COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Photography degree at Cardiff Met is structured to develop students into skilled, creative, and professional photographers capable of producing work with conceptual, technical, and aesthetic sophistication. In the first year, students gain a strong foundation in photography through modules such as Photography Fundamentals and Photographic Perspectives, focusing on camera handling, studio practice, darkroom and digital techniques, and the exploration of visual languages and genres. Students also develop core academic research skills and interdisciplinary working abilities, learning to reflect on their practice and consider the societal, cultural, and historical contexts of their work. In the second year, the Creative Photographic Practice module enables students to expand their individual creative expertise, experiment with narrative, context, and contemporary photographic practices, and build a cohesive portfolio of work. Complementary modules in interdisciplinary problem-solving, real-world contexts, and research proposals further prepare students to engage with live briefs, industry challenges, and independent enquiry. In the final year, Professional Photographic Practice focuses on strategic project planning, portfolio development, and career readiness, allowing students to produce high-quality, audience-specific work and demonstrate intellectual depth. Positioning in Practice and Contribution modules support students in reflecting on their professional identity, consolidating research and analytical skills, and preparing for a successful career or further study in photography and related fields.