MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
MA Photography – Contemporary Dialogues
Swansea
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The MA Photography – Contemporary Dialogues program at UWTSD offers an exciting and in-depth exploration of photographic practice, encouraging students to challenge and develop their creative vision. This course is designed for those eager to push the boundaries of contemporary photography and experiment in new and innovative ways. By engaging with photography as a cross-disciplinary practice, students will learn how to use the medium to interpret and respond to the contemporary world. Throughout the program, students will explore a wide range of photography theory and practical techniques. From visual experimentation to hands-on projects, the course equips students with the tools to understand and apply philosophical strategies and experimental approaches to their work. A major focus is on helping students contextualize their practice, developing their ability to create projects that are both thoughtful and meaningful. Students will explore how their work can be resolved into professional outcomes such as photographic exhibitions, publications, and content for digital platforms.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Photography – Contemporary Dialogues program is structured to provide both practical and theoretical insights into contemporary photographic practices. Students are encouraged to experiment with various photographic techniques and processes, allowing them to develop a unique and personal approach to their work. The program emphasizes the importance of conceptual thinking and critical analysis, enabling students to engage with contemporary issues and themes through their photographic practice. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to present their work in exhibitions, providing them with valuable experience in showcasing their art.
Research Focus: UWTSD places a strong emphasis on research-led teaching, with a particular focus on innovation in photographic practices. The research culture at the university encourages students to engage with contemporary debates surrounding the intersections of traditional photography, digital technologies, and global cultural influences. Students are supported to undertake independent research, critically examining the role of photography in today’s society and the future of the photographic industry. This focus on research ensures that graduates are not only skilled practitioners but also thoughtful and knowledgeable photographers.
Industry Engagement: UWTSD has strong connections with industry professionals and organizations, ensuring that students are well-equipped to enter the workforce upon graduation. The MA Photography program incorporates hands-on experiences, collaborations, and internships with leading photography studios, galleries, and cultural institutions. This engagement with the industry provides students with valuable insights into the practical demands of the photography sector and opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Global Perspective: UWTSD prides itself on providing a global perspective to its students, with opportunities for international collaborations, exchanges, and exposure to a wide array of cultural influences. The MA Photography program encourages students to explore photographic traditions and practices from around the world, fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. The program’s emphasis on global trends and challenges ensures that graduates are prepared to work in an interconnected and ever-evolving global marketplace.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 15000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
International Postgraduate Scholarships: UWTSD offers International Postgraduate Scholarships to support international students enrolling in postgraduate taught programs. These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students and can provide substantial financial assistance. International students from countries outside the EU are eligible to apply, and the scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and the strength of their application.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Alumni Loyalty Scholarship: UWTSD offers an Alumni Loyalty Scholarship for international students who are returning to study at the university for a second degree or postgraduate qualification. The scholarship is a way of recognizing the continued alumni to the university, with a discount on tuition fees as a gesture of appreciation.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
Graduates of the MA Photography – Contemporary Dialogues program are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities within the photography, art, and creative industries. The program’s emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and industry engagement ensures that graduates can transition smoothly into the professional world.
Professional Photographer: Graduates can work as independent photographers or in specialized fields such as portraiture, commercial photography, fashion, fine art, and documentary photography. As professionals, they can build their portfolio and client base, establishing a career through commissions, exhibitions, and sales of their work.
Gallery Curator or Exhibitions Coordinator: With the ability to conceptualize and curate photographic exhibitions, graduates may work in galleries, museums, or cultural institutions. As curators, they are responsible for organizing exhibitions, selecting pieces, and engaging with artists to create impactful displays of contemporary photography.
Photo Editor: Graduates may enter the editorial world as photo editors for magazines, newspapers, websites, or advertising agencies. They will be responsible for selecting and editing images, ensuring they align with the publication's tone and visual style, and meeting tight deadlines.
Visual Storyteller or Documentary Photographer: Students with an interest in storytelling through images may pursue careers as documentary photographers, capturing compelling real-life stories. This can involve working for media organizations, NGOs, or independent projects that bring attention to social issues, cultural movements, or historical events.
Creative Director in Photography or Advertising: Graduates with an interest in the commercial sector may take on roles as creative directors, overseeing the visual style and branding of a company’s photography. In advertising, they may guide campaigns, from conceptualization to final image production.
Photography Educator: Graduates who have a passion for teaching can pursue careers as photography instructors at the secondary or higher education level. They can work in colleges, universities, or private institutions, passing on their expertise to the next generation of photographers and artists.
Freelance Artist or Entrepreneur: Many graduates decide to work as freelance photographers or visual artists, offering their services to clients or selling their work through online platforms, galleries, and exhibitions. Some may choose to open their own studios or photography businesses, specializing in areas such as event photography, product photography, or fine art photography.
Photojournalist: Graduates interested in capturing the news and telling visual stories may pursue careers as photojournalists. They will work with news outlets to document events, report on current affairs, and tell compelling visual narratives that support journalistic work.
Digital Media Producer: The rise of digital photography and multimedia content has created opportunities for photographers to expand their skill set into video production, digital content creation, and interactive media. Graduates may work in fields such as online content creation, video production, or virtual reality environments.
Art Director in Photography Studios or Creative Agencies: Graduates with leadership and organizational skills may take on roles as art directors, managing teams of photographers, designers, and creatives to execute visual projects in advertising, fashion, and branding. They ensure that all visual elements align with the creative vision of the brand or campaign.
Photography Archivist or Conservation Specialist: With their deep understanding of photographic history and techniques, graduates may pursue careers in the conservation and archival sectors. They would work to preserve historical images, curate collections, and maintain the integrity of photographic works in museums, libraries, or national archives.
Social Media and Content Creation: Given the increasing reliance on visual media in the digital space, photography graduates can create content for brands, influencers, and social media platforms. As digital content creators, they can specialize in photography, video, and social media strategy to help businesses communicate visually with their audiences.
