UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to
achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are
provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution
University of Central Lancashire – Preston campus
AAS Greece
3. University Department/Centre
School of Film, Media and Performance
4. External Accreditation
None
5. Title of Final Award
BA (Hons) Photography
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-time / Part-time
7. UCAS Code
WP6H BA/MPP Route A
EP63 BA/MPP Route B
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Art & Design
9. Other external influences
n/a
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
July 2013
11. Aims of the Programme
Programme Aims





To develop in students the ability to produce innovative work of high quality with an
awareness of professional level requirements and expectations
To provide a course that combines an arts based approach with the development in
practical work of critical, technical and transferable skills that will be of great benefit to
graduates seeking work in photography and related industries
To provide a flexible course that will enable students to initially acquire experience of
studying photography in a range of contexts, to help identify their particular strengths and
interests, and to offer, at higher levels, the opportunity to develop one area in sufficient
depth to provide a sound grounding for professional and/or postgraduate work
To further provide a sound grounding in social and critical issues around photography
which will both underpin post-university work and equip those wishing to continue
postgraduate study
To develop transferable skills of self evaluation, independent research and project
management and development
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding at level 4
A1.1) Discuss a range of historical and contemporary critical debates around photography
A1.2) Demonstrate an understanding of the course requirements in terms of research, development
and evaluation of work.
A1.3) Show an understanding of a range of critical debates around narrative photography
A1.4) Have an understanding of key terms appropriate to the photography
Teaching and Learning Methods
Across all modules and at all levels teaching and learning are synthesised from a variety of learning
activities and opportunities. Knowledge and Understanding at level 1 is characterised by a knowledge
of the history and background of practice and practitioners. Learning situations include:
 Lectures
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Group tutorials and verbal feedback
 One – to – one tutorials and written feedback
 Study visits
Assessment methods
Assessment occurs through the application of knowledge and theory within practical activities, essays,
presentations and workbooks.
B. Subject-specific skills at level 4
B1.1) Research, develop and evaluate a project idea, and carry out the production work needed to
resolve the idea
B1.2) Use a range of aesthetic approaches to making photographic images
B1.3) Demonstrate a range of skills in the production and presentation of photographic work
B1.4) Demonstrate a range of skills in digital photography and image production
B1.5) Demonstrate a range of technical skills needed for photographic work
B1.6) Demonstrate a range of technical skills in analogue photography
B1.7) Apply an understanding of context and captioning and how it affects meaning
Teaching and Learning Methods
Practical study occurs within
 Analysis of contemporary and historical practice
 Workshops
 Practical work
 Lecture/demonstrations
 Exhibitions
 Self-reflection and peer group evaluation.
Assessment methods
At this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 module file
 research and development work
 final work
C. Thinking Skills at level 4
C1.1) Use a range of research methods, and to identify which is most appropriate for a particular task
C1.2) Apply an understanding of narrative photography to a series of photographic images
C1.3) Recognise and apply practically key concepts that relate to photography
C1.4) Distinguish and interpret critical issues in a range of images
Teaching and Learning Methods
Thinking skills within this course are the intellectual qualities related to cognitive ability through the
acquisition of critical and contextual knowledge. The application of these qualities occurs in all teaching
and learning situations and at this level these are focussed upon the stating of ideas from one or more
contexts using specialist vocabulary and critical language.
Assessment methods
At this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 Module files
 Presentations
 Written assignments
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development at level 4
D1.1) Demonstrate a range of skills in the presentation of work
D1.2) Identify their own study needs, and develop strategies for dealing with these
D1.3) Use key academic study skills, and demonstrate an awareness of the help and support
available.
D1.4) Demonstrate self-awareness in relation to their future careers and lives
Teaching and Learning Methods
The outcomes within this category at this level are do with making practical and theoretical learning as
effective and relevant as possible. We expect you to analyse what is required to fully participate in all
learning events and to be an effective group member. Learning at this level will be tutor-dependant but
with guided self-defined learning opportunities.
Assessment methods
Assessment occurs through the effectiveness of practical and written work and is evaluated through
reference to personal development plans, peer responses and tutor comments.
A. Knowledge and Understanding at level 5
A2.1) Examine a range of major critiques and theories that underpin contemporary photography
A2.2) To understand the ideas of key theorists and apply their ideas to their own case studies.
A2.3) Demonstrate an awareness of a range of concepts and subjects relating to contemporary
photographic practice
Teaching and Learning Methods
A variety of teaching and learning methods are synthesised across all modules at level 2. Learning
situations include:
 Workshops
 Practical work
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Lectures
 Group tutorials
 Individual tutorials
 Peer review
 Technical induction
 Study visits
Assessment methods
At this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 Final work
 Research and development work
 Presentations
 Written assignments
B. Subject-specific skills at level 5
B2.1) Undertake studio briefs, including designing, planning and executing projects
B2.2) Demonstrate skills in the use of professional equipment
B2.3) Experiment with forms, conventions and content, and demonstrate an awareness of the
possibilities of presenting photographic images, both as prints and digitally
B2.4) Develop critical and practical skills on completion of an appropriate project
B2.5) Formulate appropriate research questions and employ appropriate methods and resources for
exploring those questions
B2.6) Experiment with and develop a range of techniques to allow students to reflect on their own
practice
Teaching and Learning Methods
Practical study occurs within
 Analysis of contemporary and historical theory and practice
 Workshops
 Development work
 Lectures
 Seminars and tutorials
 Self-reflection and peer group evaluation.
Assessment methods
At this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 Practical work
 Research and development work
 Exhibitions
C. Thinking Skills at level 5
C2.1) Research, develop and evaluate ideas independently
C2.2) Evaluate practical work with a strong contextual awareness
C2.3) Apply ideas about photography to a written and spoken critique of the work of contemporary
practitioners
C2.4) Analyse and evaluate photographic works
C2.5) Discuss the variety of ways in which photography has been employed in society in the
twentieth century
C2.6) Discuss how meaning is produced and constructed within photographic images
Teaching and Learning Methods
Thinking skills within this course are the intellectual qualities related to cognitive ability through the
acquisition of critical and contextual knowledge. The application of these qualities occurs in all teaching
and learning situations and at this level these are focussed upon the analysis of original work in a
variety of contexts. At this level it is expected that students should demonstrate a critical understanding
of the content and ideas that exist within a wide range of works.
Assessment methods
this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 Practical work
 Written assignments
 Presentations
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development at level 5
D2.1) Plan and manage time in the production of photographic work
D2.2) Demonstrate group skills in the planning and execution of a complex brief in a limited time scale
D2.3) Demonstrate insight into industry expectation of skills levels and professional behaviour
D2.4) Research possible career opportunities and prepare appropriate planning and application
documentation to meet their goals
Teaching and Learning Methods
The outcomes within this category at this level are designed to enhance the transition from study to
workplace. They relate to the ability to administrate, manage and direct. Learning at this level should
be negotiated, perhaps through learning contracts, with students becoming independent of tutors and
sharing learning responsibilities with other group members.
Assessment methods
At this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 Practical work
 Research and development work
 Written work/presentations
A. Knowledge and Understanding at level 6
A3.1) Create professional level photographic work in practical and critical terms
Teaching and Learning Methods
Knowledge and Understanding at level 3 is characterised by a synthesis of the relationships between
theory and practice, intention and technical realisation.
Learning situations include:
 Lectures
 Seminars and discussion groups
 Practical tutor – led workshops
 Group tutorials, peer review and formative verbal feedback
 One-to-one tutorials
 Study visits
Assessment methods
At this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 Practical work
 Research and development work
 Presentations
 Written assignments
B. Subject-specific skills at level 6
B3.1) Independently produce a body of work potentially suitable for public exhibition / distribution
B3.2) Create work with a developed understanding of the medium of photography in technical,
contextual and critical terms
B3.3) Demonstrate the ability to extend an argument and show a substantial degree of critical
judgment with respect to the topic being researched and written about
B3.4) Demonstrate an ability to produce a sustained piece of writing using appropriate scholarly
apparatus and conventions
B3.5) Undertake appropriate research using both primary and secondary source material
B3.6) Demonstrate an ability to originate and plan an appropriate academic project
Teaching and Learning Methods
Practical study occurs within
 Analysis of contemporary and historical theory and practice
 Workshops
 Tutorials
 Lecture
 Exhibitions/publications
 Self-reflection and peer group evaluation.
Assessment methods
At this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 Practical work
 Research and development work
 Presentations
C. Thinking Skills at level 6
C3.1) Demonstrate the ability to undertake critical reflection on their learning processes
C3.2) Generate, develop and evaluate ideas independently
C3.3) Use appropriate critical, analytical, theoretical or methodological approaches to a chosen topic
Teaching and Learning Methods
Thinking skills within this course are the intellectual qualities related to cognitive ability through the
acquisition of critical and contextual knowledge. The application of these qualities occur in all teaching
and learning situations and at this level these are focussed upon the evaluation of critical ideas within a
variety of contexts and the ability to create original product. At this level it is expected that students
should apply techniques that define the thinking performer and the reflective practitioner.
Assessment methods
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
D.
Practical work
Written assignments
Presentations
Other skills relevant to employability and personal development at level 6
D3.1) Demonstrate an ability to work independently on a sustained piece of academic work
D3.2) Create work with professional level standards of production and presentation within resource
constraints
D3.3) Independently research a chosen area of the photographic industry in depth and breadth from
secondary and, where appropriate, primary sources
D3.4) Respond actively to guidance and feedback
D3.5 Demonstrate personal effectiveness in a selection process of your chosen career
Teaching and Learning Methods
Outcomes within this category at level 3 are designed to bring to maturity the transition from study to
workplace. They relate to the ability to administrate, manage individual projects.
Learning at level 3 should be independent and determined by self-devised goals and stimuli.
Assessment methods
At this level the following activities are used for assessment:
 Practical work
 Research and development work
 Presentations
 Written assignments
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Module
Module Title
Code
Level 6
PH3991
PH3010
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
Compulsory Modules
Dissertation (double)
Portfolio Development
40
20
Bachelor Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits including
a minimum of 220 at Level 5
PH3011
PH3012
PH3013
Professional Development
Independent Practice
Final Project
20
20
20
PH2010
PH2003
PH2001
PH2020
Compulsory Modules
Professional Practice
Critical Practices
Contemporary Practice
Open Project
20
20
20
20
Level 5
PH2000
PH2005
Plus one of the following:
The Constructed Image
OR
Fashion Branding & Photography
and 100 at Level 6
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits including
a minimum of 180 at Level 5
and 40 at Level 6
HE Diploma
Requires 240 credits including
a minimum of 100 at Level 5
20
20
Optional (Choose 20 credits
from the following modules):
PH2011
PH2021
Fashion and Photography
Photography and the City
20
20
PH1000
PH1001
PH1003
PH1010
PH1200
Compulsory Modules
Introduction to Photography
Photography and Narrative
Photography and the Everyday
The Photographic Image
Visualising Ideas
20
20
20
20
20
Level 4
HE Certificate
Requires 120 credits
Optional (select 20 credits from the
following)
PH1004
PH1020
The Fashion Image
Experimental Photography
20
20
15. Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a key aspect of the photography course at UCLan. PDP
is integrated within all modules across the course. PDP, through the creation of a personal
document referred to as a Progress File, helps to define and focus student’s educational and
professional aims and goals; it will assist students to consider how they can engage with the
learning opportunities the course offers to achieve personal career and professional objectives.
This course consists of modules with fixed syllabi that together enable students to gain the
knowledge and develop the skills essential if you are to be a successful practitioner. However the
course is designed to allow students to choose or negotiate many aspects of their learning in ways
which are appropriate to their abilities, learning preferences and vocational intentions. Thus is
referred to as a student-centred learning approach. When coupled with the self-monitoring and
evaluation of PDP, students find that study shifts from a tutor-led/teaching activity to a personallydefined learning experience. This is close to the way many photographers operate and the terms
‘reflective practitioners’ or ‘thinking artist’ describe the kind of graduate we expect you to become.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic
qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study.
These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry
requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should
consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Entry on to this and all other media courses within the programme area is through interview. Additionally
we will normally expect applicants to evidence a number of the following:
GCE ‘A’ Level –260 points. Subjects should normally include at least one of Media Studies,
Photography, Film Studies, or Art.
Advanced GNVQ in an appropriate subject area - at least Merit overall.
BTEC in an appropriate subject area - at least Merit overall.
Open College Stage B in an appropriate subject area - 60% or above
In addition, candidates should normally have GCSE English at grade C or above, or equivalent.
Candidates without the above qualifications, or qualifications in other subject areas, will be
considered provided that there is firm evidence of experience and commitment to at least one of
the main areas of practical study (photography, film/video making, screenwriting, digital imaging
work etc). At interview a portfolio of previous work in a relevant area will be requested.
Applications from mature candidates will be welcome.
Direct entry into year 2 of the course is possible for candidates who have completed a HND/C in
Photography, Media Production, or other related subject. For this to take place, the applicant
must produce evidence that their previous study meets the relevant first level learning outcomes
for the chosen route.
The minimum general entry requirements for the courses within this proposal are the same as
for all the University’s degree programmes (as outlined in the Undergraduate Prospectus). As a
broad guide, we normally expect students to have achieved a tariff of at least 240 points at 'A2'
and 'AS' level, BTEC ND, or GNVQ (level 3) or an equivalent qualification in relevant areas.
Equally, we welcome students with qualifications in other subjects, but who have shown a
significant commitment to Photography in a variety of forms. Equivalent qualifications will be
considered towards meeting the general entry requirements.
Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience will be
equally considered. If you have not studied recently you may be required to undertake an Access
programme. For details of those offered by the University please contact Course Enquiries, tel: 01772
892400.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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


www.uclan.ac.uk
UCAS/Trottman guides
BA (Hons) Photography factsheet
UCLan prospectus
PH1001
Photography
and Narrative
COM
PH1004
The Fashion
Image
OPT
PH1010
Photographic
Image
COM
PH1020
PH1200
PH1003
Experimental
Photography
Visualising
Ideas
Photography
and the
Everyday
(20 Credits)
x
x
x
x
x
D1.4
D1.3
D1.1
x
D1.2
C1.4
C1.2
C1.1
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
B1.7
B1.6
B1.5
x
x
x
Other skills relevant to
employability and personal
development
Thinking Skills
x
x
x
B1.4
B1.3
B1.2
B1.1
x
x
COM
COM
A1.4
x
x
OPT
Subject-specific Skills
C1.3
COM
A1.3
Introduction
to
Photography
A1.2
PH1000
Understanding
A1.1
Module
Title
Compulsory,
Core or
Option
Level
4
Mod
Code
Knowledge and
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
PH2005
5
PH2010
Fashion
Branding &
Photography
Professional
Practice
Open Project
PH2020
OPT
x
x
x
COM
x
COM
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
COM
x
PH2011
Fashion and
Photography
OPT
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
PH2021
Photography and
the City
OPT
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Critical
Practices
x
D2.4
x
PH2003
x
D2.3
D2.2
D2.1
C2.6
C2.5
C2.4
x
x
x
x
C2.3
C2.2
x
C2.1
x
Other skills relevant to
employability and
personal
development
Thinking
Skills
B2.6
x
B2.5
COM
x
B2.4
Contemporary
Practice
x
B2.3
PH2001
B2.2
OPT
B2.1
Constructed
Image
A2.3
PH2000
A2.2
Module
Title
Subject-specific Skills
A2.1
Compulsory, Core
or Option
Level
Module
Code
Knowledge and
Understanding
x
x
x
x
x
x
PH3991
Dissertation
(double)
COM
PH3010
Portfolio
Development
COM
x
x
PH3011
Professional
Development
COM
X
x
x
PH3012
Independent
Practice
COM
X
x
x
x
PH3013
Final Project
COM
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
D3.5
D3.4
D3.3
D3.2
Other skills relevant to Employability
and personal development
D3.1
C3.3
C3.2
C3.1
x
B3.6
B3.4
x
B3.5
B3.3
B3.2
B3.1
A3.1
Compulsory,
Core or Option
Module
Title
Thinking Skills
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
6
Level
Module
Code
Subject-specific Skills
Knowledge &
Understanding
x
x
x
x
x
x
x