8.3 Higher Education
Previous Page | Contents Page | Next Page
Higher Education
Higher Education (HE) refers to university-level study, leading to first or postgraduate degree qualifications. The main challenge facing HE in general is to ensure that Photography courses are better grounded in real-world experience and industry need. Both FE and HE institutions need to examine ways to better place themselves within the "mindset" of industry, employers, employees and freelancers, as a source of relevant, up-to-the-minute training and education, possibly by developing specific business teams to deliver that aim.
Higher Education
Higher Education (HE) refers to university-level study, leading to first or postgraduate degree qualifications. The main challenge facing HE in general is to ensure that Photography courses are better grounded in real-world experience and industry need. Both FE and HE institutions need to examine ways to better place themselves within the "mindset" of industry, employers, employees and freelancers, as a source of relevant, up-to-the-minute training and education, possibly by developing specific business teams to deliver that aim.
- Policy-makers and public sector bodies should explore opportunities for funding so that private sector experts can work in education on day or longer-term release, or on secondment, without having a detrimental affect on their businesses. Private sector expertise should be used both to teach students and help academic staff develop their awareness and understanding of the industry. Funding should also be made available so that private sector experts invited to teach in education can attend 'train-the-trainers' courses where necessary.
- Skillset will work with industry and education to facilitate links and encourage the two groups to work together for mutual benefit, and to ensure that Photo Imaging courses are grounded in real-world application and meet the needs of industry.
- HE institutions should ensure that degree courses are flexible and modular, include coverage of current business practice and management within the sector, and incorporate elements of workplace experience where a course is intended to support entry into industry. Courses should balance academic studies with practical grounding in business, management and other work and life skills. Sandwich courses should be readily available.
- Skillset will consider a course accreditation scheme and will work with industry to establish priority subjects for accreditation.
- Industry, through Skillset, and careers advisers in HE should work together to ensure that advice provided on vocational education and careers is informed by industry skills requirements.
