This degree is based (online) and at USW’s purpose-built campus, in the creative centre of Cardiff.

The University of South Wales is world-renowned for the study of Documentary Photography and our students and alumni are extremely well regarded within the photographic community: winning awards, exhibitions, and book publishing deals. With a focus on real-world engagement with social and political issues, this distinctive (online and on campus) MA offers an exploratory and lively engagement with the subject. It is characterised by an expansive understanding of photography, as well as its more traditional documentary forms, it encompasses networked imagery, data, archival material, audio, and moving image.

You will study online with the option of having a facilities access pathway, on campus at the University of South Wales. There will also be optional masterclasses delivered both on campus in Wales and internationally with our professional partners. Peer-to-peer learning and networking will form an important component of the course.

You will be taught by experts in the field of photography and engage with international visiting speakers and our cohort of scholars undertaking PhDs in photography as part of our European Centre for Documentary Research (ECDR).

The aim is to develop a strong, expansive and sustainable documentary practice that unites rigorous critical thinking with a body of work that you can confidently exhibit and publish. The MA will provide a strong foundation for developing a career as an independent documentary practitioner within the photographic industry.

This course places an emphasis on the philosophical and theoretical implications of photography, as we believe it is important to contextualise practice and enable clear communication to a variety of audiences.

CAREERS

USW's documentary photography masters is particularly popular among those wishing to pursue a career in documentary production and research, photographic exhibition, publishing, teaching or journalism.

Recent graduates have regularly exhibited their work and several now teach in higher education. A number are also undertaking PhD study.

The documentary photography course has an eminent list of alumni now working within the photographic industry, including freelance photographers and those who have set up their own businesses.

Graduates can also progress to a PhD or research degree.

Our Careers and Employability Service

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.