Photography

UNIVERSITY OF KENT







Degree and Programme Title

BA (Hons) Photography

Year 3 Top-Up from HND or Foundation Degree





1. Awarding Institution/Body University of Kent

2. Teaching Institution West Kent College

3. Teaching Site West Kent College, Tonbridge

4. Programme accredited by: University of Kent

5. Final Award BA (Hons)

6. Programme Photography

7. UCAS Code (or other code)

8. Relevant QAA subject Art & Design, Media & Communication

benchmarking group(s)

9. Date of production/revision June 2006

10. Applicable cohort(s) 2006 entry (from September 2006)







11. Educational Aims of the Programme

The programme aims to:

1. Widen participation in Higher Education by providing progression opportunities

for HND or Foundation Degree achievers to gain a BA (Hons) Degree in

Photography.

2. Support and encourage learners to further develop their artistic, professional and

personal approach to the subject through the provision of high quality teaching,

guidance and learning within a creatively stimulating and well-resourced

environment.

3. Offer opportunities to capable learners, regardless of culture, background,

learning difficulties or disability, to develop academically and creatively within the

medium.

4. Increase learners’ knowledge of photography with regard to historical and

contemporary issues and contexts so as to further develop critical and analytical

skills and provide an intellectual basis for the understanding of attitudes, issues

and debates within contemporary visual culture.

5. Foster independent learning and encourage the ability to work in an autonomous

and professional manner.

6. Enable learners to understand photography’s place within visual culture and

facilitate their ability to place their own work in an appropriate context.

7. Produce graduates who have a sound intellectual understanding of the structures

and institutions of photographic practice and who are well equipped with a range

of knowledge, skills and techniques to carry the practice of photography forward

both professionally and with regard to further study and research.

12. Programme Outcomes

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate

knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following

areas. The programme outcomes have references to the subject benchmarking

statement for (SB).

Knowledge and Understanding Teaching/learning and assessment

methods and strategies used to

enable outcomes to be achieved and

demonstrated

A. Knowledge and Understanding of:

1. The historical evolution of art, design, Knowledge and understanding of the

photography and related media and historical evolution, critical theory,

genres such as film and video. contemporary debates, concepts and

2. The significance of the works of other methodologies (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) will be

photographers, artists and designers. developed through a series of illustrated

3. The contexts and concepts relating to lectures, seminars and discussions.

photography and its place within Learners will be given background

contemporary visual culture together reading from relevant texts prior to the

with the development of critical theory study of particular topics and encouraged

and its application within to carry out further independent research

contemporary photographic practice. (6). Seminars and tutorials will be used to

4. Visual communication and the use of provide guidance for further reading and

visual language. research and to provide learners with the

5. The application of appropriate opportunity to follow up and clarify

methodologies to critical analysis and material presented during lectures. The

ideas development. acquisition of knowledge and

6. Research methods and synthesis and understanding will be assessed through

the appropriate presentation of oral and written presentation and through

findings and analysis. the dissertation. Technical skills and

7. Conventional and digital photographic knowledge (7, 8, 9) will be developed

equipment, techniques, processes through lectures, practical

and materials and their application for demonstrations and workshops. Learners

studio and location photography. will be encouraged to carry out self-

8. Historic and contemporary processes directed research and experimentation.

and techniques for image Knowledge, skills and ideas development

manipulation. will be considered and discussed during

9. The implications and potential of key group critiques and individual tutorials

developments in current and and will be assessed through practical

emerging media and technologies. photography projects. Professional

10. The relationship between the practice will be explored within lectures,

aesthetic and utilitarian dimensions of seminars, workshops and

the medium. demonstrations (10, 11) and assessed

11. Contemporary professional practice within presentations and practical

and the relationship of photographers projects.

with audiences, clients and

consumers.

Skills and Other Attributes

B. Intellectual Skills:

1. The synthesis of ideas and concepts Seminars and tutorials will be used to

from the work of others and from encourage learners to reflect upon and

historical, cultural and contextual synthesise knowledge (12) acquired

references. through lectures, readings and research.

2. The generation, development and Learners will be guided at group and

evaluation of ideas in response to individual tutorials in the development of

themes or tasks. ideas (13) and will be required to

3. The use of appropriate techniques produce a workbook or visual diary (14)

and conventions to visually represent to record the process and evolution of

a range of objective and subjective their own work (15) from initial inception

information, meanings and to final outcome. Constant reflection and

messages. evaluation will be encouraged and

4. The effective articulation of workbooks will be examined at group

knowledge, understanding, attributes critique and assessed with project work.

and skills in the contexts of Learners will be encouraged during

professional practice, further study, lectures, demonstrations and tutorials to

research and self-fulfilment. engage in independent research (16) in

5. The undertaking of effective and self- support of project work, proposals,

directed research using appropriate essays and dissertations and will be

resources. guided during group and individual

6. The oral and written presentation of tutorial towards references and the

ideas and concepts. appropriate breadth and depth of

7. The interpretation, articulation and research. Research will be assessed

analysis of ideas and information within project work and oral and written

through the use of visual language. presentations (17). Learners will be able

8. The critical analysis and evaluation of to demonstrate their ability to critically

the work of themselves and others. analyse and evaluate (18, 19) in

9. The demonstration of critical thinking discussions, presentations, essays and

and analysis skills through the dissertations. Learners will be guided in

presentation of arguments and the writing of proposals, essays and

conclusion. dissertations (20) during tutorials.

C. Subject-specific Skills:

1. The effective generation of ideas, Learners will be encouraged to express

concepts, proposals and solutions ideas and communicate information

independently in response to briefs using photography and will be expected

and as self-initiated work. to demonstrate a commitment to

2. The use of visual language within exploring the creative and commercial

photography through the ability to use potential of the medium. Learners will be

techniques and materials in an required to produce photographic work of

intuitive way to convey intended an appropriate technical quality and to

meanings and messages. research and develop the use of

3. The application of appropriate techniques, processes and materials in

technical and practical skills relating support of their own work. Learners will

to conventional and digital be supported in their acquisition of skills

photographic techniques for studio and knowledge of equipment and

and location work. techniques through tutorials,

4. The effective demonstration of demonstrations, and workshops.

professional practice and Learners will be required to present work

presentation skills. at group tutorials and critiques for the

5. The selection, testing and use of evaluation of progress. Learners will be

appropriate materials, processes, required to gain sponsorship and

techniques and environments. successfully organise a group exhibition

6. The application of resourcefulness of their work together with individual

and entrepreneurial skills in support professional portfolios.

of their own practice.

D. Transferable Skills:

1. Self Development – the ability to The opportunity for the development of

manage own roles and transferable skills is integrated within all

responsibilities; to study modules, with particular skills fostered

independently; to manage own time through specific forms of teaching and

in achieving objectives; to undertake learning. All modules require

personal and career development; to independent research and the application

transfer skills gained to new and of a variety of communication forms.

changing situations and contexts; to Regular feedback will be given to the

identify personal strengths and learner in individual tutorials, group

needs. tutorials and critiques to encourage

2. Interaction – the ability to relate to development of presentation, analysis

and interact effectively with and communication skills. Learner

individuals and groups; to work participation in discussions, seminars

effectively as a team member; to and critiques will develop both

undertake collective endeavour and communication and interaction skills.

negotiation; to accurately define and Self-directed research and projects will

review the work of others; to treat enable learners to acquire management

others values, beliefs and opinions and self-development skills. The

with respect. development of subject specific skills

3. Communication – the ability to requires a correlative development of

organise, analyse and evaluate technology and creativity skills and

information effectively; to articulate knowledge and will be demonstrated

ideas and information effectively in through effective solutions to briefs and

visual, oral and written forms; to self-initiated work. Practical projects

present ideas and work to audiences foster the learners’ ability to identify,

in a range of situations. explore and resolve the problems of

4. Management – the ability to select creative work, and develop skills of

and use a variety of information creative experimentation, problem

sources; to deal with a combination of solving, and presentation in relation to

routine and non-routine tasks; to the realisation of creative endeavours.

identify and solve a range of routine

and non-routine problems.

5. Technology – the ability to source,

navigate, select, receive, evaluate

and respond to a variety of

information from a variety of sources;

to select and use a range of

technological equipment and

systems; to select and effectively

employ appropriate communication

and information technologies.

6. Creativity – the ability to apply a

range of skills and techniques to

develop a variety of ideas in the

creation of new/modified products

and solutions; to use a range of

thought processes to identify and

define intellectual and practical tasks;

to articulate reasoned arguments

through reflection, review and

evaluation.

For more information on which modules provide which skills, see the module

mapping

13. Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and

Awards



The programme is studied as a one-year top-up to BA (Hons) Degree following

successful completion of HND or Foundation Degree in Photography or a

related/relevant discipline with the required grade profile. This is a full-time

programme delivered over three terms (two 15-week semesters) and consisting of

three double-weighted 30 credit modules, all of which are required to be undertaken

to complete the programme, together with two single-weighted 15 credit modules

chosen from the optional module range. Failure in any module will constitute failure

to obtain the BA (Hons) award, although credits can be given for successfully

obtaining modules. All modules will run across the three terms of the programme.

The year of study will involve the student in approximately 1200 hours of learning

time of which 450 hours will be guided.

Code Title Level Credits Term(s)

Pathway A

HA625 Photography Design: Dissertation A H 15 1, 2, & 3

HA626 Photography Design: Advanced H 60 1, 2, & 3

Professional Practice A

HA602 v.2 Photography Design: Major Project H 45 1, 2, & 3

Pathway B

HA600 Photography Design: Dissertation B H 30 1, 2 & 3

HA601 Photography Design: Advanced H 45 1, 2 & 3

Professional Practice B

HA602 v.2 Photography Design: Major Project H 45 1, 2 & 3

Pathway C

HA627 Photography Design: Dissertation C H 45 1, 2, & 3

HA628 Photography Design: Advanced H 30 1, 2, & 3

Professional Practice C

HA602 v.2 Photography Design: Major Project H 45 1, 2, & 3





14. Support for Students and their Learning

 Induction programme at the commencement of study followed by weekly

personal tutorials.

 Each learner is provided with a detailed Programme Handbook during induction,

which includes information about College/University policies and procedures.

 Each learner is allocated a Personal Tutor responsible for both Pastoral and

Academic support.

 Well equipped and stocked Learning Resource Centre at West Kent College with

further resources accessible through University of Kent.

 Language and study skills support is provided by both West Kent College and

University of Kent.

 Dyslexia and disability support is provided by West Kent College.

 Excellent staff/student ratio provided for lectures, demonstrations and seminars.

 Specialist photography resources at West Kent College include: separate black &

white and colour darkrooms; two fully equipped photography studios; 35mm,

medium and large format camera systems; electronic-flash and tungsten lighting

systems; digital camera systems.

 Specialist computer resources at West Kent College include: two AppleMac

suites each complete with 21 student CPU’s, scanners, laser and inkjet printers,

internet access, industry standard software.

 Two full-time photography technician/instructors.

 Specialist technical and IT support.

 Central support services at West Kent College include counselling,

education/career guidance, welfare.





15. Entry Profile

Entry Route

For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus

 Entry to the one year BA (Hons) Degree Top-Up programme is by a profile of

240 credits, 120 credits at Merit or Distinction level, achieved on HND or

Foundation Degree programme in Photography or related/relevant discipline.

 All applicants will be subject to inspection of a Portfolio of photography work.

 Mature learners are welcome to apply and all applicants will be interviewed.

What does this programme have to offer?

 Progression opportunities for HND or Foundation Degree students to gain BA

(Hons) Degree in Photography within a creatively inspiring and well-resourced

environment.

 The development of a range of intellectual, creative and practical skills that open

up a variety of career pathways in photography, media and the creative

industries.

 Knowledge and skills that provide an excellent foundation for post-graduate study

and research in photography.

Personal Profile

 A desire to combine intellectual and practical studies with an interest in exploring

the creative potential of photography.

 An intention to pursue career and/or post-graduate study opportunities in

photography.

 Good oral, written and creative skills and a willingness and desire to develop

these.





16. Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of

Teaching and Learning

Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the

curriculum and outcome standards

 Student evaluations via questionnaires, personal tutorials, programme

committees and focus groups.

 Annual programme monitoring reports, including a review of progression and

achievement statistics.

 External examiners’ reports.

 Periodic programme review and development.

 External accreditation.

 Peer and Developmental Inspection Group observation.

 Internal verification programme.

 Annual staff appraisal and active staff development programme.

 Continuous monitoring of student attendance and progress.

 Mentoring of new and part-time teaching staff.

 Quality Assurance Agency subject review.

 Personal academic support system for learners.

Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and

standards

 Staff/student programme committee.

 West Kent College Developmental Inspection Group.

 Board of Examiners.

 Faculty Academic Board.

 West Kent College quality assurance and review programme.

 Peer review.

Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their

learning experience

 Staff/student programme committee.

 Student evaluations via questionnaires, personal tutorials and focus groups.

 Student representation on Academic Board.

 Exit questionnaires.

 Email and other communications.

 Student role in marketing activities.

Staff Development priorities include:

 Minimum expected qualification for appointment to teaching team:

PGCE/Cert.Ed, first degree/appropriate professional qualification, post-graduate

degree/diploma or notable professional qualification.

 Mentoring of new and part-time teaching staff.

 Annual staff appraisal and active staff development programme.

 Programme and curriculum area team meetings.

 Dissemination of good practice on new teaching and learning methods via INSET

training programmes.

 Staff development programmes at West Kent College and University of Kent.

 Professional experience in photography and/or the media and creative industries.

 ILT training.





17. Indicators of Quality and Standards

 External examiners reports on HND have consistently commented on the high

standards of student work and specialist resources.

 Good recruitment and retention on HND Photography programme.

 High standard of student achievement monitored at annual Exam Board.





The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:

 Art & Design Benchmarking Document

 Media & Communication Benchmarking Document

 West Kent College Teaching and Learning Plan

 University of Kent Mission statement

 University of Kent Code of Practice for Quality Assurance



Programme Specification Template

Annex 2

18 May 2001

Reformatted 11 April 2002