Programme Specification. School of Art & Media Faculty of Arts & Humanities. MA Photography (core award)

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1 Programme Specification School of Art & Media Faculty of Arts & Humanities MA Photography (core award) Specialist exit awards MA Photography and the Land MA Photography and the Book MA Photography and Writing MFA Photographic Arts This documentation includes all of the M Level awards, as the MFA builds on the MA programme much of this document would be simply repeated, the texts in blue refer specifically to the MFA. Approved by Minor Change 12/11/14 For commencement Sep

2 1. MA/MFA Photography Programme The MA Photography awards are offered as either one year full-time or two year part-time routes. All awards offer the students the opportunity to develop their creative practice, knowledge and understanding through the resolution of individual research and practice, developed through self- selecting projects and assignments, concluding with a major project that is centred on photographic practice. The collective breadth offered by the portfolio of exit awards is a platform from which the student can develop their individual in depth MA project. In the delivery of the taught sessions we will introduce examples relevant to all aspects offered in the specialist awards. The student will apply with their particular MA project proposal with a specific award in mind. Through the taught programme, the student will pursue individually orientated research and assessed projects, from which an in-depth understanding of the appropriate context for their practice will be gained. To support the root of each individual s learning the student will be allocated a lead tutor. This tutor will have an overview of the student s progress and support the student to focus their practice and research effectively. The lead tutor will have a small tutor group within which a context will be established that is specific to the award exits. It is clear that there may be overlap within the award exits the student may be working within the landscape and the form of the book or they may establish a practice that brings together writing and the land in such cases the student will be guided through the programme to complete with the appropriate award exit. Each cohort of students (part-time and full-time) will attend sessions at the same time, working together in an inclusive way. For example a student studying MA Photography and the Book will be working alongside students on MA Photography and Writing or any of the portfolio of validated award exits. It is intended that this will encourage students to share skills, knowledge and collaborate. The core award, MA Photography, enables students to develop their practice in an individual way, linking selected aspects from the specialist awards. This enables the student to be reflexive to opportunities introduced in the programme and to develop their MA Project and exit award accordingly. If their interest in photography doesn't sit with the Land, the Book or with Writing then the student can take the more appropriate award exit of MA Photography. The award exit will be established as the student successfully moves into the final 60 credit MA Project module. The first year of the programme is taught with the MA Photography, MA Photography and the Book, MA Photography and the Land and MA Photography and Writing where all students undertake the same modules and have the same opportunities to develop their creative practice. On successful completion of the 180 credits (these can be taken on a full-time basis or part-time basis) the MFA student takes a further 60 credit module. The MFA Project Extension (MFAP706) is taken on a full or part time basis during the period from September to September, the exact mode of study will be flexible and organised in relation to the needs of the individual project. This module requires the student to plan and negotiate an extension of their MA Project. This may result in the dissemination of their work in an external professional context or it may be a further investigation of a site-based project. It is likely that this project will largely take place off campus either through placement or location visits therefore. We have established a model of teaching and learning that embodies the ethos of what we refer to as the creative laboratory. This is based on an open and discursive learning environment that is shared, between teacher with student, student with teacher, and student with student, teacher with teacher. The programme has an ethos of experimentation, creativity, risk-taking, research and authorship that, combined with extended practice, leads to the development of a critically reflective practice and theoretical understanding of the medium of photography. Final award titles MA Photography, MA Photography and the Land, MA Photography and the Book, 2

3 MA Photography and Writing MFA Photographic Arts Level 7 Intermediate award title(s) PG Cert in Photography PG Dip in Photography Level 2. Awarding institution Plymouth University Teaching institution n/a 3. Accrediting body n/a Appropriate benchmark(s) UCAS code JACS code W Distinctive features (including special features such as: placements: part-time; distance or blended learning; fieldwork; career opportunities; work-based learning; links with external partners or organisations) The MA /MFA programmes are conceived around an inclusive definition of photographic practice and is designed for a broad range of students making and working with photography: as photographers, curators, editors and writers, and for those seeking to develop a practice that combines these specialisms. The staff team leading and teaching the awards have national and international research profiles and together offer high levels of experience and expertise in all areas of contemporary practice, including publishing, book design, editing, curating, criticism and writing on photography. Supported by their lead tutor each student will have the opportunity for directed study to develop their individual practice. There is an extensive visiting lecture series, these speakers contribute to the programme in small directed seminars, workshops and tutorials. There is the opportunity to gain greater insight and understanding of their practice and through the series to gain an understanding of different professional approaches from within the field of contemporary photography. Photography staff at Plymouth University are active in the wider international photography community. Recently Professors David Chandler and Liz Wells have been members of the Hasselblad Prize judging panel; Professors David Chandler and Jem Southam have been members of the Deutsche Borse Prize judging panel; Professor Liz Wells co-edits photographies, a leading academic journal and is the only internationally elected member of the Board of Directors for the Society for Photographic Education (SPE). There is a dynamic research environment that is inclusive of the MA student, who is encouraged to engage in the wider photographic and arts communities. The student has the opportunity to instigate and participate in a wide range of research events delivered each year. The Photography Research Group, instigate and run many research events including Symposia and Research Dialogue days. (MADr the Centre for Media, Art & Design research also offers regular seminars, visiting speakers, offer several symposia each year). The programme embraces the ethos of Interdisciplinarity within the creative arts and, where appropriate, the rich fields of study such as cultural geography, literature, and history. This is an MA that values the richness of the experience and voice of all our students, welcoming the international student, and students with different academic disciplines or professional backgrounds. The student contribution is part of the rich learning environment, collaborative and student led initiatives are supported. 3

4 Taking from models such at the hot house of ideas at the Bauhaus, the creative laboratory encompasses different modes of teaching: a seminar, workshop, tutorial, critique or other group teaching sessions. It is an approach based on an open community of practice, a learning environment that embeds experimentation, speculative idea generation, critical and reflexive thinking. The interrogation of the relationship between theory and practice is embedded across the programme. There are many highlights, that change the pace of the learning experience some of these take the student off campus either to experience first hand the contemporary photographic scene at Paris Photo for example or to view the photographic print collection at the V & A museum. The year is punctuated by intensive study days. An example study day was - Peter Fraser in Context - was run in conjunction with Tate St Ives to coincide with the exhibition and publication, including the extended essay by David Chandler on the photographs of Peter Fraser. Situated in the UK s South West peninsula, the University provides a breadth of urban, rural and coastal environments and a range of distinctive social contexts for visual investigation. There is access to a professionally equipped resource that is part of a wide set of art and media facilities. The photography students base is the Scott Building which houses not only the fundamental photographic resources such as: analogue darkrooms; studios (including a bespoke daylight studio); digital suites and print facility; but also wider media equipment in video and sound recording, and a major Letterpress and Printmaking/Silkscreen facility. The resource has been deliberately planned to offer everything from historical processes to contemporary digital practices. In addition to teaching space the Roland Levinsky Building (RLB) has high quality lecture, cinema and performance space and Peninsula Arts Gallery, a regional gallery showing work from a wide variety of national and international exhibitions in art and design and delivering an arts and culture public programme. Many of these resources are utilised by the city as well as the institution and provide an ideal opportunity for engagement with public and University events. The Formation Zone (operating from RLB) provides possibilities for business incubation units and support to graduating students. A major library facility that contains an enviable collection of books, journals and e-facilities provides the opportunity to browse a massive variety of research and contextual possibilities. Specific to photography there is access not only to an expected range of monographs, histories, journals and Art Indexes but also to Rare Books and Artist Book collections 5. Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Group(s) Art & Design 6. Programme structure and pathways See module diagram, in appendix The MA Photography, MA Photography and the Land, MA Photography and the Book and MA Photography and Writing all consist of the same five M-Level modules. Four 30 M-Level credits and the final module that has a value of 60 M-Level credits - a total of 180 M-Level credits. The MFA Photographic Arts requires the same MA 180 credits and a further 60 credits of M-Level study. 4

5 Successfully completing two 30 M-Level credit modules (MAPY701 and 702) achieves a Post Graduate Certificate in the core award (MA Photography). Successfully completing the first four 30 M-Level credit modules (MAPY and 704) achieves a Post Graduate Diploma in the core award (MA Photography). There are no specialist post graduate Diploma or Certificate exit awards. The final major project (MAPY) determines the exit award. The students on the ResM Photography programme can select to take either MAPY 701 or MAPY the student will be guided by the ResM programme leader to make this choice depending on their previous experience. The programme structure and delivery model (see diagram in appendix) has been streamlined to give the student (whether part or full time) a balance between the more theoretical modules MAPY702 and MAPY704 and the more practice-based modules MAPY701 and MAPY703 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 repectively. The front loading of the programme will prepare the student with a strong basis upon which to develop the MAPY MA Project. The full time student will progress to completion within the year and the part time student will have until the following year. Developing the Major Project (MAPY ) over the period of a full year is integral to the development of their practice; it may enable the student to work on location and explore this over a period of time, it may enable collaborations to develop, for all students it enable them to engage in a reflective and evaluative process over the duration of the all year module. The structure of the programme facilitates a flexibility between part and full time routes that is a key strength to the sucssess of the programme delivery in that it enables students to switch from the full time route to the part time route. From our experience this is a necessary facility and it has been the case that many students follow this path. It impacts positively in many ways. For example, as cohorts are mixed regardless of part and full time students there is a continuity of peer group (until MAPY), without students having to drop out of a route and then establish themselves in a new cohort. Exit awards Although students apply for a specific exit award and address the Learning Outcomes of the first four modules through their own specialism, it is the nature and completion of the final major project (MAPY) that determines the exit award. A student completing one of the MA exit awards will be able to take the opportunity of studying further with us to take the MFA Photographic Arts award. 7. Programme aims The programme is intended to enable students to: 1. identify and refine a project, investigating and evaluating research methodologies and work processes that will support the sustained development of an in depth individual study appropriate to M level study; 2. develop an understanding of how established research techniques can be used to further knowledge and inform practice in the discipline, demonstrate critical awareness of contemporary issues and debates at the forefront of photographic practice, and of theoretical and interdisciplinary contexts and questions, through the analysis of other forms (visual, oral and written); 3. think speculatively, experiment and engage reflexively and to draw on personal understandings and new insights in order to shape their creative voice, taking responsibility for contributing and leading in sessions, and provocatively developing student led initiatives, to contribute as a team member, work collaboratively and to thereby enhance the learning environment; 5

6 4. achieve a sophisticated level of skills as creative photographic image-makers, writers/critics or curators articulating original ideas and imagery thereby establishing a platform for self-sustained practice and/or further academic study (MFA, MPhil or PhD); 5. engage in facilitated events with an awareness of potential career progression and develop an understanding of the professional standards necessary to work responsibly with those around them; fellow students and staff within the School or the broader University, and with less mainstream communities. MFA (project aims) in addition to the above aims, to enable the student to: 6. achieve through the acquisition of knowledge a deeper understanding of their proposed field of enquiry and a comprehensive familiarity and proficiency relating to methodologies, techniques and/or advanced scholarship applicable within their field of research and practice; 7. extend the reach and or depth of their practice by negotiating and connecting with an external agency or a given context for the realisation of the final project with independence and insight, to maximize and negotiate potential career opportunities and an understanding how their practice is received by an appropriate audience. 8. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for participants to develop and demonstrate the general outcomes listed below. The learning outcomes are referenced to Level 7 Descriptors (SEEC, 2010) and adapted for the discipline. These will be contextualised within each participant s coursework. By the end of the programme, participants will be expected to: Setting Operate within the supportive environment of the creative laboratory where either specialised contexts or apparently unpredictable contexts are proposed. Engage in critical dialogues, contributing to the learning environment, supporting and sharing with peers. Engage in experiment and risk taking; approach the sessions and the module tasks in an open, creative and speculative way. Initiate and present ideas that are a result of personal enquiry. Demonstrate familiarity with historical and contemporary debates within the field and the ability to critically evaluate the photographic work of other. 8.1 Knowledge and understanding Construct and pursue an individual research programme that leads to a deep and systematic understanding and knowledge of a specific field of enquiry. To investigate models of interdisciplinary practice, diverse research disciplines and modes of collaboration. Synthesise the understanding and knowledge gained in an imaginative, innovative and coherent photographic statement. Develop a methodology that enables the individual to effectively engage and evaluate their research. 8.2 Cognitive skills 6

7 Develop and demonstrate the ability to critically reflect and respond to theoretical discourses, methodologies and practices to develop and apply this to their individual focus. Undertake substantial investigations (case studies) to address significant areas of theory and/or practice and critically evaluate their effectiveness. Synthesise ideas and information in an innovative way and generate a transformative solution. Undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory viewpoints to recognise and present alternative approaches. 8.3 Performance and practice Develop and demonstrate a creative and professional approach to multiple contexts. Independently draw on innovative practice in the sector to further develop an individual approach. Develop technical and appropriate skills to enable creative experiment. Contribute to the learning environments as part of a team in multiple roles 8.4 Personal and enabling skills Use personal reflection to analyse self and own actions in an independent and self-critical way as a learner that also guides and supports others. Maintain communication within a range of specialised contexts. 9. Admissions Criteria, including APCL, APEL and DAS arrangements Students will normally need a good second-class honours degree or above in a relevant subject. Appropriate professional experience or prior experiential learning will also be assessed on an individual basis. Students with an honours degree in other disciplines are welcome to apply with proposals that demonstrate an innovative approach to the use of their photographic practice, in a critical context, within the field of their own specialism in relation to photography. These applications will be considered on their individual merit. Applicants will be required to attend an interview (for overseas students we will be happy to arrange a skype interview and electronic portfolio) bringing a portfolio of photographic work. This could include evidence from a broad range of experience, including; photographic projects, curatorial projects, or a collection of examples of the practice of writing. It is very important that all students send their MA Project proposal with their application form. The proposal should be between 500/1000 words and should clearly describe the project that will form the focus that they will be develop on the Masters programme. The proposal should contain; their area of interest, avenues for potential exploration and indicate the scope and ambition of their initial ideas. The proposal will be discussed at interview to establish the viability of the project and that the abilities of the student match the ambition of the project. Accredited Prior Learning (APL) will not normally be considered as the MA programme is designed as a coherent whole and each module is integral to the structure of the learning experience. However in exceptional cases if the student s experience and previous study at M Level overlaps with the learning outcomes of a module/s the student could enter the programme at the most relevant point. Oversees students will be required to achieve 6.5 ILTS. Successful MA students form Plymouth University and other appropriate MA programmes can apply for the MFA Photographic Arts in the same way that the MA students apply their proposal should address the MFA Project Extension. 7

8 10. Progression routes From MA Photography, MA Photography and the Book, MA Photography and the Land, MA Photography and Writing, to MFA Photographic Arts. All awards may form a progression to MPhil/PhD or PGCE. 11. Exceptions/ special academic regulations N/A 12. Transitional Arrangements N/A 13. Mapping and Appendices Appendix 1 the programme structure Intended Learning Outcomes Map Graduate Attributes and Skills modules Core Programme Aims Core Programme Intended Learning Outcomes Operate confidently within the supportive environment, where either specialised contexts or apparently unpredictable contexts are proposed. The programme is intended to enable and encourage students to: 2) develop an understanding of how established research techniques can be used to further knowledge and inform practice in the discipline, demonstrate critical awareness of contemporary issues and debates at the forefront of photographic practice, and of theoretical and interdisciplinary contexts and questions, through the analysis of other (visual, oral and written forms); Engage in critical dialogues, contributing to the learning environment, supporting and sharing with ones peers. Engage in experiment and risk taking; approach the sessions and the module tasks in an open, creative and speculative way. 3) think speculatively, experiment and engage reflexively and to draw on personal understandings and new insights in order to shape their creative voice, taking responsibility for contributing and leading in sessions, and provocatively developing student led initiatives, to contribute as a team member, work collaboratively and to thereby enhance the learning environment; 4) achieve a sophisticated level of skills as creative photographic image-makers, writers/critics or curators articulating original ideas and imagery thereby establishing a platform for self-sustained 8

9 Initiate and present ideas that are a result of personal enquiry. practice and/or further academic study (MFA, MPhil or PhD); 6) achieve through the acquisition of knowledge and deeper understanding of their proposed field of enquiry and a comprehensive familiarity and proficiency relating to methodologies, techniques and/or advanced scholarship applicable within their field of research and practice; Knowledge and understanding Construct and pursue an individual research programme that leads to a deep and systematic understanding and knowledge of a specific field of enquiry. 1) identify and refine a project, investigating and evaluating research methodologies and work processes that will support the sustained development of an in depth individual study appropriate to M level study; Synthesise the understanding and knowledge gained in an imaginative, innovative and coherent photographic statement. To investigate models of interdisciplinary practice, diverse research disciplines and modes of collaboration. Develop a methodology that enables the individual to effectively engage and evaluate their research ) develop an understanding of how established research techniques can be used to further knowledge and inform practice in the discipline, demonstrate critical awareness of contemporary issues and debates at the forefront of photographic practice, and of theoretical and interdisciplinary contexts and questions, through the analysis of other (visual, oral and written forms); 6) achieve through the acquisition of knowledge and deeper understanding of their proposed field of enquiry and a comprehensive familiarity and proficiency relating to methodologies, techniques and/or advanced scholarship applicable within their field of research and practice; Cognitive skills Develop and demonstrate the ability to critically reflect and respond to theoretical discourses, methodologies and practices to develop and apply this to their individual focus. 1) identify and refine a project, investigating and evaluating research methodologies and work processes that will support the sustained development of an in depth individual study appropriate to M level study; Undertake substantial investigations (case studies) to address significant areas of theory and/or practice and critically evaluate their 704 2) develop an understanding of how established research techniques can be used to further knowledge and inform practice in the discipline, demonstrate critical awareness of contemporary issues and debates at the forefront of photographic practice, and of 9

10 effectiveness. Synthesise ideas and information in an innovative way and generate a transformative solution. Undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory viewpoints to recognise and present alternative approaches. theoretical and interdisciplinary contexts and questions, through the analysis of other (visual, oral and written forms); 3) think speculatively, experiment and engage reflexively and to draw on personal understandings and new insights in order to shape their creative voice, taking responsibility for contributing and leading in sessions, and provocatively developing student led initiatives, to contribute as a team member, work collaboratively and to thereby enhance the learning environment; Performance and practice Key/Transferable skills (generic) Independently draw on innovative practice in the sector to further develop an individual approach. 3) think speculatively, experiment and engage reflexively and to draw on personal understandings and new insights in order to shape their creative voice, taking responsibility for contributing and leading in sessions, and provocatively developing student led initiatives, to contribute as a team member, work collaboratively and to thereby enhance the learning environment; Develop technical and appropriate skills to enable creative experiment. 4) achieve a sophisticated level of skills as creative photographic image-makers, writers/critics or curators articulating original ideas and imagery thereby establishing a platform for self-sustained practice and/or further academic study (MFA, MPhil or PhD); Contribute to the learning environments as part of a team in multiple roles Develop and demonstrate a creative and professional approach to multiple contexts., 5) engage in facilitated events with an awareness of potential career progression and develop an understanding of the professional standards necessary to work responsibly with those around them; fellow students and staff within the School or the broader University, and with less mainstream communities. 7) extend the reach and or depth of their practice by negotiating and connecting with an external agency or a given context for the realization of the final project with independence and insight, to maximize and negotiate potential career opportunities and an understanding how their practice is received by an appropriate audience. Key/Transferable skills 4) achieve a sophisticated level of skills as creative 10

11 Use personal reflection to analyse self and own actions in an independent and self-critical way as a learner that also guides and supports others. Maintain communication within a range of specialised contexts. Practical skills (subject specific) Develop technical and appropriate skills to enable creative experiment. Employment related skills photographic image-makers, writers/critics or curators articulating original ideas and imagery thereby establishing a platform for self-sustained practice and/or further academic study (MFA, MPhil or PhD); 7) extend the reach and or depth of their practice by negotiating and connecting with an external agency or a given context for the realization of the final project with independence and insight, to maximize and negotiate potential career opportunities and an understanding how their practice is received by an appropriate audience. 3) think speculatively, experiment and engage reflexively and to draw on personal understandings and new insights in order to shape their creative voice, taking responsibility for contributing and leading in sessions, and provocatively developing student led initiatives, to contribute as a team member, work collaboratively and to thereby enhance the learning environment; 5) engage in facilitated events with an awareness of potential career progression and develop an understanding of the professional standards necessary to work responsibly with those around them; fellow students and staff within the School or the broader University, and with less mainstream communities. 3) think speculatively, experiment and engage reflexively and to draw on personal understandings and new insights in order to shape their creative voice, taking responsibility for contributing and leading in sessions, and provocatively developing student led initiatives, to contribute as a team member, work collaboratively and to thereby enhance the learning environment; 4) achieve a sophisticated level of skills as creative photographic image-makers, writers/critics or curators articulating original ideas and imagery thereby establishing a platform for self-sustained practice and/or further academic study (MFA, MPhil or PhD); Develop and demonstrate a creative and professional approach to multiple contexts. 3) think speculatively, experiment and engage reflexively and to draw on personal understandings and new insights in order to shape their creative voice, taking responsibility for contributing and leading in sessions, and provocatively developing student led initiatives, to contribute as a team member, work collaboratively and to thereby enhance the learning environment; 11

12 Use personal reflection to analyse self and own actions in an independent and self-critical way as a learner that also guides and supports others. Maintain communication within a range of specialised contexts. 4) achieve a sophisticated level of skills as creative photographic image-makers, writers/critics or curators articulating original ideas and imagery thereby establishing a platform for self-sustained practice and/or further academic study (MFA, MPhil or PhD) 7) extend the reach and or depth of their practice by negotiating and connecting with an external agency or a given context for the realization of the final project with independence and insight, to maximize and negotiate potential career opportunities and an understanding how their practice is received by an appropriate audience. 5) engage in facilitated events with an awareness of potential career progression and develop an understanding of the professional standards necessary to work responsibly with those around them; fellow students and staff within the School or the broader University, and with less mainstream communities Assessment against Modules Mapping MAPY 701 MAPY 702 MAPY 703 MAPY 704 Photography: Practice and Research methods Photography: Histories and Criticism Photography: Experiment and Practice Photography: Interdisciplinary Practices and Contexts C1 100% Workbooks and portfolio 100% Research portfolio 100% Workbooks and portfolio 100% Research portfolio MAPY MA Project 100% Workbooks, portfolio and presentation MFAP 706 MFA Extended Project 100% Portfolio and presentation 12