Our Diploma in Photography  will support your development as a critically-minded visual artist.

what is Photography?

Past, present & future

This opening module explores the transitory nature of photography. Technological and societal transformations are constantly reworking our understanding of both contemporary and archival imagery. Through research and experimentation within the local area of Margate, students will be encouraged to reflect on photography’s historical, theoretical and ethical shifts in perspective. You will work on a series of photographic assignments building up your abilities and confidence, supported by weekly lectures and technical tuition.

still | moving

Building on the previous module, these sessions explore what happens when the still image is set in motion. Students will work on a short film independently, supported by technical sessions with film-making and editing. They will also work collaboratively as a crew filming an interview at The Margate School with a local artist.

a wider frame

This module encourages students to consider the interconnected relationship between still and moving imagery and other forms of expression, including cinema, sound, the written word, fine art, digital platforms and gallery installations. Developing a broader understanding of how media intersect and influence each other in the 21st Century will expand the range and possibilities of your practice. Students will work with a range of techniques including - animation, stop-frame, long/multiple exposures and other alternative image generation techniques including AI.

communicating through imagery

The focus of this module is to enhance the ability of your practice to communicate and connect with differing cultures and groups within the Margate community. You will be introduced to a range of fundamental themes and topics, such as narrative and collaboration, with the aim to develop a contextually informed practice that is embedded within, yet also able to communicate beyond your local community. Students will work on a live brief documenting a local business as well as honing their portraiture skills both on location and in the studio.

project resolution

Within this module you will consolidate your ideas into a cohesive project to create a new body of work that is ready to engage with an audience. This is your final project of the year. Students can develop their work in the most appropriate format: for example: an exhibition, a book, website, performance, social media, or video. The work will be exhibited at The Margate School and an exhibition catalogue will be designed collaboratively in the final unit.

publishing | exhibiting | curating

In this final module you will be encouraged to develop techniques that enhance the distribution and dissemination of your work. Thinking as a publisher will allow you to consider potential audiences and distribution channels, such as: social media, websites, self-publishing, crowdsourcing and gallery exhibition. You will work towards making a successful final exhibition at The Margate School and have one-to-one professional practice to give you solid and practical advice for what to do after you graduate.