HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Programme Specification Awarding Body Teaching Institution Award title(s) Programme title Language of study UCAS Code(s) Programme specification status Edexcel Reigate School of Art Design and Media, East Surrey College Higher National Diploma Digital Photography English Institution Code: E32 Course Code: 046E Date valid from: September 2010 Version No. 02 revised September 2010 Educational Aims of the Programme 1. To provide a theoretical and practical foundation for a range of creative and technical careers in the photographic industries and / or to provide a progression route to an advanced programme of study - either to a degree, or a professional qualification. 2. To provide flexibility, knowledge, and skills and promote motivation as a basis for future studies and career development within photography and related disciplines. 3. To provide a thorough conceptual foundation in aspects of digital photography and impart an understanding of the impact of current developments and changes in technology on the industry. 4. To foster creative and imaginative abilities through practical and theoretical work. 5. To develop a range of skills, including conceptual and contextual referencing, to support the production of individual and innovative photographic work. 6. To provide unique opportunities for students at this level to study all aspects of photographic work. 7. To develop a range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in professional working life. 8. To enable learners to develop a portfolio of work which can be used to progress to industry related employment, or degree top-up study.
Intended Learning Outcomes and the means by which they are achieved Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of the course the student will: 1. Be confident in using a full range of digital and silver based processes. 2. Understand studio and location shooting techniques, including the use of studio flash, and a range of camera formats 3. Be conversant with historical developments within the discipline of photography. 4. Understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals within different areas of the industry. 5. Appreciate the financial implications of freelance work and self-employment. Learning and teaching methods Teaching and learning of knowledge and understanding occur through lectures and demonstrations and are embedded through practical workshops, tutorials and projects involving both individual and group work. Students are encouraged to consolidate knowledge and understanding through further reading and independent study. Assessment strategies Assessment of knowledge and understanding is continuous and covered by specific projects staged throughout the year. Evidence may be written, spoken, practical artefacts or a combination of all three. Students are given written and verbal feedback and action points with emphasis on formative assessment. Each unit is graded using Pass, Merit and Distinction according to the criteria provided by the examining body. Skills and other attributes Cognitive Skills On successful completion of the course a student will be able to: 1. Present reasoned arguments and apply judgements in spoken and written contexts 2. Analyse and critically evaluate practical problems and provide logical solutions 3. Evaluate his/her own work 4. Demonstrate a capacity to develop knowledge, understanding and subject specific skills 5. Engage critically with key theoretical concepts and apply them to his/her own academic and practical work 6. Be able to critically analyse images from a broad range of subject area within the photographic medium
Learning and Teaching methods Cognitive and analytical skills are developed through discussion and debate during class-based sessions, individual tutorials, lectures, seminars, independent research, written reports, presentations and essays. Critical faculties are enhanced by visits to exhibitions which are followed up by a review and group discussion Assessment Strategy Projects, essays, reports and presentations are assessed Group Crits with verbal feedback and peer review. Marking of project work and assignments Students are given written feedback and relevant action points with formative assessment on completion of each project Students will be provided with the Learning Outcomes being assessed in each project and also the grading criteria which will apply so that they know what they need to do gain the unit with a high grade Professional/Practical Skills By the end of the course students will: 1. Be able to evaluate a variety of images 2. Be confident in a range of camera handling skills. 3. Be able to manipulate images using Adobe Photoshop. 4. Be able to edit and present imagery effectively. 5. Be able to contextualise and reference their work. 6. Be able to manage printing and print finishing. 7. Be able to meet deadlines and operate within the professional expectations of the photographic industries. Learning and Teaching Methods Students learn practical skills by means of lectures, demonstrations, practical workshops, group projects and tutorials. Visits from guest speakers and visits to industry seminars enhance this learning. Assessment strategy Students are assessed by direct observation and group and individual practical projects supported by written reports and presentations.
Programme structure, modules offered, mode/pattern of study The programme is delivered over 2 years with each year consisting of 3 terms. Each year students receive 300 hours instructed study with further opportunities for independent study and access to facilities. Annual timetabled classes are 10 hours per week delivered over 2 days for 30 weeks. The course comprises 16 units (modules), 7 of which are mandatory core subjects. The remaining specialist units are selected by the course team to reflect the course aims. Delivery is planned so that necessary skills and knowledge are imparted first, underpinning expertise needed for more advanced specialist units. In the first year of the course students acquire practical and analytical skills via a series of portfolio-based projects preparing for final projects issued in year 2.
Mandatory Core Units Year Unit 1 Professional Studies 2 Unit 2 Photographic Techniques 1/2 Unit 3 Computers in Photography 1 Unit 4 Historical and Contextual Referencing 1 Unit 5 Critical Study 2 Unit 6 Business Practice 2 Unit 7 Materials Techniques and Technology 1/2 Specialist Units Year Unit 8 Studio Practice 1/2 Unit 9 Darkroom Practice 1/2 Unit 10 Visual Language in Photography 1 Unit 14 Digital Imaging 1 Unit 15 Creating Digital Images 1/2 Unit 16 Location Photography 1/2 Unit 17 Fashion Photography 2
Unit 20 Curating and Participating in Exhibitions 1/2 Unit 25 Specialist Practice in Photography 2 Entry requirements A level 3 qualification, in a relevant subject area For example: BTEC National Diploma in Photography, BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design (Photography Pathway), BTEC Foundation Studies (Art & Design). A portfolio of work, which may include photography, digital imagery, drawing & design work, printmaking, moving image, essays, research & sketchbooks. Applications are welcomed from mature students, who may not hold a recognised formal qualification but can demonstrate relevant prior experience, and / or vocational and subject relevant skills and interests. Support for Learning Student progression on the course is supported both by subject tutors and central college services including: 1. An induction programme introducing new students to the course, the Art School staff and college facilities 2. A Course Handbook 3. Personal and academic support is integrated into teaching provided by friendly and approachable tutors 4. A well-equipped Learning Resource Centre 5. Study skills provided through Contextual Studies and Research units 6. Written project feedback usually provided within 10 days of assignment submission 7. Access to counsellors and careers advisors Within the college, there is ESOL support, and support for those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The Learning Resource Centre provided opportunities for independent study during and outside timetabled hours. Students can borrow books, videos and DVDs, read periodicals and use the internet. Evaluation and improvement of quality and standards Staff teaching practical skills are themselves practitioners. Their knowledge and experience feed into the programme ensuring it is up to date and relevant and regular team meetings review the running of the programme as well as students progress. Every year the programme team is required to report on the course, identify areas for improvement and development and make an action plan.
Learners are surveyed each year and the programme tutors discuss issues raised with students in tutorials, following which appropriate actions are planned. Every member of the team is observed teaching at least twice a year and subsequently receives feedback and action points. An External Examiner reports annually on the programme. A Higher Education Co-ordinator supports programme teams in their efforts to maintain and improve the quality of provision. Regulation of assessment The programme follows the assessment guidelines provided by EDEXCEL and also for Higher Education programmes devised by the college. These are in turn based on the Quality Assurance Agency s Code of Practice for Assessment. These guidelines include providing students with necessary information such as the Learning Outcomes for the programme and Assessment Criteria for each project, ensuring that they know what they need to do in order to maximise their unit grades. Students will also receive information on assessment regulations, the programme appeals procedure, the circumstances under which extensions to deadlines will be granted and the consequences of unauthorised late submission of work. All written work is checked if plagiarism is suspected and students are made aware of the college policy on this matter. Before a Project Brief is issued to students, it is verified as fair and fit for purpose by the Course Leader, Curriculum Leader or Head of Division. To ensure assessment decisions are accurate, work will be internally verified by at least one other member of the course team. An External Examiner is appointed by the awarding body to make final checks on assessment decisions and the overall effectiveness of the programme. Course Leader... date... Line Manager... date...