BA (Hons) Photography

Introduction

The portfolio review is an essential part of the selection process for this course. Here, you will find all the information you need to prepare you for the review.

It is also your opportunity to learn more about us, meet the teaching staff, see our facilities and ask questions that help inform your decision.

Your Portfolio (remember this needs to be submitted digitally in the formats explained below):

• It should contain about 15-20 pieces of work.

Remember, the Portfolio is more than just presenting photographs that you like, but photographs that you think are successful because they communicate something in an effective or interesting way. 

The BA Photography Course at Staffordshire University is a practical course, so as part of the selection process we would like to see some of the work that you have already made either during your studies in an Art and Design subject and/or you have made in your own time.

We would like you to send us a selection of the work in advance of your interview. Your portfolio can comprise either a Power Point presentation; Images of your work in either a PDF or JPEG format [if you are sending in several different files, please number the files and add in an index/contents page so that we know which piece is which; or the URL link to an online website where you have uploaded examples of your work]. 

If you would like to send in a digital portfolio in addition to a physical one, you will to need send us a selection of work in advance of your interview.

We will need your portfolio at least 24 hours before your interview so that the tutors are able to give your work full Consideration and be able to give you meaningful and useful feedback in the interview.

• Please upload your portfolio to your applicant portal which you can access here.
• When you log in to the portal, click the ‘My Applications & Course’ tab at the top of the screen.
• On the next page, in the ‘Actions’ box, you will see the name of your course with a hyperlink asking you to upload your portfolio evidence, click that and it will take you to an upload page.
• Select the file that you are uploading from your computer.
• You will be asked to name the file before you upload it; a simple file name such as ‘Surname_First Name_Course’ is fine, e.g. Jones_Brian_Photography.

• A portfolio of work (see details below).
• An example of your written work, preferable an essay about the history of photography/art or Contextual Studies. Ideally the written work would be word processed, if handwritten please ensure it is legible.
• Workbooks or sketchbooks (In paper or digital form), providing evidence of work made and your evaluation 

• Expected duration, 2 - 3 hours and dress code is informal.
• The time will include:

A tour of the facilities/department for those who have not previously attended an Open Day tour or talk. A portfolio based review with academic tutor lasting approximately 20-30 minutes.  

Please arrive at the Henrion Gallery 15 minutes before your time slot to register.

A member of staff will collect and escort you to the subject area where you will have your portfolio review with an academic. You will discuss your portfolio, your interests and have an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the course and studying at Staffordshire University.

• Your Portfolio: An ideal size would be A3, but no problem if it is bigger.

It should contain about 15-20 sleeves of work. The first sleeve should include word processed, your name, a contents list, for example, what course was your work made for and when?

Ideally use off-white paper for mounting your photographs and avoid if possible photographs pasted onto ‘examination style’ black mount boards.

It should be supported by sample sketchbooks (2 maximum paper or digital), and by some written (essay based) work. Please appreciate that as an Honours student, there is academic content to the course and it is not 100% practical based work.

If you wish to present an electronic portfolio please inform us before-hand and contact Paul O’Leary, the Course Leader.

Ensure any electronic media is compatible with Mac computers.

Remember, the Portfolio is more than just presenting photographs that you like, but photographs that you think are successful because they communicate something in an effective or interesting way.

Your Portfolio Review: Strengths and Interests

A Sense of ‘You’: What does photography mean for you? Include work that has not been produced for school/college projects, for example, your holiday photographs. It is important to demonstrate that you are able to think for yourself (some of your time will be untutored at the University, therefore evidence that you are able to work independently is useful.

Verbal Communication: How well can you explain your ideas?

Photographic Awareness: Are you aware of any historical or contemporary photographers or a style of photography? What books and magazines have you read? Which galleries have you visited? Are there any particular exhibitions which have inspired you? Do you have a favourite photographer if so, why?

Course Awareness: Why would you want to study photography at Staffordshire University?

Your Personality: We promise to try to find the real you behind any nerves you may have at our portfolio review, so do not

worry we’re looking for potential, not the finished article.
If you require a more detailed version of this portfolio/interview guidance please contact:

Paul O’Leary, Couse Leader: Paul.O’Leary@staffs.ac.uk or go to the University

photography page: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/photography-ba