BA (Hons) Photography

Degree Handbook

Contents
Important note
Degree information
Degree aims and objectives
Degree structure
Programme summary
Unit summary: Level Four
Unit summary: Level Five
Unit summary: Level Six
Assessment
Teaching methods
Photography tutor profiles
Reading list

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Photography

Front cover images by OCA students

Important note
This degree handbook gives you a range of academic information relating specifically to BA (Hons)
Photography, such as the aims and objectives of the degree, a sample of tutor profiles, the structure
of the degree and unit descriptions. It is important to read this in conjunction with other OCA study
guides, such as:
OCA Student Handbook
A guide to studying with the OCA, including information on how tuition works, how to contact your
tutor, how to submit your work, who to contact within the OCA management and administration
team when you have queries or concerns, and so on.
Regulations, Policies and Procedures in relation to studying with the OCA and the accrediting
university, including rules on deferments, extensions, paying by instalments, complaints, etc.

Photography

Degree Information
Course Title: BA(Hons) Photography
Course Code: OPHOPBAH
Degree aims and objectives
This degree is for those who wish to focus on photography to develop the skills necessary to
effectively develop a personal artistic vision or voice.
The aims of the degree are to:
1. To widen access to education in photography at undergraduate level through Open and Flexible
Learning.
2. To provide an intellectually stimulating programme based on high quality study material and
tutor support.
3. To develop your creative capacities and your ability in the interpretation and application of
imagery.
4. To develop your critical understanding of the theoretical and conceptual issues central to the
practice of photography and the social, historical and cultural context in which it is practiced.
5. To provide an environment in which you have the possibility of changing your view of the world
and your interaction with it both visually and intellectually.
6. To foster high-level ethical and professional standards and an awareness of the possibilities
offered by existing and new developments in photography to expand their application areas.
7. To develop autonomous learners capable of applying intellectual and practical skills in a chosen
area of photography appropriate to employment, further study or life-long learning.

Photography

Course outcomes
On successful completion of the course you will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
1. Demonstrate proficiency in a comprehensive range of photographic practices and techniques.
2. Manage the learning process resourcefully and independently and make appropriate use primary
sources and scholarly reviews.
3. Demonstrate by means of written work and oral presentations a critical understanding of the
principles of photography and knowledge of emerging aspects of the discipline and those at the
forefront of debate.
4. Evaluate their own work and that of others critically and objectively.

Application
1. Demonstrate a breadth of inventiveness, ideas generation and techniques in the creation of
photographic images.
2. Handle ambiguity and uncertainty effectively.
3. Produce a body of work demonstrating a high level of visual and technical finish.
4. Communicate information and justify work convincingly to specialist and non-specialist
audiences.
5. Engage in appropriate professional practices such as marketing, self presentation and negotiation
skills.

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Degree Structure Photography

6

Level Four

Choose either two or three of the units listed below:

120 credits

PH4CN

Photography 1: Context and Narrative

40

PH4EYV

Photography 1: Expressing your Vision

40

PH4PAP

Photography 1: People and Place

40

If you chose only two courses above, choose one of the

following:
PH4DFP

Digital Film Production 1: Creative Concepts

40

AH4WSA

History of Art 1: Western Art

40

AH4UVC

Visual Studies 1: Understanding Visual Culture

40

Level Five

Choose two units listed below:

120 credits

PH5LDS

Photography 2: Landscape

60

PH5PDP

Photography 2: Progressing with Digital Photography

60

PH5DOC

Photography 2: Documentary

60

PH5GAM

Photography 2: Gesture and Meaning

60

Level Six

All three units

120 credits

PH6MPR

Photography 3: Major Project: body of work

40

PH6CTS

Photography 3: Contextual studies

40

PH6PRO

Photography 3: Sustaining your Practice

(Professional Practice)

40

BA Honours
Degree Photography

Photography

Total
credits 360

Programme summary
The course is unique in that it assumes no prior knowledge beyond the basic operations of a camera.
It is modular in concept and delivery, and you are free to choose from the available units at each level
to suit your own interests and aspirations. Thus it is possible that, with tutorial guidance, you can
tailor your course to your apparent and developing talents and inclinations.
Level 4 develops technical, creative and analytical skills through a highly structured programme of
study which is made sensitive to the needs of yourself through the one to one relationship with
the tutor. Whilst not diagnostic in the traditional sense there is a diagnostic element from which a
programme can be mapped out for the higher levels. There is a preferred but not mandatory order
in which the units are to be tackled at this level intended to allow and encourage you to explore
the possibilities of the differing ways in which the medium can be approached and used. On the
completion requisite units at this level you will be on a par with conventional students completing
their first year of undergraduate study, regardless of their starting point.
From this foundation, you should begin to develop your personal voice at Level 5 through an
exploration of genre. Several of the available units expand on the concepts within specific level 4
units but at the same time it is perfectly possible for you to develop in a direction not specifically
studied at level 4. At this level there is an increased emphasis on theoretical and critical studies in
parallel with the practical work.
Level 6 consists in a negotiated programme in the main part. The three units can be intimately linked
and the wide range of tutor specialisms provides the possibility of supporting your work which is
both fresh and challenging and shows a maturity of outlook across the spectrum of photographic
practice.
The distance learning ethos demands a level of self reliance and a strong commitment to self analysis
which, taken with the close relationship between you and your tutor at every level, should produce
a photographer capable of offering prospective employers and/or clients capable, committed and
self reliant graduates.

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Level Four Units : Laying the foundations

Level Four units introduce key concepts and the contextual framework for the study of photography.
They focus on equipping you with the strategies, skills and confidence to move onto the progressively
independent work expected at Level Five. You will be introduced to the interpretation of visual
imagery, the principles of composition when planning and taking photographs, and the properties of
light and colour. You will be given the opportunity to experience the wider aspects of photographic
practice including the digital image capture, workflow and post-processing. Special attention is
given to the photography of human subjects and their environment. It is an essential element of the
course that you keep a continuous self-reflective record of your work to arm themselves with the
disciplines needed at Levels Five and Six. You will be encouraged to experiment, explore and take
risks. You will begin to accumulate the skills that are transferable to employment including working
independently, decision making, the communication of ideas, and writing skills.
Assessment at Level 4: Coursework (80%) and Learning Logs (20%).
On successful completion of three units at this level, you will be awarded 120 credits. If you choose to
exit at this point, you will be awarded a Certificate in Higher Education in Photography.

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PH4CN
Photography 1: Context and Narrative
40 Credits
Photography is a visual language. Like any form of communication it is important to understand the
structure and vocabulary in order to express oneself and communicate effectively. As with learning
any language when degree of fluency increases the more playful and experimental one can be in
expressing oneself creatively.
This module aims to help you to create meaningful imagery by looking at photography applied in
context. You will spend time looking at how practitioners are utilising ideas surrounding contemporary
photographic practice. You will be encouraged to adopt an experimental and personal approach to
your image making, taking your lead from the inspiration of others.
You will think about how visual narratives are formed. The use of image and text, sequencing and
editing in constructing stories will form part of this module.
Considering basic photographic myths such as whether photographs are real, thinking about fact
and fiction and the difference between taking and making a photograph will all be discussed in this
module. You will be encouraged to critically reflect upon these issues in your practice and research.
Semiotics will be expanded upon as a key principle within the creation and consumption of
photography.
This unit aims to help you explore the many facets of producing personal photography within a
contemporary and historical context.

Indicative syllabus content

Fact or Fiction: Documentary and truth - using straight photography to question what is real.
Constructed Realities using the fabricated image to suggest truths.
Narrative using visual story telling techniques
Semiotics implementing the use of semiotics and writing a deconstruction of an image of your
choice.
Fictional Autobiography putting yourself in the story.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
Create images that demonstrate a practical and conceptual understanding of the appropriate
use of techniques.

Demonstrate an emerging critical awareness and ability to translate ideas into imagery.

Conduct research, development and production in response to the themes raised in this module.

Show a critical understanding of contemporary imagery in relation to historical practice and

theory.

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PH4PAP
Photography 1: People and Place
40 Credits
This unit is suitable for anyone with an interest wishing to develop photographic practice and gain
an understanding of particular challenges of portraying human subjects and the environment.
The unit will allow you to explore the meanings of portraiture and landscape photography and
the nature of genre. They will develop your understanding of the relationships between subject,
photographer and how your environment influences these relationships.
Five assignments are structured to ensure that you gain skills in and an understanding of the issues
presented by:

Photographing people when they are unaware of the presence of the camera.

Photographing people when they are aware.

Photographing the built and natural environment situating subjects in your environment.

The final assignment introduces you to the constraints of commercial photography requiring a
photo-story to be planned, shot and edited. The unit will develop your practice and understanding
through a structured programme of projects which will require the development of a portfolio of
images and a learning log or blog.

Indicative syllabus content

People aware.
People unaware.
Buildings and spaces.
People interacting with place.
People and place, on assignment.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
use technical and interpersonal skills effectively to capture images which reflect your ideas
use note taking and research, ideas and demonstrate concepts in the process of developing a
story
demonstrate effective selection and editing of images to achieve objectives
reflect upon your own learning experience.

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PH4EYV
Photography 1: Expressing your Vision
40 Credits
Creative photography and technique go hand in hand. As a photographer it is imperative to
understand the importance of technical decisions in relation to the range of meanings the image
communicates. This module will pay particular attention to the impact technical decisions have on
the final outcome.
You will focus on how to employ appropriate techniques in your personal photography. The emphasis
will be on using photography as an investigative tool to initiate personal responses to briefs.
It aims to challenge traditional ideas of correct technique and looks at how historic photographers
and contemporary practitioners are using and breaking these rules to the benefit of their personal
expression. Every historical break from the tradition resulted in a development of the medium
leading us to where we are today.
This unit begins to consider the power of the image and its ability to transcend fixed meanings. You
will be challenged to experiment with various techniques and reflect upon the impact they have on
the final meanings of the image.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
Create images that demonstrate a practical and conceptual understanding of applying
techniques.
Show initial ability in translating ideas into personal imagery.
Conduct a procedure of research, development and production in relation to the themes
considered in the module.
Begin to reflect on the various levels of meaning in your own and others photography.

Photography

11

PH4DFP
Digital Film Production 1: Creative Concepts
40 Credits
The unit is for anyone who has an interest in exploring the creative techniques used in producing
moving image media. You will be expected to produce short exercises and so must have the ability
to record and edit digital video.
The unit is concerned with developing an awareness of creative techniques and exploring artistic
approaches. It will:

Provide a structured introduction to a range of visual and narrative devices used to create mood,
atmosphere and an intended meaning within a moving image sequence

Encourage you to view media critically, to identify the techniques that are employed and how
they affect the audience

Enable you to employ these techniques effectively in your own work.

You will be introduced to a range of visual and narrative techniques. You will identify and use these
techniques in existing work and develop short exercises that allow you to demonstrate their use. You
will be asked to reflect on the success of your own and other productions in achieving your stated
aims.

Indicative syllabus content

Framing.
Composition.
Creating Meaning.
Narrative.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
demonstrate an ability to use creative visual techniques to achieve an intended meaning,
atmosphere and mood in a moving image sequence
show that you have a basic understanding of how audio can enhance visual content
demonstrate a rudimentary understanding of narrative development, rhythm and pace
reflect perceptively on your own learning experience.

AH4WSA
12

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History of Art 1: Western Art

40 Credits
The unit aim is to understand the cultural and historical context of art and develop observational
skills using drawing, annotation and photography and to be able to work with a systematic structure
for analysing, researching and recording information that can be applied to any art form.
The unit enables you to observe acutely, appreciate and analyse works of art through the study of
a written text. The unit presents art history in chronological order, from classical times to the 20th
century. You are encouraged to respond to works of art not just by essay-writing but by using any
skills in drawing, photography or painting that they may have. The unit leads you through annotation
exercises. This activity helps you to get into the habit of devoting considerable time and thought to
particular works of art, rather than giving them cursory attention.

Indicative syllabus content

The Classical tradition.

Gothic and Renaissance.
Baroque.
Romanticism to Impressionism.
The twentieth century.
Still-life, portraits, the figure, interiors and landscapes.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the history of Western art in chronological order, from
classical to modern times.
Analyse and research a work of art.
Investigate art in a methodical way and research and record key points.
Reflect upon your own learning experience.

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13

AH4UVC
Visual Studies 1: Understanding Visual Culture
40 Credits
This unit is an introduction to a complex field of study. It takes you through the core theories
that underpin a contemporary understanding of visual culture, looking at theories about how we
look at the world and understand the visual vocabulary that describes it. The unit focuses on the
practical application of those theories and will provide a sound introduction to the subject in an
interdisciplinary fashion. The unit looks at the ideas in Structuralism, Post-Structuralism and Post
Modernism. You will be introduced and guided to a clear understanding of the key texts in the study
of visual culture. You will be required to research a variety of subjects and will therefore need access
to the Internet as a research resource.

Indicative syllabus content

An understanding of the parameters of visual studies.

An introduction to the major themes that underpin the discipline (eg signs and symbols).
Experience in the application of theory to projects (Looking and subjectivity, and concepts of
reality).

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
identify appropriate sources of information for the study of visual culture
demonstrate research skills and understanding of the relevant forms and modes of information,
including textual and electronic
demonstrate an understanding of the significant critical, theoretical and artistic shifts in visual
culture
reflect upon your own learning experience.

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Level Five Units: Intermediate stage

At Level Five, you are encouraged to progress to becoming independent, self-motivated photographer
by developing the skills gained at Level Four so that you begin to develop a personal visual language.
At this level, you can choose the direction and content of your project work by working closely with
your tutor. You develop your individual research methodologies to find the material for assignments.
You will be encouraged to cultivate working routines from which a personal and independent style
will evolve. You will be expected to develop proficiency in a comprehensive range of photographic
practices and techniques. You will also need to maintain a continuous, self-reflective commentary
for the recording of project and assignment work, augmented by a critical discourse on progress.
Through this log you are expected to show a creative, critically informed and self-reflective approach
to photographic practice including your own work and that of others.
Assessment at Level Five: Coursework 80%, Learning logs (10%), Critical Review of approx 2000
words (10%).
On successful completion of two units at this level, you will be awarded 120 credits. If you choose to
exit at this point, you will be awarded a Diploma in Higher Education in Photography.

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15

PH5LDS
Photography 2: Landscape
60 Credits
This unit enables you to build your skills in and theoretical understanding of landscape photography.
The unit draws on skills developed in Photography 1, but critically seeks to expand your understanding
about the uses and nature of landscape photography and the relationship between historical and
contemporary understandings of the genre.
The five assignments in the unit include both practical exercises (seasons, one acre, sequencing
photographs) and critical review (enabling you to understand and consider the reaction of
photographers to issues such as climate change). An increasing wide knowledge of practising
photographers will be developed as will the understanding of the inextricably linked nature of skill
and positionality.

Indicative syllabus content

The design elements in a landscape.

Light and its measurement.
Using available light.
Selecting viewpoint and lens.
Style and themes.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
demonstrate developing visual and conceptual strategies in landscape photography in the
outcomes of your work
contextualise your practice with the historical and cultural framework for landscape photography
demonstrate an emerging personal voice in response to landscape and in the creation, selection
and sequencing of your work
critically review the work of other photographers in relation to your own work.

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PH5DOC
Photography 2: Documentary
60 credits
In this unit you will explore historical and contemporary strategies (a combination of technical, visual
and conceptual methodologies) in documentary photography. You will expand your awareness of
contexts and frameworks in which to develop your personal practice and photographic vision. You
will engage in critical debate and consider relevant social and cultural perspectives, including the
ethics of representing conflict, suffering and other peoples and cultures. You will be encouraged to
develop a reflexive practice that involves the realisation of your own ideas into compelling visual
products. This unit fosters a documentary approach underpinned by the ideas of the documentary
photographer as an author and documentary photography as a tool for communication.
You will be encouraged to develop further your visual communications skills and convey rich
narratives in your photographs, incorporating elements of the semiotics of the image. This unit has
a marked contemporary bias and includes topical issues in current documentary practice such as
the acceptance of the art gallery as a new site of discourse for documentary and the emergence of
documentary fictions as effective storytelling devices. Throughout the course you will be invited to
show increasing autonomy and to interact with the wider community of learners at the OCA.

Indicative syllabus content

Documentary traditions. B&W and colour documents. Rethinking the documentary vision.
Documentary ethics. Representing conflict, suffering and the other.
The portrait as document. Photography, anthropology and human typologies.
Urban documents street photography as a documentary genre.
Subverting the photographic evidence - documentary fictions.
New sites of discourse documentary in the art gallery.
Reflexive practice and intentionality the documentary photographer as author.
Narrative, storytelling and semiotics of the image.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
have detailed knowledge of visual and conceptual strategies and awareness of the contexts and
frameworks in documentary photography
demonstrate wider social and cultural implications in photography and be able to debate
relevant ethical perspectives
be able to reformat and realise a range of ideas, evaluate their relevance and integrate them in
the production of visual material
be able to manage learning resources, exhibit self-appraisal and interact effectively within a
learning group
be able to start developing a personal voice and apply communication skills effectively and with
increasing autonomy.

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17

PH5GAM
Photography 2: Gesture and Meaning
60 credits
This unit aims to develop your interest in the representation of the human form and condition
through the medium of photography. The unit will explore both the formal (occasions and portraits
etc) and the informal or candid (events, street photography etc.) representation of individuals and
groups as well as the use of the body in a more creative or abstract sense (advertising and fine art
etc.).
There will be a consideration of the theoretical, historical and critical responses to the imaging of the
body concentrating mainly, but not exclusively, on contemporary issues and debates contained in
feminist, psychological and aesthetic criticism. Projects and assignments will develop your individual
practice and critical understanding of that practice and bring you to a level of competence and
confidence to allow you to pursue self-directed projects representing the body in some way at level
6.
There will be an insight into the contemporary nature of a range of professional photographic areas.
The focus will be upon understanding current levels of acceptability, boundaries, codes of practice or
standards where these have come from and what may be possible in the future within photographic
disciplines such as Portraiture, Editorial, Social Documentary, Fine Art and Advertising with respect
particularly to digital image making. The unit will relate historical to current day thinking within
the subject areas below, relevant to the development of photography in each of the areas. This
underpinning knowledge will then provide a platform and a basis for the construction of your future
personal practice. It will establish the need for context and purpose within projects you develop and
provide a framework.

Indicative syllabus content

Representation of the body or persona.

Race and gender.
Socioeconomic relevance of imagery.
Social change, equality, tolerance and boundaries.
Political relevance and use of photography.
Cultural context of signs and signified and persuasive imagery.
Body language and gesture.
Ethics and morality of the use of photography.

Learning outcomes

18

On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:

identify and evaluate relevant and appropriate sources of information to formulate the a basis of
a reasoned argument for practice
execute a body of work which demonstrates the synthesis of theory and practice
articulate an awareness and understanding of past significant critical, theoretical and artistic
shifts in visual culture and their relevance to an area of contemporary practice
demonstrate within a chosen area of photographic practice contextual understanding and/or
market awareness based on a contemporary issue, investigation or context.

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PH5PDP
Photography 2: Progressing with Digital Photography
60 credits
This unit aims to prepare you to produce images which are of appropriate quality for a variety of
market segments and understand their need to build a profile to work as a professional photographer.
The unit comprises two elements:
Element one builds on Digital Photographic Practice and enables you to gain skills in digital
production from the selection of equipment to the presentation of final images suitable for the
particular market for which they are being prepared.
Element two introduces you to the needs of the market. It builds an understanding of the wide
variety of photography markets and the differing approaches needed to establish a presence in those
different market segments. There is also an extended written project, which is chosen to complement
this element of the unit, which requires a critical analysis of an aspect of the photography market.

Indicative syllabus content

Full colour control

Image combination
Photo-realistic retouching
Degrees of alteration
New worlds of imaging.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
demonstrate skill and discernment in the selection and use of equipment suitable for the market
for which you are producing images
apply a mature, perceptive and creative control of full colour and quality control throughout the
digital workflow
exercise appropriate independent judgement in selecting images for agencies and picture
libraries
take greater responsibility for the direction and design of your learning
critically review photographic markets and photographers.

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19

Level Six Units: Becoming an independent

practising photographer
Their horizons will expand in Level Six to embrace the practical, theoretical and conceptual issues
which are central to the practice of photography. They will be encouraged to demonstrate a breadth
of inventiveness, ideas generation and techniques in the creation of their images. They will gain an
understanding of the professional considerations with which they need to be equipped in order
to pursue this professionally, including an understanding of the vocational context within which
the discipline sits and in particular personal initiative and responsibility and decision making in
challenging contexts.
Society is in constant change nationally and internationally and it is important to become and remain
aware of the social, political and economic issues which affect photography. For their personal project
and extended essay, a body of work on an issue of significant topical importance of their own choice
will complete their studies at this level. They should, at this level, make appropriate use of primary
sources and scholarly reviews, including those at the forefront of debate. They must demonstrate
an underpinning understanding of theory and concepts and show that they can articulate and
comment upon through debate, and devise and sustain arguments. They should carefully consider
the selection of a theme for their project in consultation with their tutor. Through their project, they
will be asked to demonstrate their ability to communicate information and justify their art work
convincingly.
Assessment at Level 6: Coursework 80%, Learning logs (10%), Extended written project approx 5000
words (10%).
On successful completion of three units at this level, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) degree in
Photography.

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PH6MPR
Photography 3: Major Project: body of work
40 credits
This unit represents the culmination of the applied knowledge and photographic skills that you
learnt on the BA (Hons) pathway at the OCA. You will drive the negotiations with your tutor and other
relevant parties that will lead to the proposal and subsequent production of your Major Project. Your
tutor will provide guidance and advice so that you are able to develop a body of work that exhibits
accomplished visual and technical skills and demonstrates detailed knowledge of your chosen
photographic field. This body of work will be the practical component of your Major Project, which
also has a critical studies element that you will develop in the unit Major Project: contextual studies.
In this unit you will be encouraged to develop a great degree of autonomy and, in conjunction with
your tutor, critique your work in progress and evaluate it against your desired outcomes. You will
translate complex and abstract ideas and concepts developed in the unit Major Project: contextual
studies and integrate them effectively in visual narratives that communicate your intention.
On completion of your body of work you will develop appropriate solutions for publishing and
disseminating it within the framework of the Sustaining Your Practice (Professional Practice) unit.
This unit will inform your critical studies in Major Project: contextual studies, which in turn will also
feed into this unit. A significant overlap between this unit and Major Project: contextual studies is
therefore desirable.

Indicative syllabus content

Negotiated learning and photographic practice on a topic or topics of your choice.

Strategies for developing and translating your ideas and interests into a final portfolio of work.
Reflexive practice, consolidation of your personal photographic voice.
Project development using a range of resources and learning materials researched for this unit
as well as the unit Major Project: contextual studies.
Professional solutions for the delivery of your final body of work within the framework of the
level 3 unit Professional Practice.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit you will have:
produced convincing visual products that communicate your intentions, using accomplished
techniques in complex and unfamiliar environments, with minimal supervision from your tutor
gained comprehensive knowledge of your area of specialisation and be able to situate your own
work within a larger context of practice in your field
transformed abstract concepts and ideas into rich narratives and integrate them in your images
critically reviewed your own work and evaluate it against desired outcomes
developed management, leadership and communication skills and have deployed them during
the negotiation and production of the final body of work with your tutor and third parties.

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PH6CTS
Photography 3: Contextual studies
40 credits
In this unit you will undertake research and study that will enable you to gain comprehensive
knowledge of your photographic field. You will build a theoretical framework to contextualise your
creative practice and the portfolio that you develop in Major Project: body of work. You will analyse
and evaluate a range of learning resources and translate abstract concepts into an extended written
project of appropriate academic standards. You will engage in critical photographic discourse, explore
conceptual dimensions of your discipline and articulate ideas and information comprehensibly. You
will be encouraged to apply your own criteria of judgement and exhibit appropriate self-appraisal
with minimal supervision.
This unit will inform your creative photographic practice in Major Project: body of work, which in turn
will also feed into this unit. A significant overlap between this unit and Major Project: body of work
is therefore desirable.

Indicative syllabus content

Negotiated learning that will lead to the production of a 1000 word written proposal, accompanied
by relevant bibliographic resources, that outlines the aims and scope of a dissertation-style essay.
Development of a 5,000-word extended written project based on the above proposal.
Strategies for sourcing and researching relevant learning materials.
Conventions for writing academic essays.
Solutions for the delivery and dissemination of your extended written project.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit you will be expected to have:
undertaken research and study demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of your area of
specialisation and built a theoretical framework for your creative practice
synthesised and articulated your critical, contextual and conceptual knowledge and
understanding into a coherent critique of advanced academic standard
applied your own criteria of judgement, reviewed, criticised and taken responsibility your own
work with minimum guidance
selected and applied information management skills and use appropriate technology in the
production of an accomplished critique with minimal supervision.

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PH6PRO
Photography 3: Sustaining your practice
(Professional practice)
40 credits
In this unit you will continue building the skills that you need to operate as an independent
professional photographer. You will gain detailed knowledge of the photography market and
photographic industry and develop interpersonal, professional and business skills to interact in
complex commercial environments with minimal supervision. You will be encouraged to develop
awareness of ethical considerations and professional codes of practice. You will have the opportunity
to demonstrate a resourceful and entrepreneurial attitude and establish fruitful partnerships
with potential clients, audiences and organisations. Following the development of a negotiated
marketing and publishing plan, you will disseminate and make public the portfolio that you develop
in Major Project: body of work using appropriate professional and commercial channels. This unit will
also provide direction and encouragement for you to identify opportunities for further professional
development.

Indicative syllabus content

The syllabus will facilitate an exploration of the photographic industry and established professional
standards of photographic practice. It will hinge on knowledge and skills that you need to develop a
comprehensive plan for making your work public. The ultimate aim of this plan is to ensure that the
portfolio of work that you build in Major Project: body of work reaches a wider audience.
The components are:
Negotiated development of a marketing and publishing plan for your body of work (Major
Project).
Contract law, copyright and licensing of visual material.
Marketing and representation, professional associations.
The photography market, professional outlets for your work.
Digital asset management, portfolio presentation in print and online using professional tools.
Funding opportunities for personal work grants, awards and crowd funding.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the photography market and commercial dimensions
that underpin a successful photographic practice.
Fully evaluate the ethical considerations of professional codes of conduct.
Operate in complex commercial contexts requiring the application of specific interpersonal,
professional and business skills.
Disseminate your body of work by establishing relationships with audiences, clients and markets
with minimum guidance.
Analyse, review and evaluate information relevant to your professional practice and identify
opportunities for professional development.

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23

Assessment
There are no examinations. Assessment is through the examination of personal development
planning and continual reflection in learning logs or blogs, practical projects, critical reviews and
essays. Assessment tasks are linked to the objectives of each unit. As you progresses through the unit
the assessment increasingly encourages autonomous learning and self-evaluation. Tutors provide
feedback during the unit, with constructive criticism, and assessment takes place once you have
completed a unit in full. You are assumed to be planning to enter for assessment unless it is identified
at the beginning of the unit that you do not have this aspiration. The personal tutor works with you to
advise you on the assessment process. You use OCA guidelines to prepare a portfolio complete with
sketchbooks and learning logs (or blog) to send to OCA for assessment. This submission includes the
summative assignments of each section of the unit.

Assessment criteria
The Photography degree has adopted overarching assessment criteria, these trace the development
of the work as outlined in the units.

Demonstration of technical and Visual Skills

Materials, techniques, observational skills, visual awareness, design
and compositional skills

Level 5: 35%
Level 6: 30%

Quality of Outcome

Level 4: 20%

Content, application of knowledge, presentation of work in a coherent

manner, discernment, conceptualisation of thoughts, communication
of ideas

Level 5: 20%

Demonstration of Creativity

Level 4: 20%

Imagination, experimentation, invention, development of a personal

voice

Context
Reflection, research, critical thinking (learning logs and, at levels 5 and
6, critical reviews and essays)

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Level 4: 40%

Photography

Level 6: 20%

Level 5: 25%
Level 6: 30%
Level 4: 20%
Level 5: 20%
Level 6: 20%

Learning, teaching and assessment strategies

The Open College of the Arts offers all students the same quality of learning experience. There are
also added value aspects to study which all students are entitled to access, but are not part of the
core offer.
The core offer consists of:
Learning materials
One to one feedback and support from a named tutor.
Support materials (such as guides on aspects of study).
Access to dialogue with peers via the OCA student website.
Learner support for any difficulties with the practicalities of studying.
Library resources (such as Oxford Art online and Bridgeman Education Art Library).
In addition to the core aspects of study, you may access the following on an ad hoc basis:
Study visits (to exhibitions, readings etc.) in different parts of the country and occasional
workshops.
Current creative arts reviews and discussion via the OCA blog.

Independent learning
The Art and Design Benchmarks say that: Active learning through project-based enquiry has always
been a feature of the art and design curriculum in higher education. Through this approach you
are encouraged to develop both the capacity for independent learning and the ability to work with
others. Through the OCA model of open learning units, providing projects and research activities,
you learn to study independently, while backed up by tutor support, and learn to work with others
by interacting with them, providing and receiving support and exchanging ideas on the OCA forum.

Communications
Communication between you and your tutor will be predominantly via email. In a small minority of
cases, where students do not have internet access, communication is by post and telephone. We are
encouraging the use of Skype for tutorials, as this can enliven the interaction between you and your
tutor. Peer communication takes place in the student forums, or via comments on the WeareOCA
blog or other student blogs.

Delivery
Open tuition: You work from the course materials and send regular assignments to your tutor,
normally by post but sometimes by email in the case of digital submissions. Tutors then review each
assignment and provide written formative feedback. There are typically 5 assignments for each
course, supplemented by projects. Tutor reports are copied to the OCA head office and subject
to periodic review to ensure standards are being maintained. You are also able to contact tutors
informally between assignments (subject to reasonable limits).

Photography

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Course materials: The written course materials have been specifically produced for open learning
delivery and are designed for individual self-study. They consist of subject-specific learning content
and a series of learning projects each culminating in an assignment, the results of which are discussed
with the tutor. The course materials contain a balance of practical exercises and large scale projects
and research points.

Tutor profiles
All the creative writing tutor profiles are available on www.oca-uk.com.

Reading lists
Reading lists are made available on a course by course basis on the OCA student website.
www.oca-student.com

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Photography

Photography

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Photography