Researching into University courses - BA (Hons) Commercial Photography at Arts University, Bournemou

Today I have been looking into different photography courses at different universities over the country. I have been looking at the Commercial Photography course at Bournemouth University. At the moment I'm not too sure what I want to do and whether I want to move away but I think I do want to go to university.

I have researched into the different things you do in each year and how much contact time you get with the lecturers.

In Year 1 of the course at Bournemouth I would:

Year 1 of the course give you the creative and practical skills to build on during the course.

You’ll be introduced to photographic techniques and processes through units that emphasise good technique including; digital imaging, lighting for studio and location, darkroom practice (colour and black & white), HD video and a wide range of traditional and digital formats.

You’ll be introduced to photographic themes and concepts by looking at photography as the key visual medium in the 20th and 21st century.

Your studies will be supported by guest lectures from visiting photographers and other industry professionals.

In Year 2 of the course at Bournemouth I would :

Year 2 will build upon your skills and knowledge and provide opportunities for you to develop your photographic practice within specific areas.

You’ll be encouraged to reflect on your professional interests and to take responsibility for your learning.

You’ll develop your creative, research and conceptual skills and combine them with professional awareness and understanding.

You’ll work on live projects and professional collaboration that help you consider your career options.

You will have the opportunity to work on a period of work placement or live project.

You will have the opportunity to prepare yourself for further study at level 6.

In Year 3 of the course at Bournemouth I would:

Year 3 allows you to refine your photographic practice, develop and reflect on your experience gained during previous study.

We’ll help you develop into creatively mature, commercially focused and autonomous photographers.

You’ll carry out extensive research to advance your practice and to develop your practical, theoretical and intellectual abilities.

You’ll be able to show a sophisticated understanding of commercial photographic practice and be given opportunities to promote yourself as a photographer.

You’ll graduate with the qualities and skills necessary not only for employment but also for postgraduate study.

If I did decide to go to Bournemouth University the contact time I would have would be:

Study is divided across taught hours, studio and/or work environment time, and independent study. Excellent professional and technical support is available and students are encouraged to experiment and work collaboratively on self-initiated projects. We expect students to spend an average of 40 hours per week on their studies, although it is likely that these hours will vary throughout the academic year.

After looking at the basic content of the course and the contact time I then went on to look at what it would cost me to live up there and whether it would be worth it.

After looking through how much it will cost to live up in Bournemouth it works out to be about £150 a week which is an average amount for living in student accommodation but I will need to research further into this to see if it will work out to be affordable with the student loan.

If I was to live in the average student accomodation at £150 a week it would work out at approximately £600 a month and after 9 months of paying for the cost of the housing it would cost £5,400 which would leave me with £3,600 let over for food and travel etc.