What I now need to do to prepare for university:
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So when it came to choosing what universities I would like to go to, I was looking at multiple different aspects that I would want to look at for what I expect from a university. Below was a spreadsheet which I had made in relation to the universities that do BA(Hons) Photography. So, within the document, it shows each university, how much the accommodation is per week, when the open day was, how much the accommodation is per year, how much money I would have left after accommodation prices, how long it would take to get there and the ratings for photography degree. the spreadsheet also shows a red block, this shows where I would not feel comfortable to go to due to the money that I would have spare after accommodation. When I had researched about each university, I picked my final 5 which I had chosen. Pros and ConsDuring the lesson we was asked to present our portfolio to our peers. Now, as someone that hates showing other people my own work. This was intimidating and I wanted it to be over and done with as soon as possible. Therefore, I was short but sweet (hopefully). Below is the display of my portfolio. The general feedback from my peers was that the images within my portfolio was too general, there was no specific type of photography that I seem to be interested in. That i need to find my own voice within photography. Another feedback was that the photos were good. The majority of the class agreed that I needed to find my own voice of parts of photography which I need to find. I completely agree with this.
The Universities that I applied to:
University of South WalesThe interview for the university of south wales was an online interview, I do not feel comfortable talking via video call. But considering this, I thought that the interview went fairly well. I had been asked many questions such as; Why the University of South Wales? Why photography? Where I felt like I responded well to them considering it being online. The answers that I gave were like that I chose the university of South Wales because of the location mainly with everything being on the doorstep. In addition, I added that the tutors seemed like they were really passionate about what they do which would allow me to be more confident at studying the Photography degree. Falmouth UniversityThis was the first time that I visited Falmouth University as it was snowing when I originally was meant to go down to view it at open day. My first impression was that the universities location was beautiful, with the coast being nearby alongside the rural aspect of the university making it more appealing for me. That being said, I first had a campus tour allowing me to view the whole university before my interview. The campus tour was informative considering I hadn't been there before. It was then followed up by an interview with one of the course lecturers. I had been asked many questions, such as who was my influence? As well as questions more about how I got to be where I am today. The interviewer made me feel immediately comfortable. Until, it was mentioned that there was 80 students that would be studying BA(Hons) Photography which made me have some reserves about the university as I was wondering about how much teacher student contact there would be when I would be on the course. Staffordshire UniversityAfter having previously went to Staffordshire University, I knew that I felt comfortable immediately. It felt like home (I know cliche). The first question that I was asked was what I wanted to do after the course, of which the tutor really appreciated my love for being able to teach other students. She also asked me, why study at Staffordshire University? I responded with simply that I felt comfortable at the university, also with their extensive mental health support, allowed me to be able to feel even more comfortable. Overall, I felt like the interview went extremely well. They told me, that in the interview, I definitely had a place at the university and that I had the passion needed for the University. University of LincolnI had this interview online due to me contracting Covid-19. Again, I never feel confident doing an interview online, because I feel like being face to face is easier for me to explain exactly what I need to, to the tutor. But that being said, I had a couple of questions like If I had to pick one piece of art to buy, what piece of art would it be. Now this stumped me, I could not think of any artist or photographer to mention. In the end I mentioned Man Ray, as he was the only person I could think of in the moment. But, that went down really well because the interviewer really likes Man Ray's work.
My passion for photography was first sparked during a time that I was receiving treatment for my mental health due to a negative experience at high school and trying to cope as best as I could. I presumed that my mental health would prevent me from going to university as it would always hold me back. In some ways, it has, in other ways, like my newfound passion, it has motivated and challenged me. When I left the hospital, the community psychiatric nurse suggested I learn new skills. Photography was one of them, so off I went to explore with my camera. At first, I could not understand how to change the shutter speed and the aperture, but after researching and hours spent practicing, I soon started to love being able to use a camera and show other people my view of the world and help me be more resilient.
During my Access to HE course, I have gained skills and confidence in my abilities through studying photography, film, and graphics where I am improving my skills using Photoshop and Lightroom. Alongside other digital applications related to film and graphics. I am gaining contextual knowledge of historical and contemporary photography, advertising and colour theory. This has led to practical analogue photographic processes and using colour theory to develop my photography. As this is a broad-based course, I have also been gaining skills in Lino Printing, which I applied in the darkroom, and hope to use screen printing and the laser cutter with my photography. Previous to the Access course, I studied an AS in Photography, I learnt how to use my creative skills within a personal project based on my passions of LGBTQ+ rights, more specifically transgender rights and how they are not fully understood by the cisgender heterosexual community. This required me to develop motivational, independence and problem-solving skills. Alongside learning about different creative processes this included typography, camera skills and darkroom. During this time, I volunteered to be a student representative where I would voice my peers' concerns about college improvements. This helped my confidence in building friendships across other courses on the campus, enabling me to trust people more easily again. I had a tough time at secondary school, I aimed to obtain all grade 6’s and 7’s. However, due to bullying issues and bereavement, I produced grades that I feel did not represent what I might otherwise have achieved. This experience then motivated me to take a year out of my studies to concentrate on myself, which led me to take part in the Prince’s Trust Team Programme. This course is based on improving your communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. During my time there, I volunteered in a support group for young people suffering from mental health issues and drug abuse. This gave me the transferrable skills to be able to develop my listening skills, to allow me to learn more about photography and working with others. My aim is to study Photography at university to learn further practical, industry, and contextual skills to make me a confident photographer. I hope to then study a PGCE to become a photography teacher. I want to be able to use my negative experiences at school and turn them into good for other students, where I will listen to all their concerns, worries and feelings, without them feeling like they cannot talk to anyone about it. I want to be that teacher that stands out in their minds when they are adults, the one teacher that made a difference in their lives. The one teacher that listened to them and helped them to become a better person in the future. Going to university will give me the opportunity to develop on my current technological skills within the field of photography and allow myself to become a widely recognised photographer which will then go on to influence future students with my own passion for the subject. My passion for photography was first sparked during the time I spent in a psychiatric ward, due to high school bullying, trying to cope as best as I could. I presumed that my mental health would prevent me from going to university as it would always hold me back. In some ways, it has, in other ways, like my newfound passion, it has motivated and challenged me. When I left the hospital, the community psychiatric nurse suggested I learn new skills. Photography was one of them, as I had an interest in it. So off I went to explore with my camera and at first, it was frustrating. I could not understand how to change the shutter speed and the aperture. But after researching and hours spent practicing, I soon started to love being able to use a camera and show other people my view of the world and help me be more resilient.
During the Access to HE course at Solihull College and University Centre, I have gained skills and confidence in my abilities through studying photography, film, and graphics where I am improving my skills using Photoshop and Lightroom. Alongside other digital applications related to film and graphics. I am gaining contextual knowledge of historical and contemporary photography, advertising and colour theory. This has led to practical analogue photographic processes and using colour theory to develop my photography. As this is a broad-based course, I have also been gaining skills in Lino Printing, which I applied in the darkroom and hope to use screen printing and the laser cutter with my photography. Previous to the access course, I studied an AS in Photography, I learnt how to use my creative skills to within a personal project based on my passions. This required me to develop motivational, independence and problem-solving skills. Alongside learning about different creative processes this included typography, camera skills and darkroom. During this time, I volunteered to be a student representative where I would voice my peers' concerns about college improvements. This helped my confidence in building friendships, across other courses on the campus, enabling me to trust people again. I had a tough time at secondary school, I aimed to obtain all grade 6’s and 7’s. However, due to bullying issues and bereavement, I produced grades that did not represent what I could have achieved. I took a year out of my studies to concentrate on myself, this then led me to take part in the Prince’s Trust Team Program. The course is based on improving your communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. During my time there, I volunteered in a support group for young people suffering from mental health issues and drug abuse. This gave me the transferrable skills to be able to develop my listening skills, to allow me to learn more about photography and working with others. My main hobbies in life are music, photography, and crafts. With all three of my hobbies, I love the creativity within them. I love to be able to listen, see and do creative things that reflect how I am thinking or feeling. I also love to be able to show people my view on how the world today is. My aim is to study a BA(Hons) Photography, to learn as much practical, industry, and contextual skills to make me a confident photographer. I would then hopefully study a PGCE to be a photography teacher either in further education or secondary age. Due to my experiences within a school setting, I want to be able to use my negative experiences and turn them into good for other students. Where I will listen to all their concerns, worries and feelings. Without them feeling like they cannot talk to anyone about it. I want to be that teacher that stands out in their minds when they are adults. The one teacher that made a difference in their lives. The one teacher that listened to them and helped them to become a better person in the future. Dates: Staffordshire University - 14th August 2021 University of Lincoln - 25th September 2021 Nottingham Trent University - 11th September 2021 University of South Wales - 16th October 2021 Falmouth University - Not Attended What I was looking for:
Staffordshire UniversityFor Staffordshire University, I found that the University had an amazing feel to it, I immediately felt comfortable at the Uni. After being shown around the campus I found that the accommodation is fairly close to the campus, with the maximum accommodation commute time being around 10 minutes making it very accessible for early morning lectures. I then took the time to talk to some current students that are studying the courses and studying at the university to get some insider information. They informed me that the Uni is a smaller Uni meaning that the night outs are better due to the close nit of the students. This also put my mind at ease, with my mental health also being a big focus, I was told by the students that the mental health support was excellent. Whilst at the Uni, I was informed about the student Satisfaction (100% satisfaction rates) and the progression after the course, with some ex students going on and doing some really inspiring things. Overall, I really liked Staffordshire University. I felt like I was almost at home straight away, and I fitted in with the students that are applying/studying at the moment. If I were to rate Staffordshire amongst the others, I would have to say that it was in 1st place. University of LincolnFor the University of Lincoln, I felt overwhelmed at the Uni for the sheer size of the campus and the amount of students that study at the University. But this was only overwhelming until I spoke to the lecturer where they informed me that there was only around 30 students studying photography this year and the past few years having approximately the same amount of students. I found that the accommodation was on campus, right next to the campus making it accessible for me to get to early morning lectures. Nightlife was an obvious yes with it having a big student focus within the town. The one main issue with the University of Lincoln is that the location would be difficult for my family to get to in an emergency. But, this doubt was turned around when they had showed me previous students work, it was extremely inspiring to me, but almost made me feel inferior in comparison to the students, making me think that I may not be able to complete the degree to the standard that they would like me to do so. Overall, I liked the University of Lincoln, but there was some reserves with the university initially. Therefore, I would have to put this in 4th position. Nottingham Trent UniversityOn arrival to the University, I found that it was an extremely welcoming place, with the students and staff being lovely to talk to. The accommodation was at the back of the Uni meaning that it was fairly accessible to walk to for early morning lectures. I am not sure why, but apart from the place being welcoming that was all that I personally felt from the university. But my opinion changed after visiting the Uni and talking to potential students and ex students. Nottingham in general is known for its student nightlife, so there was no issue there. The location of the university was excellent with there being everything almost surrounding the Uni. Progression from the BA(Hons) Photography is a clear focus from the University as it made sure that students were in work after University or in higher education. Overall, the experience from the university was a pleasant one. But this means that the Uni gets last place in my preferences. University of South Wales (Cardiff)What can I say about Cardiff, Cardiff is a lovely place to be in with everything at your doorstep. With the accommodation being a stones throw away from the beach, the town centre and the nightclubs this made it a perfect location for me to study in. But, this highlight was pushed down a little bit when I viewed the accommodation, I personally didn't like the accommodation. But, there was potential for me to live in a house instead of halls. There is focus on progression after University, with many students going on to work for well known brands and companies. When I turned up, everything seemed like they weren't organised which left me feeling deflated. That being said, it was the first Open Day that they had since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, I felt happy with this university, I felt comfortable with the students which made this spike to be a healthy 3rd place. Falmouth UniversityThe facilities and location was a real seller for Falmouth University. Making it a prime choice for my universities. Due to me not going to an open day, I did extensive research into the university and really finding out about their Photography department. One thing that did make me question the university choice was the intake that they have approximately each year with it being around 80 BA(Hons) Photography students. This figure made me feel overwhelmed immediately. But this didn't stop me from wanting to go there simply due to the stunning location. Overall, I felt like Falmouth university was a choice which I was happy with. This therefore, made this into the 2nd favourite of mine. My Choices in Order
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