BA in PhotographyAdd to shortlist

Programme profile

Almost everyone makes photographs and knows how to communicate with them. Nevertheless, students are still being educated to become professional photographers. Over the course of history, photographers have developed their own high-quality image culture. Contemporary photography covers an enormous spectrum and branches out into all levels of society and holds an important position in the world of the visual arts.A lot is demanded from a contemporary professional photographer. He does not only understand his profession in a technical and aesthetic sense, but has profound knowledge and an understanding of the meaning, symbolism, value and impact of the photographic image. In addition, he must possess the wide-range of artistic abilities necessary to achieve a desired effect or have it function independently. He must also claim a position in the contemporary cultural field and distinguish himself, which means he has to be able to express his personal vision verbally and in writing.

Programme content

As the only photography department at a Dutch art academy, the department focuses on the four major areas in professional photography: conceptual documentary photography, photojournalism (together classified as Documentary), staging people or mise-en-scene (Fiction)

In the first year of the programme, these areas are thoroughly introduced to the students. After this year, students choose  a three-year programme in either documentary photography and photojournalism, or in staging people and mise-en-scene photography, where they position their work in one of these areas on the basis of further choices. They study in only one of these areas.

Students are given assignments resembling, or based on, professional assignments, and usually work on several projects simultaneously. Close attention is paid to how the student develops his/her initial ideas into to a final series, with all the accompanying production activities. Another characteristic is the strong emphasis placed on the development of intellectual and visual qualities. Students are asked to approach their subjects with curiosity and an open mind, and then vigorously research them. This requires an interest in the content, background, and diverse ways to represent a subject.The curriculum consists of alternating work discussions, workshops and lectures and is dynamic in character. In a short period, students gain knowledge of various fields and develop skills to operate independently.

Because their subjects are often situated outside the academy, students regularly work on location. In the academy they edit their images, work on prints and participate in collective work evaluations and the preparation of publications and presentations. The students thus do not only learn from their teachers, but also from their peers. The educational process is dominated by a commitment to continuously strive for research, authenticity, depth and professionalism, and is supported by a programme of electives and guest lecturers from the international field. Expertise from other disciplines is employed when necessary, which allows students to develop strategies to present their work optimally and in a suitable context.

Entry Requirements