Since it was established by Magnum photographer David Hurn in 1973, the Documentary Photography degree has established itself internationally as one of the premier courses at which to study documentary photography. USW has a history of 100 years of photography, and over 40 years of teaching Documentary Photography behind us.
Our definition of ‘documentary’ is broad. It blends the traditions of documentary storytelling with the most exciting innovations in contemporary photography. On this Documentary Photography degree, you’ll learn how to think critically and independently, and you’ll gain the technical skills to communicate your ideas in the most effective way.
Students and graduates from the Documentary Photography course regularly win the industry’s most prestigious awards. Lua Ribeira and Sam Laughlin were joint winners in the 2017 Jerwood/Photoworks Award. Lua Ribeira was also runner up in the prestigious 2016 Bar Tur Photobook Award. Daragh Soden made the Irish Times ’50 People To Watch In 2017’ list. Previous winners included Sam Ivin, (Student Work Category of PDN’s Photo Annual 2015); Yasmin Balai, (second in IAFOR Documentary Photography Award) 2015 and Mira Andres (winner of the ESPY Award 2015).
The Documentary Photography course was recently featured in the prestigious British Journal of Photography. The course was the only UK course to feature in this special edition on excellence in European photographic education.
Follow Documentary Photography on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
| UCAS Code | Study Mode
2019 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7G84 | Full-time | 3 Years | September | Cardiff (ATRiuM) | B |
| UCAS Code | Study Mode
2020 |
Duration | Start Date | Campus | Campus Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7G84 | Full-time | 3 Years | September | Cardiff (ATRiuM) | B |
On this Documentary Photography degree you’ll learn how to work independently as a documentary photographer, be able to photograph con dently around subjects that interest you and develop research skills for picture essays on a range of subjects.
Subjects are photographed over extended periods and you’ll be expected to produce work to professional standards. Live projects include collaboration with photo book designers and internationally active visiting photographers. Thefinal year is seen as a professional year. You’ll produce an ambitious body of work and respond to a live professional brief to prepare you for the photographic industry.
Year 1 - Documentary Photography degree
Year 2 - Documentary Photography degree
Year 3 - Documentary Photography degree
Throughout the Documentary Photography course you will be assessed on practice-based modules, supplemented by self-reflective and context-based analysis. You will receive clear and detailed feedback that will help you reflect on, and develop your strengths.
This is supported by individual tutorials, seminars and workshops around business practice and professional skills.
The comprehensive photographic facilities include:
Paul Reas, Documentary Photography Course Leader
Lisa Barnard, Senior Lecturer
David Barnes, Senior Lecturer
Dr Eileen Little, Senior Lecturer
Prof Mark Durden
The entry criteria below shows the qualification range within which the University will make offers. Most offers we make are at the top of the range, but we take all aspects of an application into consideration and applicants receive a personalised offer. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable.
An interview supported by a (physical printed) portfolio are required for the Documentary Photography course. The portfolio should evidence your interests in documentary photography or photojournalism and demonstrate your desire to study Documentary Photography.
BCC - CDD to include a relevant art and design subject (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C/D in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CD at A Level with a relevant art and design subject (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit - Merit Merit Pass in a relevant subject (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points).
Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with higher grades of between 655-445 to include a relevant higher subject (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points)
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits overall – the credits should equate to between 106-80 UCAS tariff points (examples below)
45 Level 3 credits equating to 15 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 6 Passes in a relevant subject (106 UCAS Tariff Points)
45 Level 3 credits equating to 12 Distinctions, 6 Merits and 27 Passes in a relevant subject (80 UCAS Tariff Points)
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances
We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees in full or by payment plan.
This course is eligible under the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme for Ex-Armed Forces personnel.
International Scholarships are available for self-funding international students.
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Kit (Uniform and Equipment) * | £250 - £1000 | Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera with interchangeable lens option - this to start the academic year and to be used as main camera for production. |
| Field Trips * | £300 - £400 | Year 02 Network week events in Amsterdam and London/Brighton |
| Field Trips * | £300 - £400 | Year 3 Paris Photo Trip. |
| Materials * | £1000 - £1500 | Cost of printing papers/film etc. over a three year period. |
| Other: | £400 - £1500 | PC or Mac computer capable of image and video editing and storage/processing of images |
| Other: * | £500 - £1000 | Costs of producing final year publication and fabrication of graduate show work - cost is dependent on nature of work and aims of student regarding next step in career/employability |
Apply via UCAS if you are a UK/EU residing applicant, applying for year one of a full-time undergraduate degree, Foundation Year, Foundation Degree or HND and you have not applied through UCAS before. If you are applying to study part-time, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution, please apply directly.
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK/EU.
Graduates from the Documentary Photography course work in diverse areas, as commissioned photojournalists, working regularly for many of the world’s leading magazines, or as photographic artists, publishing and exhibiting at international galleries such as Tate Modern and participating in events including the Venice Biennale. They also work as picture editors and researchers, working for magazines like GQ and institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery.
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
Our Cardiff Campus is right in the city centre – the perfect home for our creative industries students. We’ve just finished a new phase of campus investment and development, so we can offer even more specialist facilities.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
