Graduate Diploma Photography

at University of the Arts London

Term 1 

Professional Photography in Practice (Photographic Technology and Applied Production Skills) (40 credits) 

This unit will enable you to develop and utilise specialist photographic skills and knowledge to solve photographic problems through a series of technical workshops and project briefs. 

Through planning, implementation, review, and engagement with industry, you'll apply your photographic skills in a realistic and professional context, identifying areas in which you may wish to develop your future practice. 

Critical Approaches (Photographic Culture, History and Theory) (20 credits) 

You’ll have the opportunity to study major developments and critical approaches in photography, enabling you to gain an understanding of its contemporary significance whie placing your work in a historical-cultural context. This unit is particularly useful  if you’re interested in pursuing Master’s-level study. 

Personal Project (Research and development) (20 credits) 

Through the research and development of a comprehensive project,  you’ll be able to recognise creative influences in your own work and develop an understanding of your own creative ambitions. 

Term 2  
 

• Professional Photography in Practice (continued) 
• Critical Approaches (continued) 
• Personal Project (continued) 

Professional Identity and Portfolio Development (Professional Context and Progression) (40 credits) 

A culmination of the previous units, this unit will offer you the hands-on opportunity to develop a professional body of work that showcases your personal identity. 

This is the most significant unit in that  you’ll be expected to produce a professional portfolio of work  which demonstrates a rigorous and critical analysis of your interests in professional photography, strongly influenced by your area of specialism. 

Term 3 

• Personal Project (continued) 
• Professional Identity and Portfolio Development (continued) 

You’ll explore and gain a working knowledge of contemporary business practice, with an emphasis on operating as a freelance practitioner. 

All units will involve you in original applications of knowledge, together with a practical ability to use and critically assess existing photographic techniques and formats. 

In the process of the critical evaluation of your own work and the work of others, you’ll develop innovative solutions to creative challenges. 

The end of the course will also provide an opportunity for you to showcase your work in an exhibition context. 

Applicants should have an honours degree or equivalent experience to be considered for this course. We are looking for applicants who may be progressing from an undergraduate course (or equivalent) and who already have a portfolio that demonstrates a good level of practice.

Alternatively, you could be considering a career change and already have a portfolio of good quality photographic images, and now interested in expanding your subject knowledge and understanding, and developing a career in photography.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior 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

• OR a combination of these factors

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

Language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.
 

• IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills.

Home fee
£11,550

International fee
£23,610

Graduate Diploma in Photography provides you with the skills you will need for a career as a professional photographer. You'll be encouraged to research, evaluate and develop projects which directly relate to your future aspirations and be given the chance to develop a portfolio suitable for presentation to clients to help you gain commissions or employment on completing the course.

The creative, research and professional skills gained on the course enable a broad range of careers possibilities, including:
 

• Photographer (advertising, fashion, editorial, blogging, documentary, picture researcher)
• Art buyer
• Picture editor
• Publisher
• Stills production
• Digital operator
• Art director
• Entrepreneur