Foundation Degree in Photography

About this course

The Foundation Photography programme of study focuses on both the creative development, and industry specific knowledge and skills, required for students to practice as professionals within the creative industries. You will be introduced to a wide range of digital and traditional equipment. You will become familiar with industry standard editing and post production techniques and software. You will be encouraged to develop your technical skills to a professional standard and there is strong emphasis on creative and critical engagement.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Photography programme you will be able enrol onto the final year of the USW BA Hons Photography programme.

This course is delivered at Cardiff Arts Academy which is situated a short walk from City Centre campus.

What you will study

The programme of study is taught by lecturers with academic and industry experience. Visiting lecturers, guest speakers and creative industry professionals, will also play a role in the delivery of the programme.

Individual tutorial support is key to the delivery of the programme of study. You will be encouraged to develop your own informed practice within the medium, alongside technical workshops, seminars and lectures.

Live project work and work experience will form an integral part of your studies; you will be encouraged to develop a proactive approach throughout. Emphasis is placed on transferable skills vital to working as a professional within the creative industries.

The modules you will study:

Year 1

Photography and the Real
Photography and Illusion
Critical Practices: Histories
Photography as Narrative
Study Skills
Creative Industries Practical Project

Year 2

Critical Practice: Paradigms
Career Development
Short Creative Industries Work Placement
Consolidated Photographic Practice

Total of 240 university credits

Please note: You can apply for this course either through UCAS or directly with the College.

If applying via UCAS please use the following details:

Course Code - W640, University Code - W01, Campus Code - F.

What is a Foundation Degree?

Foundation Degrees integrate academic and work-based learning through collaboration between employers and programme providers. They are intended to equip learners with skills and knowledge relevant to industry and to encourage participation by learners who may not previously have considered studying for a higher level qualification. Foundation Degrees provide a self-standing qualification but also offer progression opportunities for further study. For more information regarding the defining characteristics of Foundation Degrees you may refer to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Foundation Degrees Benchmark Statement.

Course times:

Wednesdays 9.00am -12.00pm & 1.00pm -5.00pm

Thursdays 9.00am -12.00pm, 1.00pm - 4.00pm & 4.30pm-6.30pm

This course is offered subject to re-validation.

Course fee per year

Tuition Fees: £7,500.00

Entry requirements

Applications to the course will be considered on an individual basis.
Typical entry requirements are detailed below but if you don’t meet these criteria, then your work and life experience will be taken into consideration.
Combinations of the qualifications below are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may also be accepted on an individual basis.

Typical A-Level Offer - DD
Typical BTEC Offer - relevant BTEC level 3 profile of Merit/Pass or Pass/Pass/Pass Typical Welsh Bacc Offer - Grade C and DE at A Level
Typical Access to HE Offer - Pass Diploma with 60 credits overall to include 45 level 3 credits all passes.
Additionally, GCSE passes in three subjects at grade C or above to include Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent).
A successful interview may also be a requirement for entry onto the course.

Course times

Wednesday – 9.00am – 6.30pm & Thursday – 9.00am – 5.00pm

Teaching and assessment

Continuous assessments and assignments

Important points

The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18
Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities
Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect
Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice
All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print
Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers
Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.