BA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (Full Time)  BA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (Full Time) University of the Arts London ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1573470043University-of-the-Arts-London-1.jpg

BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography allows you to follow an innovative and exciting curriculum rooted in the methodologies of photojournalism and documentary photography as they are professionally practiced today.

This course will enable you to acquire the academic knowledge and essential skills to become a working photographer, equipping you to produce work for a range of outlets including newspapers, magazines digital platforms, galleries, books and picture agencies.

The practical elements of the course emphasise learning by doing: you will begin in year 1 by learning to photograph news events, interview newsworthy people and create topical documentary stories.

Students are encouraged to become involved with media organisations and the lively photographic community in London; a process which is enhanced by an exciting range of visiting speakers from the photographic and related industries. It is not uncommon for our students to be working for picture agencies and national news organisations by the time they reach the third year.

Published scholars and academics deliver contextual studies in the history of photojournalism and documentary photography which complements the practical and career focused aspects of this degree course.

At the heart of the course is our belief in the importance of critical engagement not only as photographers but as viewers and participants in a globalised visual culture.

We are committed to enhancing your employability, individuality and entrepreneurship. Enterprise and employability within the arts and media is about the integration of practice, skills, mindset and personal qualities that enable you to develop and sustain a rewarding professional life.

The curriculum is designed to communicate and open up the possibilities of your own creativity by developing your career aspirations and professional awareness, whether for the creative and cultural sector or beyond.

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

64 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

• A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences).
• Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4).
• Merit, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, IT & Computing, Media, Music and Performing Arts).
• Pass at UAL Extended Diploma.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production).
• OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum 

And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

• Related academic or work experience;
• The quality of the personal statement;
• A strong academic or other professional reference;
• A combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements (International/EU)

IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

• Practical photojournalistic work
• Computer based activities (picture desk editing)
• Projects and project appraisals
• Oral and seminar presentations (for example in Contextual Studies)
• Report and essay writing
• Timed constrained assessments (e.g. law and ethics unit)

Course dates

Autumn Term:

Monday 21 September - Friday 4 December 2020

Spring Term:

Monday 4 January - Friday 12 March 2021

Summer Term:

Monday 12 April - Friday 18 June 2021