University of Wales
Photography in the Arts (Swansea College of Art) BA (Hons)
University of Wales

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 50 graduates of Photography in the Arts (Swansea College of Art) BA (Hons) and other courses in cinematics and photography at University of Wales for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in cinematics and photography.

Overall student satisfaction
76 /100
50 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in cinematics and photography

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of cinematics and photography at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £19000 £14500 £17500
25-75 percentile range £16000 - £25000 £12000 - £19500 £12500 - £21000


Salary of all UK Graduates of cinematics and photography

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £20933 £18108 £21051
25-75 percentile range £18375 - £24906 £13095 - £22569 £15928 - £26889

Course Description

Over the past decade the photographic image has transformed the landscape of visual communication and culture. Our Photography in the Arts programme at Swansea College of Art, UWTSD believes in embracing these changes, and encourages you to explore and experiment with the medium in its broadest sense, with a focus upon self-expression and innovation. Our philosophical ethos is based on teaching you how images ‘function’ within the context of our predominantly visual world, understanding how meaning and narrative is created through lens-based media.

Photography is a universal language, and we believe in the power of photography to engage creatively with the urgent issues of our time in ways that resonant with us all. Our staff are committed to stimulating dialogue and debate, on both internationally and local levels, to develop a greater understanding of ourselves, of others, and of the relations between familiar and distant cultures.

As an artist working with lens-based media, you will discover the magic of photography, moving image and installation through hands-on expert-led workshops, lectures, and seminars. Through this process of discovery, you will learn the fundamentals of photographic art practice and apply these skills to a range of live-briefs and self-directed outcomes. Our course is engaged in both the materiality of photography, as well as its digital applications, and will encourage you to explore conceptual ideas that challenge expectations of image making within visual culture.

Alongside our expert, specialist lecturers and technicians, you will make connections between industry through our vibrant visiting lecturer programme, which provides opportunities for students to hear, see and meet a range of professionals working within the field of photography.

You will learn what is required to have a successful career within the visual arts, and you can expect to join our recent alumni in the fastest growing sector, the creative industries. Examples of graduate employment range from self-employed business owners, editorial and advertising photographers, artists, curators and gallery directors.

The photography department at Swansea College of Art has superb, state-of-the-art facilities and a very friendly atmosphere with small class sizes offering exceptional student to staff interaction. For more information, please get in touch or visit us on one of our upcoming open days. Open days are a great chance to look around our studies, meet our staff and ask any questions you may have.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Photography in the Arts (Swansea College of Art) BA (Hons) at University of Wales

25% Welfare and housing associate professionals
20% Teaching Professionals
20% Elementary occupations
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Sales occupations
5% Administrative occupations

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, seminars, group/individual tutorials, workshops and presentations. There are regular opportunities for one-to-one tutorials with staff for students to get feedback on their work.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Photography in the Arts (Swansea College of Art), BA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Photography in the Arts (Swansea College of Art) BA (Hons)

Ireland £9000 year 1
EU £13500 year 1
England UK £9000 year 1
Northern Ireland £9000 year 1
Scotland £9000 year 1
Wales £9000 year 1
Channel Islands £9000 year 1
International £13500 year 1

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

About University of Wales

The University of Wales (UW) is a confederal university located in Cardiff, Wales. This university was the very first to exist in Wales, and now operates a highly rated research centre, the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies. In addition, UW also has a centre used for studying and conferences in Gregynog, Newtown.

List of 265 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Wales - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Dynevor, Swansea
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