Description of the Study Program

In this program, photography is understood as an inseparable part of the modern communication systems which use visual language in a creative way. Photography is viewed not only from traditional perspectives (theory, technique, history and esthetics of the field) but also from the point of view of socio-scientific research as well as investigated in the various forms of photography’s application in contemporary society. The program is designed in such a way to prepare independent creative individuals, for 3 years (6 semesters) in the Bachelor Program, and for another 2 years (4 semesters) in the Master Program.

The Curriculum of the Department of Photography is based on the connection of art academy pedagogy and that of a traditional university education. During the course of their studies, students gain increasingly greater freedom to choose the specific focus of their own creative work, both on the practical as well as theoretical levels. The practical part of the photography program develops both the creative talents as well as knowledge in the areas given by the focus of the four existing Studios, which include traditional photography technique and processes as well as digital methods, employing the most up-to-date technology available.

Starting in their fifth semester, students have the opportunity to study within one of four Studios: These individual Studios are headed by regular FAMU teachers. Various other Workshops are part of the Studio System, their focus and content changes every year depending on the specialization and creative work of the teachers leading these Workshops. Most of these are external lecturers – renowned personalities from the field of photography. The content of individual Studios and Workshops evolves from the personality of the particular mentors. This system should provide the students with a wide variety of professional, creative and human approaches and thus enable students to formulate their own opinion and creative approach.

Program Prerequisites

The basic condition for the studies is evident talent for creative work. Prerequisites include general education, cultural orientation, orientation in the history of art, basic knowledge of contemporary art, as well as field-related knowledge (such as photography technique and history of photography).

Studies at the Department of Photography

Studies at the Department of Photography are divided into Bachelor (3 years) and Master (plus 2 years) Programs. The first two years of studies are more of a general nature. Starting from the third year of the Bachelor Program students have the opportunity to focus on their own creative work within one of the four Studios.

The Master Program is aimed at supporting the systematic creative work of students within the selected Studios and Workshops.

A variety of approaches and opinions is provided to students also through the courses pertaining to the fields of theory, art history, social sciences as well as through the connection of all FAMU departments on the level of theoretical and practical courses. Detailed information about the studies is provided in the Annual Curriculum.

Master Program is about to open a Studio of Photography Conservation and Archiving.

Technical Equipment

The Department of Photography offers to the students lecture rooms, 6 fully equipped studios, 5 darkrooms, computer rooms and high-tech equipment for printing and scanning and archive.  Students can borrow various devices and photo-equipment.

Nevertheless, in order to do their work and to fulfill school assignments, the students are supposed to have their own basic equipment (35mm camera and a digital camera, eventually a medium format 6x6 or 6x7 camera) which they can use simultaneously with the school equipment.

Study in English

Department of Photography also offers Bachelor and Master Programs in the English language. The content of the courses provided by the Department of Photography corresponds to that provided in the Czech language, nevertheless in some cases the courses are led by different lecturers. Courses (i.e. lectures, seminars, screenings, and workshops) provided by other FAMU departments can be taken up as well, but they are in the Czech language only. Moreover, students studying in the English language have the opportunity to participate in the lectures in the English language in the FAMU International Program. Regular studies in the English language are open to those students who successfully pass the Admission Procedure. The costs of the studies are the responsibility of the students. The amount of the tuition-fee for each academic year is published at http://www.famu.cz by May 15th at the latest.

Additionally, it is also possible to apply for the Short Term Study Program at the Department of Photography, the duration of which can be either one or more semesters. Applicants are admitted into the Short Term Study Program once the Head of the Department of Photography evaluates the work they have submitted. The Short Term Study Program is in the English language and the costs of the studies are covered by the students. The tuition-fee for each academic year is published at http://www.famu.cz by May 15th at the latest.

Students admitted into this Program can attend all the lectures provided to English-language students. As regards to seminars, studios and workshops, etc., these are selected according to the level of their professional skills, technical knowledge and the works presented and based on the prior agreement with the Head of Department. Thus an optimal individual study program is designed for each of the students.