Study photography abroad

A wide selection of programs for foreign students allows students with different levels of preparation to think about the career of a photographer:

• Higher education abroad may offer to study photo art at undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as postgraduate courses
• As part of the school level of study, private boarding schools in Europe and the United States invite children to receive a strong and high-quality education with a bias in art
• In addition, abroad you will find a huge number of short-term and seasonal courses of varying complexity for children and adults.

In addition to a wide range, it is worth considering that the field of photography only seems universal - in fact, photography has a large number of specializations. Moreover, each genre presupposes its own set of skills and abilities, therefore it is worthwhile to show preference to one or several close directions in photography:

• Fashion shooting
• Reportage shooting
• Portrait shooting
• Interior shooting.

When choosing a school or institute, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the educational system, the emphasis and features of the country's culture. Since art in each state has its own traditions and specifics, a foreign student should have an interest in the culture of the state where he goes to study. In many ways, ratings and student reviews will help to make the right choice.

Prestigious and popular programs, excellent conditions for foreign students, a wide price range - all this attracts students from all over the world to top countries with an impeccable reputation in the field of education.

You can get higher education in both specialized and general universities on undergraduate and graduate programs. Bachelor's programs last 3-4 years and represent a fundamental education, familiarity with the general foundations of art and subsequent specialization. Master courses are one of the types of postgraduate education lasting 1-2 years, which will allow you to go deeper into the profession, expand the field of knowledge or, conversely, choose a narrower specialty. Many universities offer certificate courses that in a short time will allow you to master the profession and start working.

Ranking of the best universities for the study of photo art according to QS World University Rankings-2018:

• Royal College of Art (UK)
• Parsons School of Design at The New School (USA)
• Rhode Island School of Design (USA)
• Massachusetts Institute of technology (USA)
• Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
• University of the Arts London (UK)
• Pratt Institute (USA)
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago (USA)
• Aalto University (Finland)
• Stanford University (USA)
• RMIT University (Australia)
• Goldsmiths, University of London (UK)
• Carnegie Mellon University (USA)
• Art Center College of Design (USA)
• California Institute of the Arts (USA)
• The Glasgow School of Art (United Kingdom)
• School of Visual Arts (USA)
• Tongji University (China)
• Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
• University of Calofornia, UCLA (USA).

Requirements for applicants:

• Education document
• Portfolio of 8-12 works
• Statement
• Entrance tests and creative assignments
• Certificate of financial solvency.

Basic academic and language requirements in points

Private boarding schools abroad offer academically strong programs and comfortable conditions for the comprehensive development of students. School students will be able to get an excellent versatile education and engage in photography in well-equipped photo studios under the guidance of experienced teachers in world-famous programs:

• GSCE
• A-level
• International baccalaureate
• Advanced Placement.

For students who decide to devote their lives to art, specialized educational institutions are suitable, in which students will fully concentrate on studying photography and other areas in art. Such a training format will not allow to obtain wide versatile knowledge, but will ensure complete immersion in the specialized field.

Many leading educational institutions abroad compose special programs for students of different ages with various backgrounds. Such programs will provide valuable experience in international conditions and master photo art at a new level.

A degree in photography opens up a wide range of career paths, though building a sustainable career usually takes time and persistence. As a graduate, you typically start out as a photographer's assistant, supporting shoots and handling routine administration either in the studio or on location. From there, with experience and a growing portfolio, you can move into specialized areas of the profession.

Earnings vary considerably depending on experience, reputation and the type of photography you pursue. In the United Kingdom, salaries for photographers are commonly in the region of £21,000 to £35,000, depending on experience and specialisation. Many entrants to the profession begin as assistants, where pay can be set at the national minimum wage, while photographers who build a strong reputation and become highly sought after may earn up to around £65,000 — however, it usually takes years of experience to reach that level. Medical and clinical photographers working for the NHS follow the Agenda for Change pay scales.

A large proportion of professional photographers are self-employed, managing their own clients and workload rather than holding a permanent post. Press and medical photography remain two of the main fields of employment, but permanent work is also offered by the police (forensic photographers), museums and galleries, commercial studios, large organisations, cruise companies and amusement parks. Many vacancies in this sector are never advertised, so speculative approaches and personal contacts are essential to finding work.

Professional bodies such as the Association of Photographers (AOP), the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) support photographers throughout their careers. The RPS and BIPP offer qualifications at three levels of distinction — Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship — which help graduates demonstrate their skill and build credibility within the industry.

What do you need to enroll in a photography program abroad?
Requirements depend on the level of the program. Schools and academic camps usually require a basic command of English and a motivation to learn, while universities and art colleges expect a portfolio that shows your visual thinking, language certificates and previous academic results. The portfolio matters most - admissions committees look at how you see the world, not only at the technical quality of your shots.

What can you study within a photography program?
Curricula combine technical and creative disciplines - camera and lighting work, composition, post-production and editing, the history of photography and visual art, documentary and reportage practice, fashion and studio shooting. Many schools add business modules so that graduates can run their own studio or work as freelancers.

Who teaches photography abroad?
Photo schools and universities in Europe and the United States invite practising photographers and recognized professionals rather than purely academic lecturers. Students learn directly from people who photo for magazines, agencies and galleries, and they work in well equipped studios that mirror real production conditions.

Which formats of study are available?
You can choose a full degree at a university or art college, a program inside a private high school with an art focus, or a short academic camp and intensive course during the holidays. Short formats are a good way to test the field before committing to a long-term program, while degrees give a recognized qualification and deeper specialisation.

What career opportunities does a photography education open?
Graduates work as commercial, fashion, documentary and fine-art photographers, as photo editors, retouchers and visual content producers. A degree from a respected institution and a strong portfolio help build a network of clients and galleries, which is decisive in a competitive creative market.