PHOTOGRAPHY
MAKE PHOTOGRAPHY
YOUR
FOCUS
In the School of Art and Design, we believe that photography provides one of the most exciting and important visual forms of global communication, shaping a significant part of everyday life. Just think how many photographs you’ve taken, how many you’ve seen – and how viewing different images can affect your emotions in so many different ways. Whether it’s on the page, on your computer screen, on television or on a mobile device, photographs surround you. At Staffordshire University, we can help you to make the most of your photographic potential and stand out from the crowd. Studying with us provides a challenging, highly rewarding opportunity to perfect your photographic talents. Our BA (Hons) Photography course offers an exciting, well balanced programmes of practical, theoretical, professional and technical skills – all carefully designed to build your confidence and creative abilities for life beyond university.
David Noble, Course Leader Photography
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Your individuality will be at the very heart of our teaching. The freedom to pursue your goals will be supported by our industry-experienced tutors who, with their expertise and richly diverse knowledge, provide inspirational learning. With access to professional camera equipment, studios and Mac computer facilities, you’ll have all the professional kit needed for your studies. Added to that, our fully qualified technicians will be on hand to assist and advise you. To broaden your knowledge, you’ll hear from industry experts during weekly guest lectures. Wherever possible photographic briefs and opportunities will be offered, and many of our students do undertake world of work experience. All of this ensures great chances for networking and possibilities for employment. If, after reading this guide, you’d like to know even more about us and our courses, please visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/art
BA (Hons) PHOTOGRAPHY UCAS code: W640
CONTENTS: Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs? Our Brilliant People A Better Campus Choose More Open Days Application Process
Photo by Kayte Wagstaff
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Photography at Staffordshire University is an intense and challenging course, which constantly pushes you to reach your full potential, whilst giving you the freedom to be creative and dynamic in a supportive and enjoyable environment. Charlie Gajda Graduated 2009 now running a photography studio in Manchester
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t: 01782 294400
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HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STUDY WITH US. TO REALLY FIND OUT IF WE’RE RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU.
KEY FACTS BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE
Great photography is all about letting your individuality show. That’s why through one-to-one tutorials, specialist lectures and innovative workshops, we’ll help you turn your ideas into reality. You’ll also get all the technical support you need.
OUTSTANDING STUDENT SATISFACTION
In the 2013 National Student Survey, we scored 92% for overall student satisfaction. This outstanding result is proof of our commitment to help you succeed.
SPECIALIST GUEST SPEAKERS
We want you to learn from some of the best. That’s why you’ll get to meet top professionals, including photographers, editors, stylists, curators, artists and more.
WORK-READY WORLD-READY SHOOTING STARS
You’ll find our alumni right across the fields of photography. Recent graduates have secured employment at names such as Moscow Vogue, The River Cottage, Top Shop and Miss Selfridge.
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MORE THAN 40 YEARS EXPERTISE
We’ve been teaching photography for more than 40 years. That makes us one of the most respected and well-established university photography courses in the country.
Study with us and we’ll equip you to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – a world-ready professional, with the knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers look for. We’ll offer lots of exciting options throughout your course – all to expose you to as many different facets of photography and introduce you to the wide range of careers that could be available to you when you graduate.
Photo by Sue Lawton
WORLD OF WORK FACILITIES
Industry-spec Apple computers, the very latest software, state-of-the-art studios, traditional darkrooms (if you want to work with film), studio and location lighting kits, digital and film cameras for all formats and specifications… We’ve invested in a huge range of equipment, all to give you the best possible learning experience.
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
Our lecturers and technical support staff are all seasoned experts from across the industry. Their expertise spans everything from advertising, editorial, fashion, documentary and fine art.
THINK CREATIVELY
We’ll challenge and empower you to engage with the world of ideas surrounding photography and the skills necessary to successfully ‘capture’ a story or moment in time.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
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WHY STAFFS? The world of photography provides exciting opportunities for individuals who want to make a difference. On a degree course at Staffordshire University, you’ll learn not only the practical skills required for success in a professional market, but also the creative skills and confidence to succeed. You may think that a photographic career means you will always be behind the camera. But the industry is much more varied than that. Imagine, for example, being the picture editor for the NME or Wallpaper* magazine; a photographer’s agent, a design consultant, a studio manager or even a top digital retoucher. Well, you’ll find our graduates in all of those roles. That’s because we aim to provide the perfect balance of practical and theoretical learning that achieves success.
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40 YEARS AT THE TOP We’ve been teaching photography for more than 40 years. That not only makes us highly experienced, but also one of the most established university photography departments in the country. Of course, technologies have changed massively over that period. But rest assured, we’re bang up-todate. Both in terms of our cuttingedge knowledge and the equipment you’ll use.
A WEALTH OF EXPERTISE The course have been designed to meet your highest expectations, personally and for a future in the industry. The members of our professional team have all worked in the creative industries and bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge from right across the photographic sector. In fact, whether it’s editorial,
Photo by Kelsey Johnson
advertising, public relations, fashion, documentary or art, you’ll find they offer real ‘hands on’ expertise. Working alongside our teaching staff are some of the very best technical instructors. Certified as Apple and Adobe trained, they are always on hand to deal with equipment usage and software detail.
USE TOP END EQUIPMENT Throughout your studies, you will have access to the very best cameras, both top end digital and film. When you’re not on location, you’ll perfect your skills in studios equipped with industrystandard lighting rigs and tethered Mac computers. You’ll work on the most up-to-date Macs and monitors, as well as printers from A4 up to A1 print sizes. Plus, because we still maintain black and white darkrooms, you’ll even be able to work with film, and print chemically, if you choose.
IMPRESSIVE LINKS WITH INDUSTRY As you can imagine, with more than 40 years of teaching photography under our belts, we’ve forged strong links with industry. Thanks to placements our graduates leave us with considerable knowledge of how the industry works. We understand industry because we come from industry.
ASSIST SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES Our students have assisted some of the biggest names in photography, such as Rankin. They’ve scooped top awards, including the Jerwood and Ideas Tap. Our visiting lecturer programme provides access to an incredible list of contemporary practitioners, with weekly insights that can range from the workings of Magnum Photos to an assignment for National Geographic! Students also hear from acclaimed photographers, such as Jem Southam and Eamonn McCabe.
FROM STOKE TO PARIS PHOTO We take full advantage of Stoke-on-Trent’s central location for day trips to exhibitions in London, Manchester and Birmingham. There is also the opportunity to travel further afield, with working trips to Cardiff and visits to New York and Paris. There’ll be other extra-curricular activities to get involved in too, as well as studio visits, specialist workshops and our own Photography Society.
FIRST CLASS SUPPORT You can take it as read that we’ll give you all the support you need during your time with us. You’ll receive the best in academic, practical, technical and personal support throughout the course. That’s because we genuinely care about your future ambitions, developing your potential and your university experience.
CAREER CHOICES
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
Photo by Gareth Reed
Throughout your studies, we’ll help you to discover your own photographic ambitions. You might then decide that you want to work in picture research, news and sports, picture-editing, PR, documentary, music, fashion, assisting, retouching, arts administration, teaching or another career area. Then again, you could decide to take your skills to an even higher level, by going on to study for a Masters degree.
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OUR BRILLIANT PEOPLE “Like any course in the country, the photography course at Staffordshire University is what you make of it. It does not guarantee talent, success or employment. What it does do is provide you with excellent tools, both physical and mental, to become whatever kind of photographer you choose to be. Their strongest asset is their staff, both academic and technical, and my three years on the course will never be forgotten.” Alex Moore, graduated 2011 Exhibitions & Publications Manager for Mario Testino
Photo by Alex Moore
“Studying photography at Staffordshire University has given me the knowledge and expertise to work in a subject area I really enjoy. All the staff are geared towards helping you to develop and achieve your highest expectations, and to make the most of the excellent facilities.”
THEIR STRONGEST ASSET IS THEIR STAFF, BOTH ACADEMIC AND TECHNICAL, AND MY THREE YEARS ON THE COURSE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
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David Gibson, graduated 2008 BA (Hons) Photography
“I loved studying photography at Staffordshire University as it not only provides you with the skills and knowledge of photography as a whole, but helps you to focus and develop your own photographic interests. There is nothing better than learning from, and being inspired by, tutors who have a real passion for the subject.” Dee Stinton, graduated 2011 Design Consultant at Venture Photography
“Being able to combine my love of both photography and fashion is very important to me as it allows me to express myself creatively. My work is driven by personal narratives that take on cinematic influences.I am open to any career opportunities, though my dream career path would be to become an artistic director.”
...TUTORS HAVE A REAL PASSION FOR THE SUBJECT
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
Kelsey Johnson, graduated 2015 BA (Hons) Photography
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A BETTER CAMPUS
AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, WE’RE SPENDING MILLIONS OF POUNDS ON OUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, SO WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU’LL BE COMING TO A PLACE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START OPENING DOORS AND BREAKING BOUNDARIES.
In recent years, our Stoke-on-Trent campus has undergone a massive transformation, with the students at the heart of our plans. From the amazing Science Centre to environmental improvements, we’re focused on building the best campus for our students. But whilst it’s all well and good a university saying they care what students think, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. This all stems from a decision to make Stoke-on-Trent the main campus of Staffordshire University. In 2016 the majority of students from our Stafford Computing and Technology courses will be
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moving to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. So we’re making sure that when you arrive, you enter a university that is fit for purpose. One with a great mix of study and social spaces. One that feels safe and thrives on the friendly reputation we’ve built. What we found was that a modern edge-of-city campus is ideal. Close enough to the city for the social life, but far enough away to focus on studying. Great transport links around the city, but also great spaces around the campus. The best of both worlds. So, starting in Summer 2015, we’ll be working on the College Road and Leek Road sites of our Stoke Campus. We’ll be creating great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, venues and teaching rooms. Bringing the best teaching facilities together with fantastic student areas – making it feel safe and easy to jump between your lectures and your life outside University. As well as that, we’re also investing £12m in a new Computing and Games facility. This project, called Digital Kiln, will merge beautiful learning space with state-of-theart technology to support all sorts of courses from Cyber Security to Games Design.
This investment is continuing the work we’ve already started to create great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, halls of residence, and other facilities. We’ve committed to doubling the investment that’s already started to create enhanced facilities. Come 2016, it’s going to have the buzz and the feel of the edge-of-city campus that students want. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn Healthcare Centres of Excellence This redevelopment work isn’t just happening in Stoke-on-Trent though. Healthcare and Midwifery students won’t miss out with significant further investment in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury – adding new student spaces and learning resources to make these campuses totally self-contained and right up to date. So, with all this to come, maybe it’s time you joined us at Staffordshire University?
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
KEY FACTS WORK STARTS: SUMMER 2015 ADDITIONAL £40M INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CAMPUS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN STAFFORD CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AND SHREWSBURY CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE COMPLETION DATE: AUTUMN 2016.
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CHOOSE
MORE AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EDGE OVER THE COMPETITION. WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING EXTRA. SO WE MAKE SURE YOU’LL GET SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU’RE HERE. A LOT EXTRA ACTUALLY. To help you open doors as well as your mind, we’re spending millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus. When you’re here, you’ll be able to work with brilliant academics and access a whole load of cutting edge facilities; from animation studios to photography darkrooms to surface decoration workshops. Past students have gone on to exhibit at prestigious galleries, museums and festivals across the world.
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You can also get more back with grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study whilst enjoying a cost of living ranked the third lowest in the UK.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our special student rate gym memberships • Don’t just learn while you’re with us, earn. Take a job at the Students’ Union, become a paid Student Ambassador with Unitemps or turn working while you study upside down with a seasonal role at Alton Towers Resort • Then spend. We’re a hop, skip and a short walk from shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, opera, drama at the Regent Theatre and Stafford Gatehouse
MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • Grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study • More hands-on, real world learning, fewer lectures • Hit the books whenever you want - access to our 24- hour library • Get all the software you need including access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and download Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices for free • Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games
At Staffordshire University, you’re in the best place to do more, with City Centre shops, boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs all just a short stroll away. Plus, with student rate gym memberships and over 100 sports, clubs and societies to join – including skydiving, snow sports and our very own Beard Society – you can experience more too. So, if you’re looking for a place that gives you exactly what you need to succeed (and more), then open the door and your mind to Staffordshire University.
A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • We’ve spent and continue to spend millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus • We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access to Manchester, Birmingham, London • Get your film fix at our on-campus Film Theatre • Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team • Stay fit and well with our NHS Healthcare centre with two doctors • Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
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There’s only one real way to experience Staffordshire University, and that’s to come and see it for yourself.
University is where you’re due to spend the next few years of your life, so before you decide on somewhere, it makes sense to have a good look around. That’s where an Open Day comes in. This is your opportunity to get to know the place. Test it out. Immerse yourself in every aspect of Staffordshire University and see if it’s right for you. We’ll give you the chance to see everything, from the Students’ Union and the library to the IT suites and our impressive sports facilities. We’ll also show you the halls of residence, so you can start planning exactly where to put your TV and laptop. You’ll then meet our expert lecturers, see live demonstrations of lab and studio sessions, and delve deeper into your chosen subject with an informative talk. Advice is available on managing your student finances and ways to fund your study, as well as tips on writing a strong personal statement to include in your application.
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Best of all, you’ll have time to speak with current students about their experiences of Staffordshire University – which means you can hear exactly what it’s like to be at the heart of things in the centre of the country. It’s the best way to get a real feel for life here. Our Open Days give you an idea of everything Staffordshire University has to offer, so you’ll be ready to make one of the most important – and most exciting – decisions of your life.
LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR PLACE AT
www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays GO ONLINE TO WATCH OUR VIRTUAL TOURS
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CLEARING
The UCAS clearing process gives students another opportunity to find a place.
MISSED THE UCAS DEADLINE?
Don’t worry, apply via UCAS until the end of June and if we have vacancies left on your course we’ll consider your application. We accept CLEARING applications from mid July. Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing
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For more detailed information on courses or studying at Staffordshire University, visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
www.staffs.ac.uk/socialmedia The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.
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