Photography in the Arts (Swansea College of Art)

UCAS code: W643

Here's what University of Wales Trinity Saint David says about its Photography in the Arts (Swansea College of Art) course.

A red sixties cabriolet floats in the middle of a huge lake; the driver looks calm. Photography in the Arts (Full-time) (BA Hons) Swansea 3 Years Full-time 120 UCAS Points The Photography in the Arts programme at Swansea College of Art UWTSD encourages you to consider where photography fits within contemporary art practice and visual culture. This course encourages you to take risks and delve into the possibilities of the photographic medium. With an emphasis on conceptual thinking and conceptual photography, you will look at the aesthetic, ethical, and social contexts of both individual and collective human experiences.

Our programme uses a wide range of media, from traditional and digital to experimental photography techniques and processes. Allowing for a flexible approach to image making, in relation to both subject matter and technique, where you will explore and challenge the conventions of contemporary photographic art practice. You will develop valuable technical photography skills that will serve you throughout your career.

The photography department has strong links with both the art and commercial media industries. These connections are enhanced by a regular series of visiting lecturers, providing you with opportunities to meet and learn from professionals in the field. This exposure helps you build industry connections that are essential for a successful career in the creative industries.

Throughout the course, our expert lecturers and technicians will support you in building a professional photographic portfolio. You will learn what is required to have a successful career in the visual arts. Our recent alumni have found employment in various roles, including editorial photographers, advertising photographers, artists, curators, and gallery directors.

The photography department at boasts an impressive range of facilities, 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. Our small class sizes and friendly atmosphere ensure exceptional interaction between students and staff.

Year 1 - Level 4 In your first year, you will explore foundational skills in photographic art practice. You’ll engage in visual studies, learning to think and perceive creatively. This year focuses on developing technical abilities, conceptual understanding, and initial exhibition experience. You’ll also create an artist zine, fostering your individual artistic voice and narrative skills.

Photographic Art Practice (20 credits) Visual Studies 1 (10 credits) Ways of Thinking (10 credits) Fugitive Testimonies (20 credits) Visual Studies 2 (10 credits) Ways of Perceiving (10 credits) Exhibition 1.0 (20 credits) The Artist Zine (20 credits)

Year Two – Level 5

In the second year, you will engage in experimental strategies to push the boundaries of your practice. You’ll focus on research in context, personal philosophies, and visual enquiry, while continuing to develop your skills through a second exhibition. This year combines critical research with practical application, preparing you for advanced study.

World Building (20 Credits) Experimental Strategies (20 credits) Research in Context (10 credits) Visual Enquiry 1 (10 credits) Exhibition 2.0 (20 credits) Personal Philosophies (20 credits) Research in Practice (10 credits) Visual Enquiry 2 (10 credits)

Year Three – Level 6

The final year is dedicated to advanced creative enquiry and your independent project. You will undertake a major project, culminating in a final exhibition that showcases your expertise and personal style. This year is designed to refine your technical skills, conceptual thinking, and professional portfolio, ensuring you are well-prepared for a successful career in the visual arts.

Advanced Creative Enquiry (20 credits) Independent Project (40 credits) Major Project (60 credits)

Assessment is carried out through coursework, both written and practical. There are no exams on this course. Students are formatively assessed throughout a module; summative assessment takes place at the end of a module. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the course which include:

Lectures

Usually at the start of a scheduled contact period, lectures will generally consist of a formal presentation giving information relevant to the module, accompanied by visuals, and followed by a screening or group tutorial/activity.

Group Tutorials

Depending on the cohort size, module content and individual lecturer preferences, these are usually in groups of no more than six students at a time and delivered over a set period.

Individual Tutorials

Most often scheduled for level 5, level 6 & level 7 students, individual tutorials offer a more focused and in-depth opportunity for student feedback and development of ideas. Most often arranged in relation to individual practice modules such as Student-Led Projects.

Critiques

Group critiques are scheduled regularly for all year groups. For level 4 these often form part of the assessment at the end of short projects, for levels 5, 6 & 7 they are scheduled for the purpose of interim reviews and work-in-progress feedback, involving student participation and peer criticism.

Workshops

Delivered to teach specific skills to students, group size will depend on the subject and room size and can include project work. These are not usually formally marked but can be subject to group criticism, and informal feedback will be given.

Presentations

Formal presentations by students to peers and staff are used for research and development through to finished work. Students usually begin doing presentations at level 4 in small groups to build confidence in the process.

There are then assessed research presentations to peers at level 5 and Major Project Presentations to staff and other year groups at level 6 & 7. The presentation is an ideal vehicle for developing individual confidence and transferable skills.