PI - AOP affiliated colleges
The Association of Photographers (AOP) has 37 affiliated courses at colleges and universities across the UK including two in Scotland. The affiliation is annual, running the academic year from October - September.
The AOP has 2 main criteria which all courses must adhere to:
1. The college/university must hold a student fair copyright policy (please see PDF guidelines at the bottom of this webpage).
2. The course must incorporate the teaching of Beyond the Lens, this is usually done through the professional practice unit of the course.
Once these two criteria have been met the AOP arrange for an assessment visit. This provides them with the opportunity to talk to staff teaching on the course as well as to have a look round the photography department, the facilities provided, including darkrooms, studios, digital suites, equipment etc. as well as the library. They also take the opportunity to talk to students, in particular the graduating year, as well as looking through a selection of students' work.
The AOP have been running the AOP Students Awards for almost 30 years which provides them with a good idea of the quality and standard of work being produced. They also hold an annual season of graduation shows at the AOP Gallery, the College/University Showcase season runs between May-July and offers another opportunity to see what students and emerging photographers are creating. As well as the Showcase season the AOP try to get along to as many graduation shows as they can.
Students who attend an AOP affiliated course can expect these additional benefits:
AOP College and University Showcase: -
Between the months of May-July the AOP holds an annual programme of exhibitions to support and promote emerging photographers. Exhibitions are open to students at AOP Colleges and Universities only, doing an HND, BA, Foundation degree or MA.
Discount on AOP Student - open to students studying on BETEC ND or higher students will qualify from 30% discount. Benefits of AOP Student include;
- Discounted entry to the AOP Student Awards
- Student chat-room -this is a general discussion area and the place to get your views heard, your problems solved and the inside track on today's industry.
- Techy Chat-room -All things technical.
- Work Experience Notice-board - This is where photographers post who are looking for students interested in work experience from one-day studio shoots to 5 day location shoots.
- Crit Room - post up your latest images and find out what other AOP Students think of them as well as commenting on others´ images too. You also get the chance of a crit from professional photographers.
- Buy & Sell - If you've got something to sell or are looking to get your hands on something new this could be the ideal place to advertise
- Non-Photography Chatroom - Obviously it's not all work so we've provided a place for interesting topics not related to photography.
- Meet the Experts - Exclusive interviews, offering advice and tips, with AOP photographers, assistants and winner(s) of AOP Student Awards.
- Image Magazine - Accessible in the protected area of the student website. Or, if you prefer a hard copy you can subscribe for only £15 per annum! Usually £35.
- How to's - Practical easy to understand guides to key skills demonstrating the things you need to know.
- Beyond the Lens - Free access to all the resources of Beyond the Lens, the ultimate guide to rights, ethics and business practice in professional photography 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- All About Contracts - Information on contacts
- AOP Publications - All AOP publications at special AOP Student prices
For a list of affiliated courses please visit: AOP Affiliated Courses