Digital technology has created a cultural context where everyone is now a mobile image-maker. Whether using phones or traditional cameras, the production of still and moving imagery has become a visual phenomenon that dominates all areas of communication within our society. Based in the Dynevor Centre for Art, Design & Media in Swansea‘s city centre, the BA (Hons) Photography in the Arts programme provides an exciting platform from which to explore the unique and critical position that the still and moving photographic image finds itself within contemporary culture at this exciting time. The course encourages students to explore and challenge the conventions of contemporary photographic art practice. Underpinned by historical and critical research, students are expected to undertake an extensive, risk-taking enquiry into the possibilities of photography, with individual creativity and personal ambition at the core of the course’s philosophy. The programme is predominantly self-directed and allows for a flexible approach to image-making in relation to both subject-matter and technique. This flexible approach reflects the evolving nature of photographic art practice, with photographers increasingly pushing the potential of the medium in unexpected and innovative directions. Students are encouraged to explore ideas and develop skills applicable to contexts such as contemporary art, publishing, advertising, fashion, interiors, architecture and travel. To this end, the course enables students to position and critically articulate their work in relation to their audience and a wider cultural context.

The department has excellent connections with the photographic industry, from the gallery network through to documentary and advertising agencies. This ensures opportunities for employment and a growing international market for student work. Graduates are employed in a wide range of photographic activities including fashion, portraiture, editorial and documentary. Students will regularly interact with professional contacts through the exciting series of visiting lecturers, where artists, photographers, curators, editors, writers and agents present their work and talk about their professional experiences. Recent examples include: Richard Billingham (artist/photographer), Simon Roberts (photographer), Emma Critchley (photographer), Mark Power (Magnum photographer), Victoria Lukens (picture editor), Martin Parr (Magnum photographer), Colin Gray (photographer), Julian Germain (photographer), Rosie Martin (Photographer, photo-therapist and writer), Sian Bonnell (photographer), Aliki Braine (artist/photographer), Gayel Chong Kwan (artist/writer), Tom Hunter (photographer) In a more formal way students are also encouraged to contend with the industry standards of their chosen area of practice within the External Project, where they have to find a client to work with. This project allows them to start their professional career whilst receiving supported tuition from academic staff on subjects such as contracts and costings, as well as technical and creative issues. Previous project examples include: NHS, Atkins Rail, National Trust, Sunday Times, Penguin Books, Corus, Channel 4, The Royal Ballet and Dazed and Confused. Also the marketing and promotion module continues this dialogue with the professional industry when a photographic agent and curator are brought in to advise the students on their personal practice before returning to assist with interview style assessments. Recent collaborators include: Jason Shenai (Millennium Images), Pippa Oldfield (Impressions Gallery), Susan Bright (free-lance curator and writer), Helen James (National Portrait Gallery) and Karen McQuaid (The Photographers Gallery).