CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1.1 Course Outline 1 1.2 Introduction ...

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To educate graduates to be able to undertake post-graduate research and contribute to
knowledge and the development of their chosen fields of study.
To develop communication skills associated with oral and written presentations of
technical work, and interpersonal and organisational skills associated with project
planning, execution and appraisal.
To instil and develop transferable skills.
1.4 Rationale for the Course
The University of Westminster has been at the forefront of education and research in imaging for
many years and remains one of only a few universities in Britain offering study in both the
science and creative practice of all aspects of contemporary imaging. Innovative teaching
programmes have closely paralleled technological change since 1840 when classes in
photography were provided, within two years of the invention of the photographic process, at the
then Royal Polytechnic Institution. In 1896 the first public screening of a motion picture by the
Lumière Brothers took place in a theatre located at 309 Regent Street, which subsequently
became a cinema and is now used by the University as lecture theatres.
The School of Photography flourished over the years and in the 1960s a unique undergraduate
course in Photographic Technology was established. This course was the first degree-level course
in Photography to be offered in the United Kingdom. The course has evolved through several
stages into the current Bachelor of Science.
Imaging is in a state of rapid change and growth. The introduction and now universal use of
computers and associated hardware has created a demand for digital systems. Many industries
and applications areas have already moved away from conventional photographic systems into
the digital domain. Examples include: graphic arts, medical imaging, image archiving, much of the
news gathering areas, particularly for high profile international reporting, earth resources, military
and satellite imaging.
These factors have resulted in the demand for well educated people with the specific high level
skills required to deal with the complex demands of modern imaging. Our graduates have a high
success rate in moving into careers directly related to photography, imaging and imaging science.
Past students have moved into careers in areas as diverse as forensic imaging, applied optics,
commercial photography and advertising, medical imaging and digital special effects.
Opportunities exist within the course for students to develop the creative side of their practice in
photography and imaging alongside the scientific study of the processes involved.
The revalidated course has two distinct emphases in the range of modules offered. This allows
the student to select Option modules at Levels 5 and 6 specialising in practical and applied
photography, such as Applied Imaging II and Advanced Photography Practice; or to take modules
in advanced aspects of imaging science, such as Image Quality and Colour Image Science. The
aim of providing these two specialisms is to produce graduates equipped for the full gamut of
possible careers in imaging, with some students progressing onto the MSc in Digital &
Photographic Imaging also offered by the department, and a career in imaging science; while
others move into applied imaging, such as forensic and medical imaging, or commercial
photography. These options are taught alongside core modules providing students with the
necessary skills and knowledge in photographic science including the theory and practice of
photography, the assessment of images and imaging systems, optics, and visual science. As the
field has developed the course has expanded to encompass principles of digital imaging and
applications such as colour management, multimedia and 3D modelling.
The latest version of the course also includes a core level 5 module in Career Management Skills.
This has been developed by the Careers & Student Employment service and is designed to
implement the University strategies on skills, CEIG (Careers Information, Education and
Guidance), widening participation, employability and retention. The key aim of the module is to
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