About BA (Honours) in Photography

What is Photography?

Think of the number of photographs you see every day, from the cereal box
to the billboard poster, from magazines to galleries. Through its many uses in fashion, advertising/publicity, digital media and contemporary art practice, photography now holds a central position in our increasingly visual society.

The art of photography is evolving quickly across a wide range of cultural industries. Creative image-makers, like our students, need to have a deeper understanding of photography’s role as a “visual communication”, and how this affects and is influenced by everything around it. Only then will you be able to gauge the true power of photography.

Our degree explores photography within the context of art, communications
and the moving image. You will study the photographic theory, history and practice
that reflect the changing needs of students and the demands of the communications/cultural sectors.

IADT’s excellent photography facilities provide a range of creative pathways, practical workshops, photography equipment, darkrooms and digital imaging services.

Aims and Objectives

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Opportunities exist in the growing digitally-based photography industry, in Ireland and abroad. Our graduates are working in commercial and artistic photographic practices, the arts and creative industries sector, the print, publishing and new media, as well as the developing information and digital-based industries.

What subjects will I study?

Photography and Communications; Photographic Principles and Practice;
19th Century Photography; Modernism, Modernity and Image; Strategies and Interpretations; Photography and National Identity in Ireland; Business Studies; Photography and Visual Culture.

What are the Entry Requirements?

• Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent) with a minimum of Grade C3 in
  two Higher (or Common) Level papers, together with Grade D3 in four other subjects,
  to include English and Ordinary Level Mathematics or Higher level Mathematics. Foundation level Mathematics is not acceptable
• A portfolio of relevant work
• You may be called for interview if further clarification on your portfolio is required
• Applicants with FETAC awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules. FETAC
  Links for this programme are:

AACDX: Art, Craft, Design

AAXXX : Art

EMMPX: Multimedia Production

EMPXX: Media Production

What should my Portfolio include?

You should compile a selective portfolio. The portfolio should be easy to look through and should be well presented. An edited range of work showing evidence of commitment and quality should be presented.

Make sure you:

• Include 20-30 pieces of work
• Indicate the duration of your interest in photography
• Include work illustrating your level of
  experience and technical competence to-date
• Provide examples of any work published to-date
• Include work which shows your level of understanding
  of composition, light, texture and form when creating photographic images
• Provide examples of both monochrome and colour photographs
• Show your work to your best possible advantage

Are there any costs for materials and/or field trips?

Approx. €800 - €1,200 per year. This figure excludes exceptional purchases,
field trips, preparation for exhibitions, national / international competitions, etc.

“IADT is currently knocking out some of the best young European photographers west of Calais” - Simon Bainbridge, Editor of The British Journal of Photography (British Journal of Photography)