Individual Practice1: Explorations is a practice-based module of photographic work and related research that will contribute to and define the framework for the production and implementation of work for a Degree Show made in the Individual Practice 2: Consolidations module in Semester 2.

Levels Four and Five of the Photography award have provided opportunities for you to practise different kinds of photographing and to amass a considerable range of technical skills. The making of photographs has been related to visual communication throughout the award and the importance of critical thinking emphasised as crucial to your intellectual development and understanding. As you enter Level Six it is expected that you will have professional and/or personal ambitions for your photographic interests. This module provides the opportunity for you to explore and develop those areas of particular interest and to refine your skills further. Each student proposes an area of practical and research study that can demonstrate and expand upon the knowledge and experience gained in previous studies. Every student's programme of study is mentored and evaluated individually through constant discussion and feedback between the student, your peers and supervising tutor/s.

As part of this area of study the essay asks that an informed critical perspective be fully considered in relationship to a chosen theme, issue or question. This should not be related to your practical work for the module. The emphasis is on formulating a critical perspective rather than a survey or purely descriptive piece of writing, providing a structured and coherent analysis supported by properly referenced (Harvard) visual and textual sources. Like the practice-based work supervisory feedback is structured throughout the module. It is expected that this writing will expand understanding of photographic practice/s and practitioners beyond what you are familiar with, through rigorous visual and text-based research pertaining to the concerns identified. The essay should provide an informed and well-researched work fully supported by carefully selected and properly captioned illustrations. The essay must be to a high academic standard including a bibliography and using Harvard Style referencing throughout.

Scheduled Learning Activities
Lectures
Group Tutorials (Feedback)
Individual Tutorials (Feedback)
Group Discussion (Feedback)
The `Photo-Voices' Lecture Programme
Technical Skills Modulettes as appropriate

Guided Independent Study
Independent Photographic Practise and Visual Experimentation
Independent Reading and Research

Key Information Set Data
Scheduled Learning 16%
Guided Independent Learning 84%

Students will determine their own reading list appropriate to their personal approaches to photographic work, with tutor guidance. Students are expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University, keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate books and periodicals and being aware of the work of relevant practitioners both historical and contemporary in their chosen field.

Key `Refresher¿ Texts:
Barratt, T. (2005). Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to Understanding Images.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Bate, D. (2009). Photography (Key Concepts). Berg
Shore, S. (2007). The Nature of Photographs. Phaidon

Specialist Periodicals in Library:
Advanced Photoshop, AG, Amateur Photographer, American Photo, Aperture, British Journal of Photography (BJP), Camera Austria, Ei8ht (Foto8), Exposure, f2 Freelance Photographer, History of Photography, Image (AOP Magazine), Next Level, Photographer (BIPP Magazine), Photoshop Creative, Photoworks, Portfolio (Back issues only no longer published), View Camera, Visual Studies.

Specialist Periodicals not held in Library
Source, Eyemazing, Professional Photographer, Photo Raw

Online Magazines
Camera Obscura, Lens Culture, Musarium, Potpourri, Travel Photographers, Zone Zero

Specialist photographic equipment
Specialist studio, digital and darkroom facilities
Lecture theatre and tutorial rooms
Lynda.com
Thompson Library
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant.
Word-processing and output facilities
Internet access

You will present for assessment two pieces of work, which will include:
1. A Reflective Assignment evidencing the Visual Development and Research.
(Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4)
2. A word-processed and illustrated essay minimum length 2,500 words.
(Learning Outcomes 6,7).
3. An oral presentation that considers the context and function of your project.
(Learning Outcome 5).

Please refer to the Award Handbook for a full description and rationale for assessment methods.

Key Information Set Data
90% Coursework
10% Practical Exam