Photography course at University of Gloucestershire wins industry award for third time in four years

The University of Gloucestershire has won the Association of Photographers’ (AOP) Course of the Year Award for the third time in four years.

The BA (Hons) Photography: Editorial and Advertising course scooped the prestigious title at the 2021 AOP Students Awards, after previous success in 2020 and 2018.

Entries are judged on the quality of nominations a course receives from its students and how they fill the criteria – the more nominations from students, the higher up it gets in the rankings.

Among the words used by students to describe the BA (Hons) Photography: Editorial and Advertising course were progressive, challenging, inspiring, rewarding and unique.

Course Leader, Trudie Ballantyne, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded Association of Photographers course of the year 2021, having previously won this award in 2020 and 2018. 

“Last year and this year have been particularly challenging because of the pandemic, so to receive so many nominations from our current students is a testament to the commitment of all the lecturers, technicians, numerous visiting speakers and of course the students. 

“As course leader, I felt it was vital to maintain the strong sense of community we are famous for, so even as parts of the year were in total lockdown, students were able to effectively interact with their tutors, support teams and each other.

“We devised innovative online teaching and learning methods, had social events online and, when able, resumed on-site teaching and access to studios and equipment.

“I started an Instagram TV channel (@edandadphoto), inviting current students and graduates to chat about their experiences of our course and how they found online and blended learning and what they have gone on to do in their careers.”

Students enrolled on the BA (Hons) Photography: Editorial and Advertising course gain skills and experience that enables them to move into a wide range of careers within creative industries, including as photographers, picture editors, social media managers, agents and producers. 

Trudie Ballantyne added: “Our students learn how to communicate, negotiate and collaborate, key attributes for creative enterprise and employability.  

“We work with organisations on live briefs and we are always responding to the needs of industry, continually keeping our course relevant.

“Underpinned with excellent technical know-how, our students learn all the skills and knowledge to enable them to launch into the industry.