Programme Specification FdA Photography
1.
Awarding Institution/Body
Teesside University [TU]
2.
Teaching Institution
Leeds City College
3.
Collaborating Organisations
(include type)
N/A
4.
Delivery Location(s)
[if different from TU]
Park Lane Campus, Leeds City College
5.
Programme Externally
Accredited by (e.g. PSRB)
N/A
6.
Award Title(s)
FdA Photography
7.
Lead School
School of Arts and Media
8.
Additional Contributing
Schools
N/A
9.
FHEQ Level
[see guidance]
FHEQ Level 5
10.
Bologna Cycle
[see guidance]
Short cycle (within or linked to the first cycle)
11.
JACS Code and JACS
Description
12.
Mode of Attendance
[full-time or part-time]
W640 Photography
The study of/training in all aspects in the creation of still
images on photographic film or plates
Full time and Part time
13.
Relevant QAA Subject
Benchmarking Group(s)
Art and design
2008
14.
Relevant Additional External
Reference Points
(e.g. National Occupational
Standards, PSRB Standards)
Date of Production/Revision
National Occupational Standards
QAA Subject benchmarks
Criteria for Admission to the
Programme
(if different from standard
A typical offer would normally be 120 tariff points where
this is made up of appropriate level 3 qualifications, such
as full A levels or BTEC L3 Diploma. This could be
15.
16.
March 2013
FdA Photography – Version 2 – September 2015
University criteria)
translated as 2 x D at A level, or a Merit profile in a
relevant BTEC National Diploma/Certificate, together
with 5 of GCSE grades at C or above including English
(Maths isn’t required). However, factors such as
previous experience and performance at interview can
support the application.
Non Standard Entry
We welcome applications from mature candidates who
may not have met the academic criteria, but can
demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field.
Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to
be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course
and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support
their application.
In the absence of formal learning qualifications
applications are welcomed from persons who can
demonstrate relevant work experience, including work in
a voluntary capacity.
The course structure actively supports claims for
Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) and
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
International qualifications will be assessed against
these criteria. Speakers of other languages will need to
possess an IELTS band score of 6.0 (with no-less than
5.5 in any one element) or a recognised English Level 2
qualification.
Students on the course will be expected to go on work
placement as part of the programme of study.
17.
All students are to present a portfolio and supporting
academic text. This is undertaken during an interview or
correspondence for distance applicants.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The overall aims of the programme are to:
 Provide a challenging high quality vocational programme in Photography, including core
and specialist modules, which facilitate access and progression for a wide range of
students from diverse backgrounds.
 Offer a robust and vocationally relevant foundation degree that will allow students to
develop their interests personally and professionally.
 Develop graduates who have the ability to reflect and learn from their workplace
experience in the photographic industry and relate this experience to relevant theory and
practical projects.
 Develop graduates who have a balance between subject specific skills (expressive,
creative, technical) and transferable skills (communication, teamwork, project
management) which are key to being employable in the photographic industry
 Develop graduates who have an analytical and reflective understanding of photography
in the context of the workplace today and in relation to the wider social and cultural
FdA Photography – Version 2 – September 2015
environment.
18.
Learning Outcomes
The programme will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills listed below. On
successful completion of the programme, the student will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding(insert additional rows as necessary)
K1 Critically review and select from wider research methods to inform decision-making
and then apply to photographic work or concepts
K2 Demonstrate a detailed understanding of aspects of photography by critically
analysing a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks. Apply knowledge to a range
of photographic situations
K3 Explore inherent issues in the creative industries to facilitate the generation of
knowledge with relation to photography
Cognitive/Intellectual Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
C1 Analyse, apply and interpret evidence from a variety of sources
C2
Employ balanced, logical and supported argument to critically explore facets of the
photographic industry in a range of contexts
C3 Demonstrate intellectual flexibility and openness to new ideas, within approaches to
the photographic industries
C4 Identify key areas of problems within photography and choose appropriate
tools/methods for their resolution in a considered manner
Practical/Professional Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
P1 Operate ethically in situations of varying complexity and predictability requiring the
application of a wide range of photographic techniques
P2 Act with increasing autonomy, with reduced need for supervision and direction,
within defined guidelines
P3 Evidence a considered and creative developmental approach to photographic
briefs
P4 Fulfil photographic briefs by applying confident use of photographic equipment
and skills to produce technically consistent outcomes
Key Transferable Skills(insert additional rows as necessary)
T1 Reflect systematically on performance to further develop learning
T2
T3
T4
Demonstrate a realistic match between career aspirations and personal aptitudes,
interests and motivations
Select and use a range of communication methods appropriate to the context.
Prepare, deliver and evaluate presentations to an audience
Use a range of specialist software appropriate to the discipline
T5
19.
Adopt a range of roles within a team and contribute to the effective working of the
team
Key Learning & Teaching Methods



There is an emphasis towards practical workshop learning, which underpins both
context and industry relevant topics
The lecture programme and technical photographic delivery will impart the necessary
principles and concepts
The seminars will be a mixture of student and tutor led sessions considering practical
examples of the principles and concepts introduced in the lecture programme, which
will support learning through an experiential approach
FdA Photography – Version 2 – September 2015

20.
Group work will allow students to develop their research, communication and
teamwork skills
 Tutor and peer led reflective feedback form the basis of student learning programmes
in the form of personal and professional action planning
 Tutorials will take the form of individual support and feedback for student guidance
 Opportunities will be provided to work within the creative industries using our strong
links with working professionals and industry partners
Key Assessment Methods






Practical Assessments
Photographic Portfolios
Formal Essays
Presentations
Workbooks documenting process (could be electronic)
On-line (VLE) personal and professional development planning
FdA Photography – Version 2 – September 2015
21.
Programme Modules
Level
Code
Title
Credits
Status
4
Working in the Photographic Industry 1
30 credits
4
Photographic Techniques
40 credits
4
Language of Photography
20 credits
4
Photographic Communication
20 credits
4
Personal Professional Development
10 credits
Programme
Core
Programme
Core
Programme
Core
Programme
Core
Programme
Core
Code
Title
Credits
Status
5
Working in the Photographic Industry 2
30 credits
5
Converging Theories and Practices
10 credits
5
Extended Photographic Project
40 credits
5
Contextualising Photography
30 credits
5
Photographic Professional Development
10 credits
Programme
Core
Programme
Core
Programme
Core
Programme
Core
Programme
Core
NonCompensatable
Compensatable





Level
5 of 21
NonCompensatable
Compensatable





22.
Programme Structure
Overview of structure of the modules across the Academic Year.
See ‘Structure Diagrams’ in separate file
Full-time route:
Level 4:
Introduces the principles and practices of working as a photographer within Working in the
Photographic Industry module. Solid foundations of technical photographic skills are laid
through a forty credit yearlong module that encompasses both studio and location
approaches to varying subject matter and situations. This practical knowledge is applied
to industry-led situations within Working in the Photographic Industry in which the
students’ photographic practice is viewed within a context of real-world application.
Parallel to the practical skills is the development of the students’ contextual knowledge
within Language of Photography and Photographic Communication which underpins and
informs the other modules. Teaching and learning comprises of a wide variety of lectures,
seminars, practical sessions and written work. This is further supported by tutorials and
on-line resources / activities.





Working in the Photographic Industry 1, 30 credits
Photographic Techniques, 40 credits
Language of Photography, 20 credits
Photographic Communication, 20 credits
Personal Professional Development, 10 credits
Level 5:
Builds upon the skills and knowledge gained during Level 4. Again there is a yearlong
forty credit module which progresses the students core photographic skills, whilst allowing
increased autonomy to define their specialised area of photographic practice. Academic
and creative skills are developed through, firstly, Converging Theories and Practices
module where the students are encouraged to consider their photography in connection
with external ideas. Secondly a thirty credit module which provides the opportunity to
conduct independent research. At Level 5 there is also a focus on real industry application
through Working in the Photographic Industry. This module provides the student with real
experience of working within the Photographic Industry through a focus on self-promotion
and work experience, particularly developing their communication, interpersonal and
creative skills. As with Level 4, teaching and learning comprises of a wide variety of
lectures, seminars, practical sessions and written work, but here we have more emphasis
on large-scale student-led projects. Again, all learning is further supported by tutorials and
on-line resources / activities.





Working in the Photographic Industry 2, 30 credits
Converging Theories and Practices, 10 credits
Extended Photographic Project, 40 credits
Contextualising Photography, 30 credits
Photographic Professional Development, 10 credits
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Timetable for Full Time Course
WRL
SKILLS
Language of
Photography (20
Credits)
Semester 1
Working in the
Photographic
Industry 1 (30
Credits)
Photographic
Techniques (40
credits)
WRL
SKILLS
Photographic
Communication (20
Credits)
Semester 2
FdA Photo L5
ACADEMIC
Personal Professional
Development (10 Credits)
FdA Photo L4
ACADEMIC
Semester 1
Working in the
Photographic
Industry 2 (30
Credits)
Semester 2
Extended
Photographic
Project (40
Credits)
Photographic Professional
Development (10 Credits)
Converging Theories and
Practices (10 Credits)
Contextualising
Photography (30
Credits)
Timetables for Part Time Course
Year 1:
 Photographic Techniques, 40 credits
 Language of Photography, 20 credits
 Personal Professional Development, 10 credits
WRL
SKILLS
ACADEMIC
Language of
Photography (20
Credits)
Semester 1
Photographic
Techniques (40
credits)
Semester 2
Year 2:
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Personal Professional
Development (10 Credits)
FdA Photo L4


Working in the Photographic Industry 1, 30 credits
Photographic Communication, 20 credits
FdA Photo L4
WRL
SKILLS
ACADEMIC
Semester 1
Working in the
Photographic
Industry 1 (30
Credits)
Photographic
Communication (20
Credits)
Semester 2
Year 3:
 Converging Theories and Practices, 10 credits
 Photographic Professional Development, 10 credits
 Contextualising Photography, 30 credits
FdA Photo L5
WRL
SKILLS
ACADEMIC
Converging Theories and
Practices (10 Credits)
Photographic Professional
Development (10 Credits)
Semester 1
Semester 2
Year 4:
 Working in the Photographic Industry 2, 30 credits
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Contextualising
Photography (30
Credits)

Extended Photographic Project, 40 credits
FdA Photo L5
WRL
SKILLS
ACADEMIC
Semester 1
Working in the
Photographic
Industry 2 (30
Credits)
Semester 2
23.
Extended
Photographic
Project (40
Credits)
Support for Students and Their Learning
The award adopts the approach to student learning support as identified in the Scheme
programme specification.

Tailored induction support begins before students arrive with the admissions team,
and is reinforced at the detailed induction programme

A robust communications system functions to give students access to lecturers
and management; this includes e-mail, the VLE and notice boards in studios.

All necessary information about the programme is provided by means of the
student handbook, module handbooks and the VLE.

Each student is allocated a tutor for regular tutorials and personal development
planning. This is implemented in the first term and continued throughout the two
years of study

There is an extensive range of learning resources in the Library, supported by
specialist staff who provide bespoke study skills sessions for students.

The University provides an extensive range of services for students, including
support for those with special needs

There is a range of student services such as welfare, counselling, financial and
careers advice
9 of 21
24.
Distinctive Features

Students have access to an excellent range of facilities including:
o HE Baseroom containing a suite of Macs*
o
Teaching rooms containing Macs*
o
A silver-based darkroom with 16 enlargers
o
Two bookable Photographic studios with professional Elinchrom lighting
o
A Phase One digital back
o
Mamiya medium format cameras
o
5x4 large format cameras
o
Canon 5D & 7D SLRs

We have a deal with Adobe meaning that the Macs always have the latest version
of Adobe Master Suite.

Strong teaching team in terms of industry experience and academic qualifications

Strong teaching team that are practising photographers in both commercial and
contemporary art settings which supports student progress and access to the
industry.

The provision of real experience of working within the industry

Strong relationships with local photography galleries, White Cloth and Impressions

Strong culture of student photography in Leeds

Development of Leeds Student Photo Festival provides opportunities to participate
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Stage Outcomes (Foundation Degrees)
Key:
NO
K1
K2
K3
C1
C2
C3
C4
P1
P2
P3
K = Knowledge and Understanding C = Cognitive and Intellectual P = Practical Professional T = Key Transferable [see programme specification]
Programme Outcome
Critically review and select from wider research methods to
inform decision-making and then apply to photographic work or
concepts
Demonstrate a detailed understanding of aspects of
photography by critically analysing a variety of ideas, contexts
and frameworks. Apply knowledge to a range of photographic
situations
Explore inherent issues in the creative industries to facilitate the
generation of knowledge with relation to photography
Analyse, apply and interpret evidence from a variety of sources
Employ balanced, logical and supported argument to critically
explore facets of the photographic industry in a range of
contexts
Demonstrate intellectual flexibility and openness to new ideas,
within approaches to the photographic industries
Identify key areas of problems within photography and choose
appropriate tools/methods for their resolution in a considered
manner
Operate ethically in situations of varying complexity and
predictability requiring the application of a wide range of
photographic techniques
Act with increasing autonomy, with reduced need for
supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
Evidence a considered and creative developmental
approach to photographic briefs
Stage/Level 4(1)
Identify and explain selected research methods used in
photography and apply them in defined and limited contexts
Describe, explain and use key elements of the foundation
knowledge and key concepts of photographic practice
Identify, where applicable, the role of ethics in photographic
practice
Gather, record and describe, with guidance, evidence from a
range of sources
Justify conclusions that explore facets of the photographic
industry in defined and limited contexts
Recognise the provisional and changing nature of knowledge
within approaches to the photographic industries
Can apply given tools/methods accurately and carefully to a
well-defined problem and begin to appreciate the complexity of
associated issues
Operate ethically in predictable, defined contexts that require
use of a specified range of photographic techniques
Act with limited autonomy, under direction or supervision, within
defined guidelines
Evidence developmental approaches to the realisation of
photographic briefs
11 of 21
P4
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
Fulfil photographic briefs by applying confident use of
photographic equipment and skills to produce technically
consistent outcomes
Reflect systematically on performance to further develop
learning
Demonstrate a realistic match between career aspirations and
personal aptitudes, interests and motivations
Select and use a range of communication methods appropriate
to the context. Prepare, deliver and evaluate presentations to
an audience
Use a range of specialist software appropriate to the discipline
Adopt a range of roles within a team and contribute to the
effective working of the team
12 of 21
complete photographic briefs by applying use of
photographic equipment and skills to produce technically
accurate outcomes
Identify own learning strengths and needs using feedback from
assessments. Develop and implement a personal development
plan to improve own learning
Identify and articulate personal skills, abilities, interests and
motivations and relate these to career opportunities
Identify and use writing skills appropriate to the context.
Communicate appropriately in speech in group discussions and
as an individual
Use basic IT tools (e.g. word-processing; spreadsheets;
information searching) in tutor-defined contexts
Engage in team activities to enhance a co-operative approach
to learning and working
Map of Outcomes to Modules
Outcome Key
Module Name
Working in the Photographic
Industry 1
Photographic Techniques
K1
K2
K3
C1
A
A
C2
A
Language of Photography
A
Photographic
Communication
A
Personal Professional
Development
LEVEL 5
Working in the Photographic
Industry 2
Converging Theories and
Practices
Extended Photographic
Project
Contextualising
Photography
A
A
C4
P1
P2
P3
P4
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
T3
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Photographic Professional
Development
A
A
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A
A
A
A
A
A
A
T5
A
A
A
T4
A
A
A
A
T2
A
A
A
T1
A
A
A
A
C3
A
A
A
A