29Jun
UndergraduateCourse summary
MA Photography – Contemporary Dialogues at Swansea College of Art offers an exciting and in-depth exploration of photographic practice, encouraging you to challenge and develop your 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, you will learn how to use the medium to interpret and respond to the contemporary world. Throughout the programme, you will explore a wide range of photography theory and practical techniques. From visual experimentation to hands-on projects, the course equips you with the tools to understand and apply philosophical strategies and experimental strategies to your work. A major focus is on helping you to contextualise your practice, developing your ability to create projects that are both thoughtful and meaningful. You’ll explore how your work can be resolved into professional outcomes such as photographic exhibitions, photographic publications, and content for digital platforms. As part of the MA Photography programme, you will be introduced to various methods that can transform your projects into real-world outputs. The course provides opportunities to exhibit your work, explore publishing in photography, and understand the role of curation in photography, giving you valuable experience in showcasing your creations to a broader audience. You’ll also be encouraged to reflect on your place within the wider creative industries, from fine arts photography to the commercial and editorial sectors. With access to excellent facilities and a vibrant, creative community, this programme enables you to take your photography to the next level. Whether you are interested in producing gallery exhibitions, creating digital content, or exploring new avenues of publishing, MA Photography – Contemporary Dialogues at Swansea College of Art offers the support and inspiration to help you achieve your goals.
Modules
Throughout the course, you will explore a range of photography theory and methodologies. You will experiment with visual strategies and learn how to contextualise your practice, applying philosophical and experimental strategies to develop projects. You will also engage with curation in photography, gaining valuable skills in professional presentation and critical thinking. Compulsory Coexistent Perspectives (20 credits) The Thought Experiment (20 credits) Collaborative Dialogues (20 credits) Explorative Research & Praxis (60 credits) Confirmative Praxis (60 credits)
Assessment method
Assessment is carried out through coursework, both written practical and presented. There is a 4,000-word theoretical essay with poster presentation in Semester 1, and a 5,000-word report in Semester 3, which accompanies the practical work. There are no exams on this course. Students are formatively assessed throughout a module. Summative assessment takes place at the end of a module, which includes presentation of the work to the assessment team. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the course, which include, among others: Tutorials These tutorials are held on a regular basis. In Semester 1, full-time/Year 1, part-time, each student sees and discusses his/her work with a member of staff as part of each module. In Semesters 2 and 3, full-time/Years 2 and 3, part-time, students work more independently and sign up for tutorials within, or across, their discipline, in addition to those scheduled when their work requires support. As a team, we ensure that every student in the final semester/year of the course is seen by at least one member of the academic staff each week. Group Tutorials/Seminars These are held on a regular basis, across all stages of the course, with one member of staff. They provide an excellent opportunity for students to share and exchange ideas with their peers in a structured manner, in addition to valuable input from staff. Informal & Formal presentations Some of the modules have a presentation of ideas as part of the module outcome and are an essential way of sharing ideas across the course. Presenting work informally to peers is also part of the seminar teaching and a way of getting valuable feedback on the progress of the work. Exhibiting work At the end of the course there is an opportunity, if appropriate, to show outcomes from the course in a curated exhibition. Students are also supported to create their own exhibitions during the middle part of the course, if they wish to do so.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. 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.
Entry requirements
2:2 honours degree or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
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.
Acceptable Evidence of English
https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £7800 | Whole course |
| EU | £16800 | Whole course |
| England | £7800 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £7800 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7800 | Whole course |
| Wales | £7800 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £7800 | Whole course |
| International | £16800 | Whole course |
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, is 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 in the extension of their personal practice. Examples include purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining optional study trips, and paying for printing.
Depending on distance and duration, optional study visits can vary in cost from approximately £10 to visit local galleries and exhibitions, to £200 plus for overseas or longer UK study visits. These costs cover such things as transport and entry to venues and accommodation. There are normally reduced rates for our students.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP