Course summary

Plymouth College of Art has been granted full university status and formally recognised with the new title of Arts University Plymouth, following approval by the Privy Council. This makes us the City of Plymouth’s first specialist arts university. The title of Arts University Plymouth signifies a change to the way that the world will see us, our position within the sector and the mobility of our graduates; but not a change in the way that we see ourselves or what we do. Arts University Plymouth will build upon the existing strength of our unique culture and incredible community; we have no plans to change the specialist focus of the work we do together. The name Arts University Plymouth will appear on our qualifications, making it easier for employers and peers to recognise that our students were taught at a leading specialist arts university. In May 2022 we were awarded the Best Small or Specialist University at the 2022 WhatUni Student Choice Awards, coming top in a list of well-respected specialist UK universities, based on unbiased and honest reviews from students across the UK, in a category that highlights the quality of our provision as a specialist creative university. We are excited to offer a selection of BA (Hons) creative courses through our new distance learning provision. Our vision for excellence in art and design distance learning, under the banner of our Connected Campus, affords students flexibility in their studies whilst being a valued part of our community. These three-year courses all share a common distance-learning first year, while specialising in a chosen subject, then progressing into named awards in year two and three. The first year of your January entry BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course can be studied at home, in your own studio space, or at our dedicated international host institution. You will begin in January 2024, and your studies will finish in August 2024, allowing you to immediately progress on to your second year of study in person at Plymouth College of Art, in September 2024. What will I study? Our BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course will equip you with advanced technical skills in studio and location lighting, digital capture and post-production techniques. This is an integrated programme of study with industry-oriented assignment, hands-on workshops and expert tuition. You will also develop your industry knowledge and professional skills to enable you to find work in high-end commercial photographic practice. Our curriculum is geared towards employability and enterprise. We develop photographers who are technically proficient, visually sophisticated and professionally astute – who understand trends in the industry, how to pitch for business, and who graduate with a broad range of transferable skills that enable them to succeed in the creative industries. Working both individually and with real-world mentors, you’ll gain vocational experience to be able to flourish both academically and professionally. You will acquire a broad range of entrepreneurial abilities in marketing, self- promotion and business development, enabling you to develop a financially sustainable practice, fundamental to your success in the industry. Our curriculum includes a rich schedule of visiting lecturers and photographers, many of whom also take an active role in running practical workshops, contributing to group critiques and seminar discussions, and providing portfolio review sessions. How will I learn? Beginning in January 2024, your accelerated first-year will take place online, learning remotely with the support of our teaching and technical team, as well as industry practitioners. In the second year, you’ll be able to learn face-to-face with real industry clients and build a professional portfolio using our state-of-the-art facilities. Recent course contributors include Getty Images, The Met Office, Mercedes-Benz, and Pro-Direct Sport.