BA (Hons) Photography in the Arts

Program Overview

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), located in the United Kingdom, offers a dynamic BA (Hons) Photography in the Arts program at its Swansea College of Art. This degree encourages students to delve deeply into where photography fits within contemporary art practice and visual culture, fostering a spirit of risk-taking and exploration of the photographic medium's vast possibilities. With a strong emphasis on conceptual thinking and photography, the course encourages students to consider the aesthetic, ethical, and social contexts of individual and collective human experiences. The program utilizes a wide range of media, from traditional and digital techniques to experimental photography processes, allowing for a flexible approach to image-making that challenges the conventions of contemporary photographic art practice. Students develop valuable technical photography skills, build a professional portfolio, and learn what is required for a successful career in the visual arts, within a supportive studio environment that encourages critical dialogue and personal vision.

Curriculum: The BA (Hons) Photography in the Arts curriculum at UWTSD is structured progressively over three years, providing a thorough grounding in key techniques, theories, and concepts. In the first year (Level 4), students explore foundational skills through modules such as "Photography Production," "Photographic Art Practice," "Visual Studies 1," "Ways of Thinking," "Fugitive Testimonies," "Individual Practice," "Visual Studies 2," "Ways of Perceiving," 1 "Exhibition 1.0," and "The Artist Zine." This initial year focuses on developing technical abilities, conceptual understanding, and initial exhibition experience, with work across traditional darkroom techniques and digital capture/output. The second year (Level 5) builds on this foundation with modules like "World Building," "Experimental Strategies," "Research in Context," "Visual Enquiry 1," "Exhibition 2.0," "Personal Philosophies," "Research in Practice," and "Visual Enquiry 2," combining critical research with practical application. The final year (Level 6) is dedicated to advanced creative enquiry, culminating in an "Independent Project" that reflects personal interests and professional aspirations, and a "Graduate Portfolio." Assessment is typically coursework-based, including written assignments, practical projects, and presentations.  

Research Focus: The research focus within the BA (Hons) Photography in the Arts program at UWTSD is inherently linked to the exploration of photographic practice as a form of critical inquiry and artistic expression. While not a traditional academic research degree, the curriculum emphasizes the development of research skills and conceptual thinking. Through modules like "Research in Context" and a significant "Independent Project" in the final year, students are encouraged to conduct in-depth investigations into areas such as the aesthetic, ethical, and social contexts of photography, its role in visual culture, and its potential for challenging conventions. The program fosters an environment where students are expected to undertake extensive, risk-taking inquiry into the possibilities of photography, underpinned by historical and critical research. This approach prepares them to approach their photographic work with informed criticality and contribute to the evolving discourse around photographic art.

Industry Engagement: UWTSD places a strong emphasis on industry engagement for its BA (Hons) Photography in the Arts program, ensuring graduates are prepared for professional careers in the creative industries. The photography department boasts strong links with both the art and commercial media industries, including connections with the gallery network, documentary, and advertising agencies. These connections are enhanced by a regular series of visiting lecturers, providing students with invaluable opportunities to meet and learn from professionals such as artists, photographers, curators, editors, writers, and agents. Students gain exposure that helps them build essential industry connections. The program also offers opportunities to present work in exhibitions, contributing to portfolio development and professional networking, with graduates often finding employment in diverse photographic and fine art activities, including fashion, portraiture, editorial/documentary, and gallery contexts.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Photography in the Arts program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective by engaging with photography as a universal language and a medium that transcends cultural boundaries. The curriculum encourages students to explore how photography intersects with global visual culture, aesthetic trends, and ethical considerations across different societies. By delving into the aesthetic, ethical, and social contexts of both individual and collective human experiences, students gain an understanding of diverse perspectives and the role of photography in global dialogues. The program's focus on developing a unique visual signature, combined with exposure to various photographic techniques and contexts, prepares graduates to work within an international creative landscape, whether through exhibiting work globally, engaging with international photographic practices, or contributing to global visual narratives.