The Harper Adams Collective
Submission Information & Entry Guidelines
The Harper Adams Collective is a photography campaign and exhibition celebrating the people, connections and community that make Harper Adams University unique. We invite staff and students to submit photographs that reflect what it truly means to be part of the Harper Adams community.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all current Harper Adams University students and staff.
Entry Limits
- You may submit one photograph per category
- You may enter multiple categories
- Each photograph must be your own original work
- No AI-generated or heavily edited images are permitted
Key Dates
- Submissions open: 12 January
- Submission deadline: 31 March 2026 at 6pm
- Judging period: April 2026
- Winners announced: Late April 2026
- Exhibition displayed: Library Foyer, May 2026
Late or incomplete submissions may not be considered.
Categories
The Spirit of Harper Award
The overarching award for the photograph that best captures the diversity, community and shared identity of Harper Adams University across all submissions.
AgriCulture
Celebrating the agricultural roots of Harper Adams — from land and livestock to learning and innovation. This category honours the people behind agriculture in all its forms.
Practice Makes Perfect
Capturing compassion in practice. From veterinary care and clinical teamwork to supporting one another through skill and study, this category highlights dedication and collaboration.
Under Construction
A celebration of engineering, innovation and problem-solving in action — from workshops and labs to field trials and creative experimentation.
Flavours of Harper
Exploring food, science and social connection. This category showcases the people behind food innovation, cooking, research and shared food experiences.
In Good Company
Celebrating companionship, friendship and connection — between people, pets or any companions who bring comfort and joy to Harper Adams life.
The Inside Scoop (Staff category)
A space for staff to share their perspective on life at Harper Adams. From behind-the-scenes moments to reflections on people and place, this category gives staff a platform to shine.
Strength in Diversity
Championing diversity, inclusion and individuality across campus. This category welcomes stories that showcase underrepresented voices and the power of belonging.
Home and Away
A celebration of identity beyond Harper Adams — your roots, your journey, and the people or places that ground you.
Open Category
For stories that don’t fit neatly into one category. This space welcomes creative interpretations of what it means to be part of the Harper Adams community.
Content Requirements
- Each submission must feature at least one identifiable member of the Harper Adams community (student or staff)
- Photographs should focus on people, connection and community, rather than solely on objects, animals or landscapes
- Images should reflect individuality, diversity and shared experience at Harper Adams
- All submissions must align with the university’s values, Code of Conduct and Respect policy
Consent & Permissions
- Consent must be obtained from anyone identifiable in your photograph before submission
- Entrants must provide the full name and contact details of all identifiable individuals featured
- These individuals will be contacted to confirm their permission for the image to be used and shared
Usage Agreement
By submitting a photograph, entrants agree that Harper Adams Student Union and Harper Adams University may:
- Display submitted photographs on campus (temporary or permanent displays)
- Use submitted photographs for social media, promotional or marketing purposes
- Credit the photographer where possible
Submission Requirements
Each entry must include:
- Image file:
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- High-resolution images are recommended
- Written description (maximum 50 words):
- What the image shows
- Why it was chosen
- The story or meaning behind it
Required Information
Student entrants must provide:
- Full name
- Student number
- Course and year of study
- University email address
Staff entrants must provide:
- Full name
- Job title
- Department
- University email address
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be judged anonymously based on:
- Relevance to the selected category
- Creativity and originality
- Emotional impact or storytelling
- Representation of individuality and community at Harper Adams
Submission Process
- All entries must be submitted via the designated Microsoft Form
- Ensure all required fields are completed before submitting
- Incomplete submissions may not be considered
- The organiser reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not meet the criteria