BA (Hons) Documentary Photography

13 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2027

Course Leader David Barnes
Course Team Sebastian Bruno, Lisa Barnard, Karin Bareman, Gareth Phillips, Jude Wall, Eileen Little
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions University of South Wales
Modes of Study Full Time

Document Version

Version 8
Valid From 13 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

QAA Benchmarks

The design of this programme has been broadly informed by the Leitch Review (2006) and more specifically by the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Additional guidance comes from QAA Subject Benchmark Statements 2008.http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement---Art-and-design-.aspxThe review group for the 2008 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement Art and Design included the Association of Photography in Higher Education (APHE). The defining principles of this subject benchmark states that learning in the subject should develop:• The capacity to be creative• An aesthetic sensibility• Intellectual enquiry skills in Team-Working• An appreciation of diversity• The ability to conduct research in a variety of modes• The quality of reflecting on one's own learning and development• The capacity to work independently• Determining one's own future learning needs

Educational Aim

  1. To facilitate and inspire the acquisition of appropriate knowledge and understanding of a documentary photography practice.
  2. To develop the necessary personal attributes and mastery of the essential skills and techniques, which will equip and prepare students for continuing personal development, creative endeavour and professional practice.
  3. To provide opportunities for the development of a broad range of industry-relevant transferable skills, with particular emphasis on communication, social, technical and entrepreneurial skills.
  4. To develop and apply sound ethical and working practices and professional responsibilities relating to documentary photography.
  5. To develop and apply analysis and reflection in relation to the critical, historical, conceptual and ethical dimensions to the critical discourse surrounding documentary photography.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Articulate and synthesise knowledge and understanding, attributes and skills in effective ways in the contexts of creative practice, employability and enterprise, preparation for further study/research.
A2 Develop, apply, consolidate and extend learning and creative processes in different contexts within the field of documentary photography and related work practices.
A3 Develop subject specific and generic knowledge and understanding of creativity and attributed skills and apply them with confidence and authority within professional contexts.
A4 Produce work that is informed by critical, contextual, historical and ethical dimensions within the practice of documentary photography and its related areas.
B1 Critically engage with personal, peer and industry practice and articulate reasoned arguments through reflection, analysis and evaluation with reference to academic and/or professional issues, debates and conventions.
B2 Locate, retrieve, evaluate and draw upon a range of data and apply to practical and theoretical study through sustained independent enquiry.
B3 Summarise and communicate information, arguments and analysis effectively, using a variety of forms and techniques within the field of documentary photography.
B4 Use a range of techniques effectively to critically analyse and synthesise information, proposing solutions to problems, in the field of a documentary photography practice and within a work context.
C1 Demonstrate qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring personal responsibility and decision making, including time management, self-motivation, personal initiative, organisational skills, planning, strategising and responsibility.
C2 Negotiate, work with others, communicate, take responsibility, function in an ethical and professional manner.
C3 Demonstrate professional/vocational subject area skills that included detailed knowledge and experience in the use of industry standard equipment and software, the organisation and planning of events, complex processes and use of resources.
C4 Research and marshal evidence of professional practice within documentary photography and evaluate current professional/vocational skills and opportunities for development.

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
FH1S47 MOD011609 What is Documentary? Running 20 specified
FH1S48 MOD011611 Documentary Themes Running 20 specified
FH1S49 MOD011618 Photographer as Observer Running 20 specified
FH1S50 MOD011619 The Narrative Running 20 specified
FH1S51 MOD011622 Digital Storytelling Running 20 specified
FH1S52 MOD011623 Documentary Contexts Running 20 specified

Level 5 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
FH2D07 MOD011625 Framing Documentary Running 40 specified
FH2D08 MOD011632 Documentary and the Publication Running 40 specified
FH2S43 MOD011630 Documentary Industries Running 20 specified
FH2S48 MOD012656 Finding Your Place Running 20 specified
FH2S48W MOD013435C Finding Your Place Running 20 specified

Level 6 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
FH3D15 MOD011635 Project Portfolio Development Running 40 specified
FH3D16 MOD011633 Negotiated Practices Running 40 specified
FH3S27 MOD011634 Preparation for Industry Running 20 specified
FH3S31 MOD012660 Critical Catalogue Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

LecturesThe course is delivered flexibly to suit changing needs. This approach is used to cover a range of teaching activities including lectures, project briefings, equipment demonstrations and guest speakers. SeminarsSeminars are used regularly throughout the duration of the course and are conducted in both practical and contextual modules. Seminars encourage interactions between students and help enhance their thought processes and idea generation skills. TutorialsIndividual and small group tutorials provide an opportunity for the students to sharpen their critical skills and to foster collaborations. GroupworkBoth practical and contextual modules and extra-curricular activities provide opportunities for students to engage in group-work throughout the course. Assessment of group or collaborative outcomes is done on an individual basis through evaluative reporting (oral, visual and written) in presentations, Project Development Folders etc. Project SupervisionUsed extensively across all three years. Typically, this occurs during seminars/tutorials during the “making” stages of their practical modules. Practical Classes and WorkshopsPractical classes and workshops expose the students to industry-standard equipment, software and their application. External Visits (including fieldtrips)External visits and fieldtrips are an opportunity for students to engage with the professional world of documentary photography. Throughout the three years of study we aim to conduct trips to various events in the UK and overseas. Directed Study (including Online Learning)Directed study allows students to plan and carry out project work with the support of staff. Learning and teaching is supported on-line through the provision of learning materials. Comprehensive briefs are provided for each module, which outline its theme, aims and objectives, content of taught sessions, suggestions for research, and assessment requirements. Students are provided with a course handbook, study and assessment timetable on-line. Independent StudyIndependent study is time in which students are expected to undertake self-directed learning via practical work, research, or other forms of activity. This may contribute directly towards an assignment or serve to broaden their subject knowledge. Exceptional students will far exceed the minimum requirements of the course by undertaking sustained periods of independent study. Formative assessment-scheduledWork is assessed formatively throughout the period of the academic year in order that both tutor and student can monitor progress.

Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers

The course has a diverse range of professionals from industry supporting the teaching of academic staff. Students also have access to, and benefit from, a wide range of visiting speakers within the photography and art subject area. In addition to this, the faculty regularly invites speakers from a wide scope of disciplines in the creative industries covering TV, Dance, Media, Music as well as Design. Students are encouraged to attend cross faculty events where speakers from other specialist areas share their expertise; this encourages networking beyond the students’ immediate discipline. A valuable contribution to students’ engagement with professional activity is provided through attendance at conferences organised by members of the teaching team.

 

Volunteering

Students are actively encouraged to engage with the USW Careers Service which includes volunteering opportunities, workshops and events. Students may also engage in volunteering opportunities through industry engagements organised by the course teaching team..

 

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an integral feature of the documentary photography course. Students liaise with organisations outside the University to undertake coursework on location and to exhibit documentary photography practice.

 

Fieldtrips

Students are given opportunities to take part in field trips on the course and are actively encouraged to take part. Participation in field trips can extend the students’ knowledge, skills and ambitions as they pursue their studies.

 

Work Placements

Students are encouraged to explore opportunities for work placements, which can take a variety of forms, from vacation-based work to in-term activities which must be planned carefully to ensure they are able to fulfil the requirements of modules.

The Grad Edge scheme also provides additional support and recognition for students who undertake work-based activities.

 

Work-based Learning

The course includes numerous opportunities for work-based learning through exhibition and publication of documentary practice in various forms, and through their exposure to industry through various course activities.

 

Sandwich Years

The course does not offer a formal sandwich year.

 

Employer Forums

The course maintains a continuous and proactive dialogue with industry partners and professionals within the field of documentary photography. The course also engages in wider industry events such as conferences and symposiums. This ensures that staff and students benefit from access to professional practice and research which is at the forefront of the discipline.

Means of Assessment

  • Portfolio
  • Oral Presentation
  • Essay
  • Project Output
  • Written Assignment
  • Presentation
  • Practical

Learning Support

Induction

During the induction period students are welcomed to the course and given an overview of forthcoming opportunities. A number of activities are provided, to give a chance for them to get to know the teaching team and other students. There will also be opportunities to become familiar with the spaces, facilities and equipment available to them.

 

Personal tutor

Every student is allocated a Personal Academic Coach (PAC) who is available to discuss any issues related to their academic progress. These sessions are set out as required in the faculty PAC system relative to updates in the scheme also working with the learner analytics support. This tutor can also advise provide details on specific types of support that are available for any personal matters impacting on their studies.

 

Office hours

Generally, there is usually at least one member of staff in the studio or adjacent office. The students will also be informed of when set office hours are available for drop in sessions and tutorials for specific coursework.

 

Tutorials

Tutorials are an important component of teaching within documentary photography as the course requires the development and resolution of independent practice. The format of tutorials is flexible and designed to suit individual need within a constructive critical context.

 

Seminars

A seminar is normally a discussion with a tutor in which a small group of students can discuss their progress together. This is often more beneficial as students get an opportunity to see what other students are doing and build their confidence in providing constructive support to others. This format of learning is valuable within all course modules..

 

Formative Assessment

Due to the practical nature of documentary photography, formative feedback for coursework is on-going and takes place within the context of seminars and tutorials. Formative assessment is also provided in response to the submission of first drafts for theoretical modules.

 

Progress meetings

Projects leading to exhibition and/or publication depend heavily upon regular group milestone meetings, these are facilitated by the module’s teaching team and cover aspects such as planning, progress, critique and the monitoring of individual contributions to the project.

 

Research Supervision

Students are expected to work with increasing independence within the third year of the course. Alongside taught sessions, module leaders will provide points of contact for students undertaking Project Portfolio Development and the Critical Paper module. In addition to taught sessions, contact with students is maintained via email, Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and scheduled meetings.

 

Online Resources

The course makes use of the VLE to provide students with course information, learning materials and resources. The course also maintains social media presence. Students are encouraged to develop their own on-line resources and to share content with others.

 

Advice Centres

The Student Advice Zone is in the Library on the ground floor of the Cardiff campus. Students can have most queries answered here, or make an appointment to see a specialist advisor on matters relating to finance, health and wellbeing, as well as support with study skills.

 

DDS Service

The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDS) provides a confidential and professional service where students can discuss individual requirements.

USW is committed to providing a quality support service. Responsibility for their education remains with students, and their choices and preferences will be respect.

 

IT/Library

IT and media resources are a common thread behind many of the activities which help to enhance students’ learning experience, such as their online student account (giving access to email, printing and payments and more), UniLearn (the online learning environment), open access to computers on each campus, printing services, and media equipment.

USW has a strong commitment to providing technology-based learning environments to support students. Whether studying on campus, at home or elsewhere, students have web access to their course materials anytime and anywhere.

The recently refurbished Library is where students can get the help of librarians who can offer advice on finding resources for their course. The library contains a wide range of books including copies of every set or recommended text for each of their modules. USW also provides access to journals related to the discipline so students can keep up to date with the latest thinking and developments.

There is also a periodicals collection with newspapers and magazines. Many of these resources are also available digitally.

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3. Final
Certificate of Higher Education 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 Intermediate
Diploma of Higher Education 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 120 credits at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 credits at Level 3. Intermediate

Progression Route

Graduates will be able to progress into a range of graduate-level roles within documentary photography and associated creative disciplines. Most typically graduates from the course establish freelance careers.Graduates can also progress into further study through MA Documentary Photography or other masters-level provision at either USW or an alternative higher education provider.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

A-levels – BCC

A-levels plus Welsh Bac – BC+C@WB

B-Tec -- Distinction/Merit/Merit

GCSE Requirements – Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English language (or equivalent qualifications)

Clearing -- A level: CDD; BTEC: Merit/ Merit, Pass; A level+WB: CD+C@WB

Access to HE -- Pass with 15 Distinctions from, a further 21 Merits and 9 Passes. Other combinations equating to same level of UCAS tariff points are also acceptable.

All applicants are invited to interview.

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

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Methods Of Quality Standards

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Quality Of Standards Indicators

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