Case Study - Foundation Degrees at the Arts University College at Bournemouth
The Arts University College at Bournemouth has enthusiastically developed Foundation degrees in both (FdA) Commercial Photography and (FdA) Interactive Media in response to industry demands and with full industry support ensuring both courses are commercially relevant.
Foundation degrees offer an opportunity to study on courses which have been designed by industry professionals. Firmly based on an assessment of market demands, both courses have clearly–defined their identities within their respective industry, whilst maintaining an ability to flexibly and rapidly respond to any available market opportunities.
Throughout both the FdA courses, major companies, such as Autotype and Norwich Union set students live briefs to work on, and students have also created work for a number of major projects and media organisations.
Interesting Projects
(FdA) Interactive Media projects include a web site which was designed for the United Nations World Summit Awards, and an innovative use of technology in a live stage lighting set for the UK tour of up and coming music act 'Maximo Park'. The Brixton Academy 'Maximo Park' show was broadcast by MTV and the design work and use of VersaTILE technology was widely reported in trade and on line magazines including 'The Stage' and 'Live Design On–Line'.
Both the FdA courses allow students to develop technically, creatively, conceptually and professionally through a carefully designed curricula which maximise both the learning experience and the industrial relevance of its graduates. Professional links with industry are paramount and have been nurtured through Industrial Liaison Groups, and by the careful and extensive organisation of student work placements.
In the past two years, FdA student photographers have worked for a number of internationally renowned professionals including Rankin and Nadav Kandar and Turner Prize winning alumni Wolfgang Tillman. Students have also worked on publications including 'The Observer', 'Dazed & Confused' and 'The Face' and for agencies which include Photonica New York and Balcony Jump.
Students from the (FdA) Interactive Media degree have worked for major web sites such as SHOWstudio, post–production companies such as 'Taylor James VTR' and Parlour Creative, and interactive designers including Gossip Multimedia.
Crucial to completing the industry contact equation is that of a lively guest speaker programme. This provides students with significant industry knowledge as well as ensuring that teaching remains up to date with contemporary developments. Both FdA courses invite approximately twenty guest speakers each academic year, including stylists, picture editors and agents such as Ewen Spencer, Alexandra Olenska, Jenny Ricketts, and Mark George.
Foundation degrees at the Arts University College at Bournemouth produce graduates who are equipped with both the skills and creativity required to succeed, in addition to the vital industry knowledge, which is crucial to support their career success.