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ARCT20590

Academic Year 2025/2026

Photography & the Built Env (ARCT20590)

Subject:
Architecture
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Architecture, Plan & Env Pol
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Ms Alice Clancy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module immerses students in the practice and theory of digital photography as a tool for observing, interpreting and creatively representing the built environment.

Beginning with the construction of a Camera Obscura and culminating in the production of a short photo book, students engage in a sequence of projects that explore the built environment while developing their ability to see, document and question the spaces around them.

Through illustrated talks, hands-on workshops, tutorials, lively peer discussion and field-based exploration, the module introduces key historical and theoretical perspectives on photography alongside practical instruction. Students develop a critical understanding of image-making in relation to the built environment while building core photographic skills, including camera control, composition, digital post-production and publication.

Students are expected to have access to a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with full manual control (adjustable shutter speed, film speed, aperture) and RAW capture, a laptop with image-editing software, and presentation and layout tools for visual communication and book design (eg powerpoint / google slides / keynote and adobe indesign, adobe photoshop or open source alternatives).


About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate the ability to develop and visually communicate a contextual story based on a project brief.
2. Demonstrate the competence to compose, edit and publish original visual imagery using digital photographic equipment and a palette of computer-based tools.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of contemporary digital photographic practice in relation to the built environment.


Skills acquired in this module are transferable where generation and presentation of visual imagery is relevant. These specifically include photographic technique and computer based image-manipulation.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

7
Small Group

8
Seminar (or Webinar)

5
Practical

6
Field Trip/External Visits

4
Specified Learning Activities

50
Autonomous Student Learning

20
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active, Task-Based Learning
Peer & Group work
Project work
Reflective Learning
Student Presentations
Tutorials
Lectures

The use of AI is not permitted in this module. If you have any queries about this, please contact the module coordinator

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): P1
Camera Obscura		 Week 2 Graded No
5
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): P2
Photographic Assignment		 Week 5 Graded No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): P3
Digital Processing		 Week 6 Graded No
5
 No
Individual Project: P4
Photographic Project Pt 1		 Week 8 Graded No
20
 No
Individual Project: P5
Photographic Project Pt 2		 Week 11 Graded No
10
 No
Individual Project: P6
Photographic Project Pt 3		 Week 15 Graded Yes
40
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 09:00 - 12:50
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