Entry Requirements

A typical offer is between 260 and 300 UCAS points, mainly from the A2 level or equivalent Level 3 qualifications or relevant experience.

Due to the creative nature of the University’s courses, applicants will be considered on individual merit and you should contact the admissions team if you are predicted UCAS points outside of this range.

If English is not your first language, you will also be required to have an IELTS score of 6.0 points, or an equivalent English language test, completed within the last two years.

All applicants will be asked to submit a photographic project in their home town and a supporting statement. Those applicants successful at this stage will be invited to an interview.

During your first year you will engage in practical modules which will be supported with important theoretical academic studies in communication and copyright. In addition to this you will also undertake the study of practical magazine and layout production along with a module in business practice in order to prepare you for the industry.

year 1

• PEP110 Photographic Practice 1: Building Blocks of Press & Editorial Photography 1(20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  This module provides you with a range of photographic skills consistent with press and editorial photography through a series of projects that will familiarise you with the Photography Centre and the functions of various hardware and software.
• PEP120 Professional Studies 1: Communication, Copyright & Business Practice
  (20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  This module introduces the business and professional practice element of being a viable press and editorial photographer in contemporary and future workplaces.
• PEP130 Photographic Theory 1: Histories, Theories & Practices of Press & Editorial Photography(20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  This module will introduce you to press and editorial photography in all its forms. Through lectures and student led presentations, this unit celebrates the diversity and complexity of the specialism. Through researching and engaging with various practitioners, you will develop an understanding with regard to the identification of press and editorial photography, covering the key debates and theories of the subject.
• PEP140 Photographic Practice 2: Building Blocks of Press & Editorial Photography 2
  (20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  In this module you are introduced to a range of more advanced photographic skills consistent with press and editorial photography through a series of projects that will build on the experiences and photographic skills acquired in the first study block and specifically PEP110.
• PEP150 Photographic Theory 2: Critical Approaches to Reading the Image
  (20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  This module is an introduction to the varying ways images convey meaning and how we read them. Through a series of lectures and student led seminars, you will be engaging with the origins of these theoretical and philosophical conventions in image communication.
• PEP160 Narrative & Storytelling 1: Magazines
  (20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  This module introduces you to the narrative storytelling models used by journalists, documentary makers and factual storytellers in a number of genres.

During your second year you are thoroughly supported in developing your professional position through print and online publications, exhibitions, work placements and effective social networking. You also have a semester-long multimedia module that introduces you to audio collection and the broad skills required for creating broadcast-quality storytelling.

• PEP210 Photography Practice 3: Genre(20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  In this module you will be introduced to a diverse range of press and editorial photography genres, and develop a portfolio of work that encourages professionalism and introduces you to the conventions of each genre and its relevant context.
• PEP220 Professional Studies 2: Law, Ethics & Human Rights
  (20 credits or 10 ECTS)This module supports you in exploring the various epistemological, organisational and professional approaches to media ethics.
• PEP230 Photographic Theory 3: Genre, Cultural & Critical Context(20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  This module will introduce you to genre, leading to an understanding of generic conventions and how they might shape public knowledge.
• PEP240 Photography Practice 4: Negotiated Portfolio 1(20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  This module supports you in the development of your own practice as press and editorial photographers.

The considerable practical component is supported through your dissertation, critical review skills, honed business practice and focused outputs. This year sees you take ownership of your photographic identity, laying the foundations for your career in press and editorial photography.

• PEP310 Photographic Practice 5: Negotiated Portfolio 2
  (40 credits or 20 ECTS)
  Building on the experience of PEP240, this second negotiated portfolio takes the form of a development portfolio. With an emphasis on research and exploration, this is an important portfolio in your journey towards a final and cohesive body of work in PEP330.
• PEP320 Photographic Theory 5: Dissertation
  (20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  The dissertation comprises the major piece of academic work undertaken in the final year of study - an opportunity for you to explore your own interests, and to engage with research and analysis into historical and professional concepts, practices and theories that have been introduced during the course.
• PEP330 Photographic Practice 6: Negotiated Portfolio 3
  (40 credits or 20 ECTS)
  Building on your experiences in PEP240 and PEP310, this is your third and final negotiated portfolio. This is where you deepen and broaden your understanding of your preferred specialism, developing a very high level of creative, professional and critical practice.
• PEP340 Photographic Theory 6: Critical Review of Practice
  (20 credits or 10 ECTS)
  This module enables you to synthesise and reflect upon the critical, conceptual, technical and professional skills and understandings required in producing your PEP340 portfolio.