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 Apple 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 < Kayte Wagstaff’s photograph now advertising Permajet Digital Papers
CONTENTS: Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs? Our Brilliant People Your Future is Here 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. Photo by Maria Sauh
Charlie Gajda Graduated 2009 now running a photography studio in Manchester
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
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 2016 National Student Survey we scored 95% 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.
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.
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.
HAVE YOU ALSO CONSIDERED OUR BA (HONS) PHOTOJOURNALISM DEGREE? It combines photographic and journalistic skills, equipping you to become an industry professional. It’s ideal if you’re informed about the world - with an eye for a picture and the nose for a story!
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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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 has 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
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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“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.” David Gibson, graduated 2008 BA (Hons) Photography
Photo by Matt Airey
“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
t: 01782 294400
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YOUR FUTURE IS HERE!
AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. WE’VE SPENT 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 creation of our amazing new Beacon building to environmental improvements, we’re continually focused on providing the best campus for our students. Our vision throughout has always been to deliver a vibrant, dynamic campus with brilliant teaching and learning facilities, convenient public transport links and social areas at its heart. With that in mind, from September 2016 our new campuses launch, having seen £40 million invested into innovative teaching and
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learning spaces that encourage collaborative working and knowledge sharing. Specialist laboratories and studios, as well as updated social spaces, ensure you experience a balanced university life. The Faculty of Art and Creative Technologies has been central to our campus investment. Introducing The Beacon building – a brand new facility for all students to enjoy. A three storey, silver, metal clad building based at the heart of the University’s creative site, this modern and multi-functional space includes teaching areas, flexible, multi-sized space for lectures, IT labs, seminar spaces, and a new public café. On the other side of College Road you will find the brand new Cadman Studios, a £11.5m development including state-of-the-art TV and Music Technology Studios based in an enhanced social space - the Cadman Courtyard. We have completely remodelled the building to create brand new studio spaces with cutting edge facilities, including an industry standard television studio and control rooms, which are located next to our suite of brand new music studios.
The music studios are built in dedicated, acoustic boxes within the existing building, increasing the number and range of music studio live rooms and control rooms from the previous provision in Stafford, bringing them together for easier use. Games Design studios have also been introduced in the Cadman building, providing a series of newly refurbished flexible spaces, as well as a dedicated larger motion capture studio. These are located immediately adjacent to new Music and Film Technology spaces and the music and television studios, allowing for fantastic opportunities for cross subject collaboration in these inspirational facilities.
In addition, our Halls of Residence are newly refurbished with brand new facilities, social spaces and outside areas ensuring our accommodation really is a home from home. Features include USB plugs, instant hot water boilers, outdoor pizza oven and Bluetooth kitchen speakers through to comfy sofas. Don’t just take our word for it, come and visit us at an Open Day to experience how you can benefit from a new student centred campus bursting with pride.
All of these new spaces link up with new postproduction suites, including music and film technologies, to complement the existing film and media facilities within the Henrion building and allowing for fantastic opportunities for cross subject collaboration in these inspirational facilities. These speciality facilities will benefit from new, easily accessible resource centres holding the extensive range of equipment available to our students.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
WE’RE READY AND WAITING TO WELCOME YOU TO A WHOLE NEW CAMPUS EXPERIENCE IN 2016. WE WANT TO ENSURE WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE STUDENT EXPERIENCE AND EXCELLENT RANGE OF COURSES –
WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE!
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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. A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • • • • • •
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We’ve spent £40million upgrading our facilities and continue to invest in our city campus We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access by road or rail to Manchester, Birmingham and London Two shops, five coffee shops, seven eateries and two bars all on campus at student friendly prices Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team Stay fit and well with our on-campus NHS Healthcare centre Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK
MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our newly refurbished gym with a special student rate membership • Over 100 clubs and societies to join including Skydiving, Cosplay and Hockey • We are only a short walk to the City Centre and boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, concerts and drama at the Sugar Mill, Regent and New Vic Theatres • Do something different and learn to ski at the dry slope ski centre or have a splashing time at Waterworld
MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • • • • • •
Guaranteed work experience for all undergraduate students giving you the edge over the competition 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 Keep connected with free campus-wide Wi-Fi and 1Tb of cloud storage Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games
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.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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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
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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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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