South Devon College

FdA Film and Photography

Institution code S32
Duration

3 years

Course type

Part-time

Study location South Devon College (Paignton)

Everything at University Centre South Devon (UCSD) is designed to maximise your employability and future career opportunities. Courses are created with local employers to ensure you learn industry-relevant skills and are delivered in small classes with regular one-to-one support, covering a range of study skills – it’s no wonder we’re recognised as a leading institution in the National Student Survey.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    SOUD1517
    Digital Tools: Software, Systems and Applications

    Introduction to industry standard digital tools including sculpting, sketching, 2D and 3D graphics, also emerging technology. Students will gain practical knowledge to understand and apply fundamental principles in the use of digital technologies and their application in a wider context. The workshop skills of this module will be applied in the practical assignments.

    SOUD1518
    Introductory Skills (Film and Photography)

    An introductory film and photography module that will explore the techniques used in a range of camera formats. Effective shooting skills and conventions of all stages of production will be practised through the processing of captured material

    SOUD1519
    Documentary

    This module will explore the theoretical and cultural context of documentary practice, in order to inform practical exercises in a range of formats. The moral and ethical framework of the genre will be investigated alongside a critical analysis of historical practitioners and their motivations.

    SOUD1521
    Understanding Contextual Referencing

    Students will be given the opportunity to examine the underlying theoretical concerns of their practice, to understand the historical and contemporary contexts for creative practice, and develop a range of research and communications skills which can be used to inform sustained critical reflection and personal creative development.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    SOUD1516
    Developing Collaborative Practice

    This module requires a student to identify collaborative opportunities, live or simulated, and work within agreed parameters to pitch and produce creative content. Students will record the development, communications and process in a portfolio. This will develop a greater awareness of working with others, project management, negotiation and interaction with collaborators and intellectual property.

    SOUD1520
    Narrative

    This module will explore the techniques and conventions of narrative development. The application of these skills will be used through both formal and creative approaches to pitch and produce a script. Students will be introduced to industry practice in script formatting and will produce practical responses to storytelling through the production of a script which could be utilised for Producing and Directing at Level 5.

    SOUD2472
    Producing and Directing for Screen

    This module places the student in a central role for a moving image project where they will engage with a complex, multi-layered communication process. Techniques involved in directing and producing films will be investigated. The module will be a collaborative project with actors and technical crew. The focus will be on the communication of the director's vision and production of a film.

    SOUD2476
    Portraiture

    This module will explore the theoretical context and stylistic approaches of portrait photography, in order to inform practical exercises in photographing people. The module will explore classic and innovative approaches to portraiture in photography to inform practice.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    SOUD2473
    Negotiated Research

    The module will explore and analyse the cultural context of creative work and will examine issues that may impact on current and future practice. The content will support the development and production of an individually researched and produced essay

    SOUD2474
    Professional Engagement

    Students will work in a manner that reflects industry practice in their chosen area developing skills of collaboration and negotiation. The ability to interact with outside agencies to reach solutions and meet deadlines is central to this module. A multi-disciplinary approach to development and creative production will be encouraged, underpinned by recognised professional practice.

    SOUD2475
    Final Major Project

    The Final Major Project provides a vehicle to demonstrate the accumulated skills and greater independence of students. Through negotiation and approval, students will evidence their ability to manage a project, from initiation through to creative outcome. Students will be encouraged to explore and integrate a range of processes and practices including platforms for exhibition of work.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the institution's admissions team directly using the contact details below.

Our partnership with South Devon College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact South Devon College to apply for this course:

South Devon College
Vantage Point
Long Road
Paignton

Tel: +448000380123
Email: enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with South Devon College

At the heart of the sunny English Riviera, we’re an award-winning Beacon status college. Add to that our ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted (in 2009), modern facilities and our larger-than-life Students’ Union, and you’re left with the perfect environment.
Plymouth students working on a group project