying to get some extra
experience before applying to a full time course, a few evenings or a weekend study course
may pay dividends.
The Open College of the Arts offers a range of distance learning courses in photography and video production. Although primarily non vocational in character, these correspondence courses can offer a useful introduction to to these subjects. Their address is in the 'Useful Addresses' section.
Part time study is also offered by some institutions and is worth investigating if you cannot undertake a full time programme. The traditional 'Day-release' course was the key to success for many professionals in practice today.
Apart from the Open College, many galleries and arts centres organise courses for amateurs. Your nearest public library will be a good source of information about local events.
