MSc Engineering Management
The MSc Engineering Management program at the University of South Wales is a prestigiou...
BA (Hons) Documentary Photography
Cardiff (ATRiuM)
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Documentary Photography program at the University of South Wales (USW) offers students a comprehensive exploration of documentary photography as a powerful medium for storytelling, visual communication, and social commentary. This program is designed to develop students' technical skills, creative vision, critical thinking, and ethical awareness, preparing them for careers as documentary photographers, photojournalists, visual storytellers, and multimedia content creators.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Documentary Photography program is structured to provide students with a solid foundation in photography techniques, visual storytelling, documentary theory, and ethical considerations. Courses cover topics such as camera operation and techniques, digital imaging, photographic composition, visual storytelling methodologies, documentary photography history and theory, photo editing and post-production, multimedia storytelling, and professional practice. Students also have the opportunity to develop their personal projects, portfolios, and collaborative multimedia projects, honing their skills and creative vision under the guidance of experienced faculty members and industry professionals.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Documentary Photography program at the University of South Wales emphasizes research-led teaching, encouraging students to explore contemporary issues, social themes, and global perspectives through their photographic practice. Faculty members are actively engaged in photography research projects that address topics such as social justice, environmental sustainability, cultural diversity, and human rights. Students have the opportunity to undertake independent research projects, investigate visual narratives, analyze documentary photography ethics, and engage with critical debates in the field, enriching their understanding of the role of photography in society and advancing their creative practice.
Industry Engagement: The University of South Wales fosters strong connections with the photography industry, providing students with numerous opportunities for industry engagement, professional development, and networking. The BA (Hons) Documentary Photography program offers guest lectures, workshops, and masterclasses delivered by leading photographers, photojournalists, editors, and industry experts, allowing students to learn from practitioners with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Students also have access to internships, work placements, and industry projects with photography agencies, editorial publications, NGOs, and multimedia production companies, providing them with real-world experience, industry insights, and professional connections.
Global Perspective: Documentary photography is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and provides insights into diverse societies, cultures, and human experiences. The BA (Hons) Documentary Photography program encourages students to develop a global perspective on photography, exploring international issues, cross-cultural narratives, and global visual cultures. Modules cover topics such as global documentary photography practices, cross-cultural storytelling, visual anthropology, and the role of photography in global media, helping students develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the world and the power of visual storytelling to foster empathy, awareness, and social change.
Location
Cardiff (ATRiuM)
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 14950
Undergraduate Entry Requirements:
Academic Requirements: International students applying for undergraduate programs at University of South Wales should have completed their secondary education with a minimum of 65% or above in their respective national qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 72, with a minimum of 17 in each component.
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 64, with no component below 59.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of South Wales offers several scholarships and financial support opportunities to both domestic and international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, support students from underrepresented backgrounds, and assist those who may face financial barriers in pursuing their education.
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: This scholarship is available for international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It offers a significant reduction in tuition fees.
International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is open to international students and provides a reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs based on academic merit.
Academic Achievement Scholarship: This scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate students who have achieved excellent academic results. It offers a reduction in tuition fees.
South Wales Business School Scholarships: The Business School offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing business-related programs. These scholarships may provide financial assistance or work placements.
Sports Scholarships: The university offers sports scholarships to support talented athletes in their academic and sporting pursuits. These scholarships may include financial support, access to training facilities, and mentoring.
Alumni Discount: The University of South Wales provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible alumni who wish to pursue further studies at the university.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The university may offer scholarships specifically targeted at students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote diversity and internationalization.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Documentary Photography program at the University of South Wales (USW) are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding necessary for pursuing a variety of rewarding careers in the field of documentary photography and related industries. With their expertise in visual storytelling, critical thinking, and technical proficiency, graduates can explore diverse career paths in photography, journalism, media production, education, and more.
Documentary Photographer: Graduates can work as freelance documentary photographers, creating compelling visual narratives that capture real-life stories, experiences, and events. They may specialize in specific themes or subjects, such as social issues, environmental concerns, cultural diversity, or human rights, and collaborate with editorial publications, NGOs, galleries, or online platforms to showcase their work and raise awareness about important issues.
Photojournalist: Graduates can pursue careers as photojournalists, documenting news events, current affairs, and human interest stories for newspapers, magazines, online publications, and news agencies. They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, conflicts, social issues, sports, and entertainment, using their photography skills to inform, educate, and engage audiences through powerful visual storytelling.
Multimedia Content Creator: Graduates can work as multimedia content creators, producing a wide range of visual content, including photo essays, documentaries, video interviews, interactive media, and virtual reality experiences. They collaborate with filmmakers, journalists, designers, and digital media professionals to create immersive and engaging storytelling experiences for various platforms, including websites, social media, exhibitions, and multimedia projects.
Visual Anthropologist: Graduates with an interest in cultural studies and social research can work as visual anthropologists, using photography as a tool for studying and documenting diverse cultures, communities, and lifestyles. They conduct fieldwork, research, and visual ethnography projects, collaborating with anthropologists, sociologists, and cultural researchers to explore cultural practices, rituals, traditions, and identities from a visual perspective.
Editorial Photographer: Graduates can specialize in editorial photography, working for newspapers, magazines, online publications, and editorial agencies to create compelling images that accompany news articles, features, and stories. They cover a wide range of subjects, including portraits, events, travel, lifestyle, and fashion, and collaborate with editors, writers, and designers to produce visually engaging content for publication.
Educator/Teacher: For graduates interested in education, there are opportunities to work as photography educators, teachers, or workshop facilitators, sharing their knowledge and expertise with aspiring photographers and students. They may work in schools, colleges, universities, community centers, or cultural institutions, teaching photography courses, workshops, or seminars on documentary photography, visual storytelling, and photography ethics.
Gallery Curator/Exhibition Organizer: Graduates can work in the arts and culture sector as gallery curators, exhibition organizers, or cultural program coordinators, curating photography exhibitions, art shows, and cultural events that showcase documentary photography projects and visual storytelling initiatives. They collaborate with artists, galleries, museums, and cultural institutions to promote photography as a form of artistic expression and cultural exchange.
NGO Photographer/Advocate: Graduates can work for non-profit organizations (NGOs), humanitarian agencies, or advocacy groups as photographers, visual communicators, or media specialists, documenting humanitarian crises, social injustices, and advocacy campaigns. They use their photography skills to raise awareness, promote social change, and support the missions of NGOs through visual storytelling and advocacy initiatives.
