University Course in Photography

[Pieface]

I'm looking at second options incase I don't get into the Uni I want to, and see that Uni does Photography, but just want to know what is needed to learn before enrolling on the course? And if you need a fairly advanced knowledge before heading on the course. I'm capable of doing photography in manual settings, and I'm more than capable of using Photoshop. I've looked for College courses near me, and it's only part time courses available, and the advanced course is mostly full of what I already know. I'd only get through by Clearing as it's my only possible chance. And was wondering how you students off it previously found the course?

(My main choice is Natural Hazard Management with Geography if you want to know )

 

[itsdavedotnet]

I would urge you to think very very carefully about it. I sure am.

If you go to university to do photography, you will be investing £20-25k, and 3 years of your life, in a degree that may or may not be beneficial to you really.

If you seriously want to have a career full time professional photographer, working in studio, fashion or advertising, then yes, a degree MAY be worth the forced development that it imposes upon you, the regular professional criticism that can be offered to you, and access to the facilities etc that is offered by a uni photo department. However, it is in no way necessarily beneficial, the piece of paper is not worth *that* much in the long run, even if it's a 1st... in the field, you're judged by your portfolio, reliability and word of mouth, out of the field, yes it's a degree but not a very relevant or specialised one.

look at the alternatives...yes you miss out on the uni experience, and maybe that's a big thing, but look into entry level jobs, investing similar money in personal professional development and equipment etc and going for it.
Maybe consider foundation degrees, they tend to be more commercial photography orientated than most full degree programs. A big problem with many of the full photo degrees imo is waaaay too much emphasis on the arty film shooting spending years in the darkroom side, and nowhere near enough time teaching you how to actually make a living from behind the camera.

take what uni and what course you do at uni very, very seriously, it affects your whole life

 

[Vic]

Depending on the course its difficult to say. In some courses technical skills will be 2nd to a more creative portfolio. If its a fine art photography course then obviously it will be leaning more to the creative side than a commercial course. I personally love a more art based course but it really depends on your preference. Either way start thinking about your portfolio!

 

[Pieface]

I don't want to become a photographer, no. I'm wanting to join the Police Force, and one thing they really want you to have is life experiences, and one thing they class as Life experiences is University.

 

[itsdavedotnet]

In that case, I would strongly advise NOT doing a photo course, and going for a degree with at least more transferable skills to business and/or a career with the police.

 

[mdollan]

I don't want to become a photographer, no. I'm wanting to join the Police Force, and one thing they really want you to have is life experiences, and one thing they class as Life experiences is University.

Maybe a public services degree of some sort?

 

[Pieface]

In that case, I would strongly advise NOT doing a photo course, and going for a degree with at least more transferable skills to business and/or a career with the police.

It's not about the course you do, it's just about the experience, so I want to do a course I enjoy. One of my friends got into the police with a Fasion degree

 

[MartynK]

What about law? You don't need a law degree to join the police, obviously, but quite a lot of senior officers study for one later in their career and it does give you some flexibility. Only thing I can think of against it is possible prejudice in the ranks. It was there in my police days, back in the 70s, but things may have changed.

 

[Pieface]

What about law? You don't need a law degree to join the police, obviously, but quite a lot of senior officers study for one later in their career and it does give you some flexibility. Only thing I can think of against it is possible prejudice in the ranks. It was there in my police days, back in the 70s, but things may have changed.

Law you need to have done Law in A-Level. And I want to stay local, and the University I'm looking at don't do it. I've done the whole living at Uni, couldn't stand it. Lets just say being 18 and don't drink makes it very tedious.