What does it include?
The course is validated by and was developed in partnership with the University of Westminster. As a student you will experience the very supportive working relationship that the course has with the university.
Whilst studying on the course you will develop your knowledge of professional photographic practice through challenging live project briefs. You will develop your technical skills and knowledge in the use of format, studio & location practice, traditional and digital developing & printing techniques. Your practical work will be underpinned by learning essential research and personal development skills. A critical engagement with photographic history and wider contemporary cultural theory and contextual issues will be linked directly to your practical work to inform and improve your photographic practice.
You will be supported to help you find your own area of interest within contemporary professional photographic practice and in year 2 you will choose either conceptual or vocational pathway modules. You will be guided and supported to help you build a professional portfolio and acquire the knowledge and skills to be able to engage with employers. It is a compulsory part of the course that you carry out a period of professional practice and this is supported by a dedicated tutor. Your study will culminate in a major public exhibition to promote your work.
Regular museum and gallery visits are part of project research as well as attending industry events. The course has a history of annual residential visits relating to projects (including in New York!) All of your learning will be taught by experienced and dedicated lectures and technicians who currently work within the photographic industry. Your learning will take place in our purpose built studios and darkrooms and the digital facilities at our state-of-the-art new Paddington Green Campus.
Last year our students exhibited as part of the Free Range exhibition in East London. To view a selection of portfolios please visit this link.
What do I need to get on to it?
Entry onto the course is by interview. You will need to bring with you some examples of your work that you would like to talk about and a piece of your writing about photography. An academic or employer reference would be useful. At interview you should demonstrate potential to benefit from this course.
Ideally you will have the minimum of 1 related A-Level or the equivalent level 3 vocational qualification (National Diploma in Photography, Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, etc). If you don't think that you have the right qualifications but think this is the right course for you then apply or come along to the College to see how we can support you.
Where does it lead?
The Foundation Degree in Professional Photography is a vocational higher education course equivalent to year 1 and 2 of an Honours degree. When you successfully complete the Foundation Degree at City of Westminster College you can progress directly into employment or you have the opportunity to progress onto the final year of the BA (Hons) Degree in Photography at the University of Westminster subject to passing a bridging module.
The Interview Process
For the interview you will need to bring the following:
A portfolio of no more than 20 photographs. You will need to indicate if your photographs form part of a series, or were part of a college or school project. You will also need to explain the theme or idea behind the portfolio of work presented.
A sketchbook containing general images which you find interesting and show a development of your ideas. This could include photographs you have taken outside of set projects and or collected from magazines, newspapers etc.
You must also provide a written piece, minimum of 500 words, about a specific photograph that excites or inspires you, discussing the technical elements of the image and the meanings you read within it. This may be a photograph from an exhibition, book, magazine or newspaper.
This should consider; Composition, Implied meaning, technical issues and how successful is the image.
How is the course assessed?
Coursework and continual assessment
Where is it based?
This course is delivered at the Paddington Green Campus where there are spacious photographic Studios, digital studios and a colour and monochrome processing darkrooms
University
This course is validated by University of Westminster.
Accommodation
The College does not have in-house accommodation but the student advisory service can assist in support with accommodation.
For further information and to apply
If you wish to apply for this course, please do so by via UCAS, the UCAS reference for this course is W640.
If you need help before choosing your course, please contact Jamie O'Hara at jamie.o'hara@cwc.ac.uk or our Information Centre or come along to one of our Open days.