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Documentary Photography and Visual Activism (Swansea College of Art) at University of Wales Trinity Saint David - UCAS

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Prifysgol Cymru Y Drindod Dewi Sant)

Documentary Photography and Visual Activism (Swansea College of Art)

Course options

Course summary

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.

Modules

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 Photojournaism (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)

Assessment method

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


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
DPV1
Institution code:
T80
Campus name:
Dynevor, Swansea
Campus code:
V

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
67%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
82%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £14850 Year 1
International £14850 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

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.
Documentary Photography and Visual Activism (Swansea College of Art) at University of Wales Trinity Saint David - UCAS