I've searched for this thread already and I don't think it exists so I'm gonna post
Was just wondering which are the top universities for photography. I know Falmouth is one of the top ones along with Bournemouth - I have already looked at Bournemouth and didn't like it, am looking at Falmouth in October. I'm also looking at Nottingham Trent as I hear that is good for photography. I am considering Kingston and Edinburgh College of Art but I'm not sure if these are good for photography. Are these universities the best ones? Can anyone suggest anywhere else?
I'm going to Falmouth for photography this coming September so I would really recommend it, but when I was looking at Universities last year I also looked at Brighton and the University of the Arts London along with Kingston and Bournemouth.
Falmouth and Edinburgh College of Art are "meant" to be the top in the country, UAL has some good BA Photography/Fashion Photography courses (LCC, CCA, LCF) um.. pretty sure I went through a list of good courses on another topic/thread not too long ago and at the moment I can't think.
I decided on Camberwell College of Arts for myself, mainly because i'm interested in Fine Art Photography... you need to refine what areas you're interested in most and then see if there's specialist courses... that'd be a good start, but all those on your list are meant to be good
edit: also, I had UCA (University for the Creative Arts, Kent) as my second choice, the Rochester campus - there's also a course at the Maidstone campus which I liked the look of... but I got into my first choice so I never bothered having a looksee lmao! kinda wish, just for ease, that i'd decided on going there... i'm moving to Kent next week as the drive would be ridiculously short compared to driving to Camberwell!!
I'm going to Falmouth for photography this coming September so I would really recommend it, but when I was looking at Universities last year I also looked at Brighton and the University of the Arts London along with Kingston and Bournemouth.
Oh wow, thats awesome =) Did you do an art foundation diploma before you applied to Falmouth?
Falmouth and Edinburgh College of Art are "meant" to be the top in the country, UAL has some good BA Photography/Fashion Photography courses (LCC, CCA, LCF) um.. pretty sure I went through a list of good courses on another topic/thread not too long ago and at the moment I can't think.
I decided on Camberwell College of Arts for myself, mainly because i'm interested in Fine Art Photography... you need to refine what areas you're interested in most and then see if there's specialist courses... that'd be a good start, but all those on your list are meant to be good
edit: also, I had UCA (University for the Creative Arts, Kent) as my second choice, the Rochester campus - there's also a course at the Maidstone campus which I liked the look of... but I got into my first choice so I never bothered having a looksee lmao! kinda wish, just for ease, that i'd decided on going there... i'm moving to Kent next week as the drive would be ridiculously short compared to driving to Camberwell!!
Ahh thats cool, I will have a look at UAL and see what courses they have =) Did you do an art foundation diploma before applying to CCA?
Oh wow, thats awesome =) Did you do an art foundation diploma before you applied to Falmouth?
I didn't do an art foundation course before I applied (I'll be 21 when I start the course so my experience etc. counted instead!) but I spoke to some people at my interview day and a few of them were completing a foundation course. But it's all about your portfolio at the end of the day and if you have a really strong portfolio then you should have no problem.
If do decide to apply to Falmouth and want to know anything about the interview process or anything else then feel free to ask!
Can I just ask, what is taught on a photography degree? Photography doesn't seem like a deep enough subject unless it includes stuff like history of photography, studying the work of individual photographers etc rather than just "how to take good photos".
I didn't do an art foundation course before I applied (I'll be 21 when I start the course so my experience etc. counted instead!) but I spoke to some people at my interview day and a few of them were completing a foundation course. But it's all about your portfolio at the end of the day and if you have a really strong portfolio then you should have no problem.
If do decide to apply to Falmouth and want to know anything about the interview process or anything else then feel free to ask!
Yeah, I'm seriously considering Falmouth (I'm going to look at it in October to see what it's like). Thanks, you've been really helpful =) I will get in touch if I get asked for an interview or whatever!
Edinburgh College of Art has a really strong photographic course and it's definitely worth a look. The classes are VERY small so there's lots of competition and a small class may not be what you're after but a really inspiring place to study. Glasgow School of Art also has an amazing course.
Other places with reputable courses worth a look; Brighton, Newport, UCCA, UAL, Nottingham Trent, Westminster, Leeds College of Art and Design.
Can I just ask, what is taught on a photography degree? Photography doesn't seem like a deep enough subject unless it includes stuff like history of photography, studying the work of individual photographers etc rather than just "how to take good photos".
It depends on the course, but yes, it should take a very in depth look at photographic history, important photographers, art movements and how they related to photography, photographic processes - possibly supporting the facilities to replicate these old processes, right through to emerging technology and how this has affected photography over time. In many courses there are also many theories to study ranging from basic art practice theories through to philosophical ideas from great thinkers. Showing you new ways of thinking and 'seeing' things, not just point and click.
It depends on the course, but yes, it should take a very in depth look at photographic history, important photographers, art movements and how they related to photography, photographic processes - possibly supporting the facilities to replicate these old processes, right through to emerging technology and how this has affected photography over time. In many courses there are also many theories to study ranging from basic art practice theories through to philosophical ideas from great thinkers. Showing you new ways of thinking and 'seeing' things, not just point and click.
Sounds very interesting. I might consider a part time version at some point I like the idea of applying philosophy to photography, I can certainly see how that could be an incredible course to take.
That said, can you really be taught how to see things differently? I went out with my camera last night and took some photos I'm rather proud of, but wouldn't being taught by "the people who know how I should think" just homogenise me into their way of thinking? I think I'd rather develop my own style and perspective in that case.
Sounds very interesting. I might consider a part time version at some point I like the idea of applying philosophy to photography, I can certainly see how that could be an incredible course to take.
That said, can you really be taught how to see things differently? I went out with my camera last night and took some photos I'm rather proud of, but wouldn't being taught by "the people who know how I should think" just homogenise me into their way of thinking? I think I'd rather develop my own style and perspective in that case.
They're not forcing you into their way of thinking or telling how you should be doing it, how dull would it be if everyone thought the same way? It's more opening your eyes to things you may not have noticed or even given a second glance before. It's all about perspectives and your personal interests. Obviously some things just won't interest one individual whereas another may be enthralled in one tiny aspect of photography and spend time exploring nothing else. I have been working on a large series of photographs for a year now entirely inspired by one philosophical idea that was shown to me during Uni. My tutor opened my eyes to a completely different photographic world than the one I had been surrounding myself with and its the best change I ever made.
Blackpool and the Fylde never seems to be mentioned on here, but its really one of the best in the country, with really strong links to the industry. I think the fact its Blackpool goes against it slightly...(understandably really)
I actually got into Uclan, but then went along to my mates Blackpool interview, and after seeing the facilaties and seeing the students work I decided to withdraw my place at Uclan and gamble on getting an interview at Blackpool, which accepted me after an interview.
It depends on the course, but yes, it should take a very in depth look at photographic history, important photographers, art movements and how they related to photography, photographic processes - possibly supporting the facilities to replicate these old processes, right through to emerging technology and how this has affected photography over time. In many courses there are also many theories to study ranging from basic art practice theories through to philosophical ideas from great thinkers. Showing you new ways of thinking and 'seeing' things, not just point and click.
This sounds like what i've been doing the past 2 years at college, I loved Contextual Studies so hopefully there'll be some more sessions like that when Uni starts
Ahh thats cool, I will have a look at UAL and see what courses they have =) Did you do an art foundation diploma before applying to CCA?
No, I applied straight from a BTEC National Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging. I had never heard of Art Foundation courses prior to applying there, it seemed that most people I have spoken to have completed an Art Foundation, I might have done one if I wasn't already 20 though.
What can you say about this universities photography course:
Middlesex, Canterbury Christ Church, Derby, Central Lancashire?
And maybe someone can give me advise where to take Foundation Art, Design & Media course?
University course discussion for music, fine art and drama etc.
Useful Resources:
BA Photography
