Photography and Video

Learning Objectives

The course of study for the first-level academic diploma of the School of Cinema, Photography, and Audiovisual Arts – Photography and Video programme – aims to create a highly professional course of study, backed by adequate theoretical and technical training for the expressive use of photography and video. The now complete digital conversion of photography and video has meant that the many technical aspects of these two fields have been merged into a single learning system that provides an integrated course of study. The course offers a specific approach to the different forms of communication, including through the study of historical and critical subjects. Therefore, technical and laboratory subjects are complemented by theoretical teaching that enables students to understand the multiple interactions resulting from the complexity of communication systems. Through practice and the study of methodologies, comparison between media and historical-artistic reflections, the aim is to develop the student’s professional identity in order to enable them to interact with photographic and video production systems both in the new media and art markets. The study plan is structured around compulsory courses and other supplementary training activities chosen by the student to develop certain areas in more depth and to define the training programme in a more individual way. At the end of the diploma course, students will have acquired: – in-depth technical/operational training and their own design methodology; – awareness in the use of audiovisual languages; – adequate knowledge of critical tools; – skills and tools suitable for the expressive management of complex projects in the field of visual communication; – effective knowledge of at least one European Community language, in addition to their mother tongue. Credits are acquired through lectures, practical workshop exercises, individual study and self-learning, projects and theses. The student’s preparation is assessed through ongoing tests and assessments at the end of each course, as well as individual interviews (exams) during the exam sessions. During the three years, students are expected to participate in workshops and training and orientation internships in a purely workshop environment, which will be useful for their entry into the world of work. Graduates of the course are able to continue their studies with a second-level specialised diploma (two-year course), a first-level master’s degree or decide to enter the job market.

Career prospects

The objective is to train professionals who possess skills that can be applied in various areas of the professional landscape and in the contemporary art system, by means of their knowledge of new technologies and their application in the creation of audiovisual and multimedia works. With the skills acquired during their studies, graduates will be able to pursue professional careers both as freelancers and in public institutions and private companies, such as: – professional photographer, photo editor – video operator, video maker, video designer, video editor, video compositor – digital artist – 3D modeller and animator. To facilitate contact and familiarity with the job market, the Academy will organise, in agreement with public and private bodies, the most appropriate work placements and apprenticeships to help students achieve specific professional qualifications.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the first level course in Photography and Video, applicants must hold a secondary school diploma or other qualification obtained abroad and recognised as equivalent by the Academy in accordance with international agreements. Candidates will be selected through the evaluation of documentation and an interview. Candidates are required to submit: – their educational curriculum vitae (studiorum type), including any professional experience deemed useful for the overall assessment of this diploma course – paper and digital documentation relating to previous photographic and audiovisual work – a motivational letter (personal statement). During the interview, a committee will assess the candidate’s skills and motivation and verify their level of basic computer skills.

Type of final assessment

The final assessment for obtaining the first-level Academic Diploma consists of the design and implementation of a photographic and multimedia project accompanied by a related theoretical thesis that defines and explores its historical and linguistic implications.