Unit 6

University Choices

I researched all of the universities before applying, and visited all of them at least once before making my choices

I had considered Blackburn University mainly because it was close to home, and I was certain I'd get a place, it was essentially a backup.

http://www.blackburn.ac.uk/course/photographic-media-fda/

University of Cumbria is my first choice, I'd visited the campus a few times to look round and talk to the tutors, and firmly accepted my place last year, which I'll still be taking in September

http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/Courses/Subjects/CreativeArts/Undergraduate/Photography.aspx

Nottingham Trent was originally my first choice, but I had a really bad interview and didn't get a place

https://www.ntu.ac.uk/apps/pss/course_finder/60689-1/39/ba_(hons)_photography__photography_in_europe.aspx?yoe=7&st=1&s=1&sv=photography

 I applied for the University of Huddersfield mainly because my sister went there previously, but decided not to accept the place because of the working environment, everyone seemed really uncomfortable when I went to visit, and they seemed to focus entirely on digital, commercial work.

http://www.hud.ac.uk/courses/full-time/undergraduate/photography-ba-hons/

I applied for Leeds Metropolitan University because it was a top university, but when I visited, the tutors didn't seem to care and didn't seem enthusiastic about photography in the slightest which really put me off

https://courses.leedsmet.ac.uk/photojournalism

Personal Statement

Education has been a strong point for many years, which I have shown by receiving 12 GCSEs A*-C grade, including English Language and Mathematics, both of which I received a year early. Being a person enthusiastic about learning, I believe university would be the place best suited for me. Coming from an environment that can be described as enclosed and smothering has encouraged me to want to move out. Photography has enabled me to move away and experience life in a greater depth. On my present course, my studies have allowed me to experience many ways of making a photograph, from working in the studio, darkroom and on location using numerous different processes and methods to produce high quality photographs. Sirkka Liisa Konttinen is a photographer who I feel has influenced me, as the high contrast scenery in her black and white photographs is a similar style to some of the work I have recently produced. Her 'Byker' series is a main example of this, the series shows a lot of residential areas and locations that have been affected man's presence. Throughout the course, I have worked on units based around location, studio and darkroom photography. Personally, I feel I have excelled in all three, especially studio photography, to produce high quality photographs. The ability to work in these different environments is something that will be useful to me in later life, including university work and a career. Studying a degree in photography is something I believe would benefit me, as gaining as much knowledge in the field of photography will work in my favour in later life. Continuing in education is a path I wish to pursue to prepare me for a future career in photography; I want to learn as much as possible about the subject before working independently in the field. This course is most suited to me, as the facilities and equipment provided allow me to continue working in the studio, which is where I most like to produce photographs. Also, the style of teaching appears to allow students to work independently as well as receiving help when appropriate, which I feel is the best way, as a photography student, to excel in the subject and practice in the field of photography.

Cumbria Emails

From: Jonathan Eccles [mailto:jonathan.eccles@hotmail.co.uk]
Sent: 19 April 2013 10:47
To: Outreach Team, Recruitment And
Subject: RE: University of Cumbria Carlisle - Brampton Road on 31 October 2012

Hello

I have recently replied to study photography with the university, and received an interview date. I then requested an alternative date via the ucas track, and did not receive any information on a new date. Shortly afterwards on the ucas track my application had been withdrawn, so I am emailing to request some information on the situation. 

I would hope that if this is the case, and my application has been withdrawn then you could provide me with an explanation, or preferably take my application back into account and arrange another interview, as I fully intended to study with the university. 

Any reply would be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you

From: Janice.Suniga@Cumbria.ac.uk
To: jonathan.eccles@hotmail.co.uk
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:19:41 +0100
Subject: RE: University of Cumbria Carlisle - Brampton Road on 31 October 2012

Hi Jonathan

I have had a look at your record and can see that we have emailed you on numerous occasions asking if you would like alternative dates.  We did not receive a reply, therefore we withdrew your application.

I can of course reinstate this and invite you to attend for an interview.

Please can you confirm if you can attend next Wednesday – 24^th April at 1.00pm.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

Janice

From: Jonathan Eccles [mailto:jonathan.eccles@hotmail.co.uk]
Sent: 19 April 2013 12:31
To: Suniga, Janice
Subject: RE: University of Cumbria Carlisle - Brampton Road on 31 October 2012

I apologise for the complications, I must be having technical difficulties as I have not received any information. I would like to confirm that I will be attending on the 24th.

Thank you for your time and help. 

From: Janice.Suniga@Cumbria.ac.uk
To: jonathan.eccles@hotmail.co.uk
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:10:29 +0100
Subject: RE: University of Cumbria Carlisle - Brampton Road on 31 October 2012

Hi

No problem at all.

I look forward to meeting you next week.

Kind Regards

Janice

From: Jonathan Eccles [mailto:jonathan.eccles@hotmail.co.uk]
Sent: 30 April 2013 16:39
To: Suniga, Janice
Subject: RE: University of Cumbria Carlisle - Brampton Road on 31 October 2012

Hello

I came for an interview for the photography course last week, but haven't heard anything back yet. I was hoping you could send me some information regarding my application, as the deadline for choosing a university on ucas is next week. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

Suniga, Janice (Janice.Suniga@Cumbria.ac.uk)

Add to contacts

30/04/2013

To: Jonathan Eccles

Hi Jonathan

Apologies for the delay.  We have had a problem with our database talking to UCAS which was rectified this afternoon.  You should now have received your offer of a place.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

Janice

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