This course, whilst demanding technical excellence and control, is primarily concerned with a critical examination of the image, its inherent communicative, persuasive and manipulative qualities, the context in which it is used and the social, historical and contemporary issues that emerge as a consequence; it highlights the understanding and use of the still image as a means of, and a tool for, communication and personal comment and the subsequent development of an idiosyncratic personal practice; the programme covers critical analysis (reaction and compliance) of established contemporary practice, its production and audience and the creative potential of emergent new technologies; its emphasis and delivery seeks to examine and promote the notion of the image maker rather than the image taker.