BA (Hons) in Photography

Summary

The OCA BA (Hons) Photography degree programme is unique in that it assumes no prior knowledge beyond the basic operations of a camera. It is modular in concept and delivery and the student is free to choose from the available units at each level to suit their own interests and aspirations. Thus it is possible that, with tutorial guidance, each individual student can tailor their course to their appearance and developing talents, their creative and intellectual inclinations.

Degree overview

The BA (Hons) Photography degree will develop your technical, creative and analytical skills through a highly structured programme of study which is made sensitive to your needs as a student through a one-to-one tutor relationship. At Level 5, you will begin to develop your personal artistic voice as a photographer through an exploration of genre, and there will be an increased emphasis on theoretical and critical studies in parallel with your practical work. Level 6 consists primarily of a flexible negotiated programme. These three final modules can be linked and the college’s wide range of tutor specialisms helps in supporting you in your creation of fresh and challenging work that shows a maturity of outlook across the spectrum of photographic practice.

As its Distance Learning arm, all OCA degrees are validated by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). UCA is the No.1 Specialist University for the Creative Industries in the Complete University Guide and ranked 21st in the UK by the Guardian University League Tables.

Degree aims

• To widen access to education in photography at the undergraduate level through Open and Flexible Distance Learning.

• To provide an intellectually stimulating programme based on high-quality study material and tutor support.

• To develop students’ creative capacities and their ability in the interpretation and application of imagery.

• To develop students’ 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 practised.

• To provide an environment in which the student has the possibility of changing their view of the world and their interaction with it both visually and intellectually.

• 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.

Our Story

The Open College of the Arts was founded in 1987 by Michael Young, Lord Young of Dartington, the driving force behind numerous citizen-centred and educational initiatives such as the Consumers Association, the National Extension College and the Open University.

Young’s original vision was to offer the general public the chance to take high-quality arts courses by distance learning education, without prior qualifications or restrictions. He saw the OCA as a means of transforming people’s lives, giving them the opportunity and skills to express their creative talents under the guidance of professional artists. We still live by those values.

Today the OCA is a thriving educational charity whose charitable purpose is to widen participation in arts education. Over 2000 students each year now study creative and visual arts courses and degrees by open learning with us. OCA strategy is determined by a Board of Trustees. Our head offices are on the site of a former colliery in Barnsley, South Yorkshire and all of our tutors work from their homes or studios.

OCA is part of the University for the Creative Arts

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is one of the UK’s leading specialist universities offering a range of courses in art, architecture, communications, design and media across five campuses in the South East of England. Graduates include Zandra Rhodes, Karen Millen and Tracey Emin.On 1 November 2016, the Open College of the Arts became part of the University for the Creative Arts. This merger built on a close working relationship established in 2010.

The Students’ Association (OCASA)

When you enrol you become part of the OCA Student Association (OCASA), who acts as the voice of students. The college takes student representation seriously. The OCASA president attends our board meetings so the student's voice is heard at the highest levels.