- Thematic inquiry and the development of a personal investigative pathway.
- Visual research, reference building, and contextual grounding.
- Developing a self-directed project framework, including aims, influences, parameters and timelines.
- Intermediate-level photographic techniques supporting thematic direction.
- Editing, sequencing and constructing narrative or conceptual coherence.
- Critique structures and reflective learning.
- Drafting and refining project proposals.

Assessment 1: Creative Lens-Based Project

You will produce a sustained, self-directed body of photographic work responding to a contemporary issue within lens-based practice. The project will typically consist of 12–20 images and should demonstrate: Conceptual and thematic coherence Informed creative decision-making Intermediate technical control and visual awareness Effective use of digital tools and professional workflows Final outcomes may include sequenced still images or mixed-media formats, provided photography remains the primary method.

Assessment 2: Reflective & Research Development File

You will submit a single Reflective & Research Development File that documents and critically evaluates the development of your creative project across the module.

The submission will include a project statement as an integrated component of the file and should evidence:
- Visual and contextual research informing the project
- Development of ideas from proposal to outcome
- Critical feedback received and your response to it
- Reflection on creative, technical, and workflow decisions
- Critical evaluation of your development as an emerging lens-based practitioner

The project statement should clearly articulate the intent, process, and outcomes of the creative project and demonstrate how research and reflection informed your decision-making.

Submission Options
Option 1: Written submission with supporting visuals (1,800 words)
Option 2: Audio reflection with image folder (6–8 minutes)
Option 3: Video reflection with supporting visuals (6–8 minutes)

Formative Assessment:

Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

- Lectures
- Specialist workshops
- Seminar discussions
- Tutorials
- Drop-in support sessions
- Group work
- Independent and self-directed learning
- Reflective practice

1. Apply knowledge and skills to produce a creative project that responds to contemporary issues within lens-based practice.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Solve discipline-specific problems using evidence-based approaches.

Application and Problem Solving

3. Apply digital tools to support professional-standard creative workflows in photographic practice.

Digital Literacy

4. Reflect critically on your development as an emerging professional in lens-based practice.

Reflection

- Student Life https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos
- University Library https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
- Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
- Specialist Spaces
- Smart Zone
- CAD Labs
- Print Bureau

Bate, D. (2016) Photography: The key concepts. 2nd edn. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Cotton, C. (2020) The photograph as contemporary art. London: Thames & Hudson.

Durden, M. (2014) Photography today. London: Phaidon Press.

Miller, S. (2020) Contemporary photography and theory. 1st edn. London: Routledge.

Read, S. and Simmons, M. (2017) Photographers and research: The role of research in contemporary photographic practice. Oxford: Routledge.

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

How can you construct a coherent photographic project?
This module enables you to develop a self-directed body of work through one of three thematic pathways. You will refine conceptual aims, undertake contextual research and apply intermediate photographic methods to build a coherent visual enquiry. This prepares you for advanced, independent practice in your final year.