Photography (with Foundation Year)

Why Choose This Course?
Developed for students with a passion for independent photography, this innovative multi-genre programme combines practice, theory and professionalism. Whether you prefer to work with the still or moving image, you can creatively and conceptually explore photography on our inspiring, challenging and rewarding degree.

Students will:
Discover a range of skills including how the lens can be used creatively as a tool for storytelling, specialist and experimental camera techniques, lighting for studio and location work, editing and post-production.
Be encouraged to acquire unique approaches to the photography disciplines.
Develop and research your own ideas in relation to project briefs, learning transferable skills needed to work as an imaginative professional.
Generate and produce ideas through location and studio work.
Be guided in making submissions for international galleries, expositions, festivals, drama, documentary, advertising, music media and other forms of digital imagery and visual effects.

Key Course Features:
Includes a foundation year to help prepare you for further years of study.
Close links to cultural and creative organisations across the Northwest and Wales such as Open Eye Gallery, FfotoGallery Newport, Tate Liverpool, FACT Foundation for Art and Creative Technology.
Access to the newly constructed large scale industry standard Infinity-Curve Photographic Studio – a first in North Wales!
Links with the leading galleries and arts organizations from around the North West offering support and advise, tours and talks as well as portfolio reviews.
Regular field trips to studios, galleries as well as photography and film festivals.
Be part of an end of year degree show exhibition.

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)
The foundation year will introduce you to the key elements of art and design. You will explore the creative thought process relating to various art and design disciplines, developing your ability to put ideas down on paper quickly. There will be a range of practice assignments that will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts.

MODULES
Study Skills for Success (Core): This module will equip you with the essential skills needed to thrive in a digital learning environment. It covers time management, research techniques, academic writing, and digital literacy, ensuring that you can navigate online platforms, organise projects, and communicate ideas effectively in higher education.
Arts Engagement (Core): You will actively explore and respond to art, developing observational and analytical skills. Through hands-on experiences, discussions, and research, you will learn to interpret different artistic styles, techniques, and meanings. This module fosters confidence in engaging with art both critically and creatively.
Visual Language (Core): This module introduces the fundamental principles of creative thinking in art and design. It explores how elements like composition, colour, and form contribute to visual communication. You will experiment with different media and approaches to develop your own artistic voice.
Creative Reasoning (Core): Focusing on the practical application of ideas, this module encourages you to consider space, materials, and audience when creating art. You will develop problem-solving skills, refine your decision-making, and experiment with techniques to enhance your creative process.
Arts in Context (Core): You will examine how art connects to history, culture, and society. By studying artistic movements and influences, you will learn to analyse and interpret artworks within their broader contexts, gaining a deeper understanding of how art reflects and shapes the world around us.
Progression Project (Core): In this module, you will display your work at a public gallery exhibition, allowing you to celebrate your achievements and develop your confidence.
Welsh for First Time Learners (Optional): This module provides an introduction to the Welsh language for those taking their first steps.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)
Year 2 provides introductory skills in design and critical analysis will be developed. There will be an emphasis on creative problem-solving and basic research methodologies.

MODULES
Contexts 1
Visual Communication
Light & Lens Based Media
Contemporary Practices
Time as Visual Language
Introduction to Industry

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)
Level 5 will focus on advancement in research skills and design methodologies. You will focus on synthesizing theory and practice, with an emphasis on emerging trends.

MODULES
Contexts 2
Visual Language and Cultural Contexts
Print & Production
Specialist Study
Creative Futures: Making a Living

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)
During level 6 study high-level research skills, critical thinking, and professional practice will be the focus. There will be independent projects and your collaborative work will demonstrate advanced understanding and application.

MODULES
Practice as Research: Photography
Presenting Practice to Audience: Photography
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Teaching and Assessment
To enable students to develop creatively, formative and summative feedbacks are given.

Formative assessment offering advice on how to improve your work occurs at key points before Christmas and before Easter. This provides time for students to reflect on their progress prior to a final or summative assessment.

Assessment is designed to enable students to participate in the measurement of their own progress. Students will submit a range of coursework including an on-line reflective journal/blog, sketchbooks, design sheets, finished artworks, screen-based work, installations, technical/ production files, essays and audio-visual presentations.

Teaching and Learning
The majority of the active teaching and learning is studio/workshop based and practical in nature supported with lectures, demonstrations, tutorials, seminars and critiques and talks by specialist guest speakers.

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion team can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.