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Documentary Photography and Visual Activism (Full-time) (BA Hons)

Swansea
3 Years Full-time
120 UCAS Points

Our Documentary Photography and Visual Activism degree is the first of its kind in the UK. This programme will help you become a skilled documentary photographer and visual activist, encouraging you to re-evaluate and challenge the history and conventions of photography. You will learn to understand the power structures in photography and how to use them to tell powerful visual stories. 

The course contemporises traditional and practical skills in documentary and photojournalistic work. We focus on photography as a social process rather than an individual one. You will become an advocate for the causes and social issues you care about most, fully engaging in the subjects that interest you.  

Throughout your studies, you will be encouraged to collaborate with the local community and think about your role as an active citizen in a democratic society. We pay particular attention to the development of listening skills which allows students to tune into their distinctive and unique sonic voice. 

Our course embraces photography in its broadest sense, using the latest technology to push the boundaries of what is possible and harness the potential of new digital media. You will also have opportunities to present your work in exhibitions, helping you to build industry connections and showcase your talent. The programme aims to prepare you for a career in documentary photography and visual activism, enabling you to contribute to social change through your art. 

Course details

Start date:
ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ modes:
  • On-campus
  • Full-time
Language:
  • English
  • Bilingual
Institution code:
T80
UCAS code:
DPV1
Course length:
3 Years Full-time
Entry requirements:
120 UCAS Points

Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year

Why choose this course?

01
An innovative approach to photojournalism and documentary.
02
Great links with industry specialists and practitioners. With opportunities to work with charities, community groups and other clients on live briefs
03
Small and friendly class sizes, and easy access to up-to-date equipment.

What you will learn

Our philosophy is centred on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social engagement. We emphasise the ethical responsibilities of photographers, focusing on collaborative and community-oriented practices. We aim to develop your unique voice and technical skills, preparing you for a dynamic career in documentary photography and visual activism. 

In your first year the focus is on developing your practical and technical skills to provide a foundation to investigate subjects of personal interest. Areas covered include: 

  • Traditional darkroom techniques 

  • How to use Adobe software packages 

  • Professional studio and location lighting techniques 

  • How to respond to set briefs 

  • How to combine both analogue and digital skills to create innovative outcomes 

  • The history of photography and visual culture theory 

You will dive into the fundamentals of documentary practice and visual studies exploring different ways of thinking and perceiving, which will help you re-think photojournalism. Projects will include creating artist zines and participating in your first exhibition, laying a solid foundation for your future studies. 

Contemporary Documentary Practice

(20 credits)

Visual Studies 1

(10 credits)

Ways of Thinking

(10 credits)

Re-thinking Photojournalism

(20 credits)

Visual Studies 2

(10 credits)

Ways of Perceiving

(10 credits)

Exhibition 1.0

(20 credits)

The Artist Zine

(20 credits)

Building on the skills developed in your first year, the second year is a time for further experimentation and collaborative working: 

  • Working in small groups to design and curate your own public exhibition 

  • Conceptualise and produce a photobook 

  • Have opportunities to undertake funded internships 

  • Become increasingly focused on developing a professional platform for your work (including: website/social media/exhibition strategies) 

  • Experiment with alternative darkroom processes 

  • Have the option to study a semester abroad 

  • Apply your research and critical analysis skills to a major project proposal 

You explore modules like Visual Activism: Location & Curation and Exhibition 2.0 will allow you to explore visual activism and curation. You will also delve into publication and protest, learning how to use photography as a tool for social change. 

World Building

(20 Credits)

Research in Context

(10 credits)

Visual Activism: Location & Curation

(20 credits)

Visual Enquiry 1

(10 credits)

Exhibition 2.0

(20 credits)

Publication and Protest

(20 credits)

Research in Practice

(10 credits)

Visual Enquiry 2

(10 credits)

Your third year is about developing your professional portfolio and equipping yourself for a professional career in the creative industries after graduation. You will undertake advanced creative enquiry and develop an independent project that reflects your personal interests and professional aspirations. The major project will be the pinnacle of your studies, allowing you to showcase your skills and vision. This year is designed to prepare you for a successful transition into the professional world, culminating in a substantial body of work. 

Throughout the course, you will learn industry-standard techniques and workflows, gain experience in various creative settings, and develop knowledge of employment opportunities within the digital media and creative industries sectors. You will also learn how to deploy your work on a wide range of platforms. 

Advanced Creative Enquiry

(20 credits)

Independent Project

(40 credits)

Major Project

(60 credits)

Course Page Disclaimer

  • The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

    You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.

testimonial

Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Facilities & Exhibitions

Facilities & Exhibitions 

In addition to extensive traditional photography facilities and darkrooms, our digital provision includes a specialist colour-managed digital suite running the latest Adobe software. This includes high resolution Hasselblad film scanners, medium and large format portfolio and exhibition printing.

A photography studio with movable overhead lights, screens, and a long roll of black fabric spread across the floor..

Our Summer Shows are a showcase of the exceptional work of our graduating students across a wide range of creative disciplines.

Summer show poster wall

Further information

  • 120 UCAS tariff points  

    • e.g. A-levels: ABB, BTEC: DDM, IB: 33 and Portfolio 

    The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    We are interested in creative people who demonstrate a strong commitment to art and/or design and, therefore, we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. 

    We arrange interviews for all applicants to assess suitability for the chosen course. Your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered, as well as your portfolio of work. 

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    GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Alternative entry routes text  

    If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider:  

    • Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). 

    This is a one-year course offering a comprehensive introduction to art and design, establishing a strong basis for your creative future. During the course, you will engage with a broad range of artistic disciplines and design areas, helping you to discover your passions and refine your skills. 

     Admissions Advice and Support  

    We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    English language requirements  

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. 

    Visa and funding requirements  

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. 

  • Interview 

    All applicants to Swansea College of Art are required to have an interview. 

    We really enjoy the interview process, getting to know you and your work, and we feel that this is the best way to find the right students for our programmes. This also ensures that our applicants have all the information they need to make the right choice for them too.

    If you have any queries before your interview, please contact us at artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk.

    Portfolio 

    We ask that you bring a portfolio of some past and current work. Your portfolio is a collection of your most exciting and representative work, showcasing your creative abilities, technical skills, and artistic vision. It tells the story of your creative journey, highlighting your unique style, interests, and ideas as they develop. We interpret the term ‘portfolio’ broadly and are happy for you to do the same - this can include finished pieces, work in progress, sketchbooks, drawings, and projects that are still unfolding, as these give us insight into your thinking and creative process. Whether in physical or digital format, your portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your creative journey in a way that feels authentic to you, with each piece highlighting your creative potential and enthusiasm for the programme you are applying for.  

    We understand that many applicants are still mid-qualification (e.g. A-Level, BTEC, L3, Foundation) and are developing an emerging body of work, so there’s no pressure for everything to be polished or complete. 

  • Assessment varies according to the module and ranges from portfolios, exhibitions, written assignments and blogs to presentations.

  • Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.

    However, it is likely that art and design students will incur some additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining in optional study trips, and printing.

    Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment with them when they commence the course.  We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your programme of studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies.  

    A basic art and design kit will cost approximately one hundred pounds, but you may already have much of the equipment required: check with us first.  Also, although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to use for your coursework, you may wish to bring your own digital devices. Again, please check with us first before making a purchase.

    Depending on distance and duration, optional study visits can vary in cost from approximately ten pounds to visit local galleries and exhibitions to over two hundred pounds for overseas visits — these costs cover things like transport, entry to venues and accommodation, and are normally at reduced rates for our students.

  • Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.  

    If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. 

    We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.  

    Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities 

    There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

    Opportunities to Learn Welsh 

    We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.

  • Visit Go Global with UWTSD for more information about studying abroad. 

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