BA (Hons) Documentary Photography in Cardiff United Kingdom | University of South Wales

Founded in 1973 by Magnum photographer David Hurn, the BA Documentary Photography program has grown into one of the world's foremost courses for documentary photography and photojournalism. Our students share a deep commitment to visual storytelling across social issues. We provide personalized guidance to help you develop compelling, unique photographic projects on subjects you care about. The curriculum offers hands-on experience in fine art printing, photobook creation, exhibition design, digital narratives, documentary filmmaking, and other essential skills. Our graduates have earned recognition across the photography field: working as photojournalists for top agencies like Associated Press, contributing to major publications including The New York Times, National Geographic, and Time Magazine, while receiving awards, staging exhibitions, and publishing acclaimed photobooks. Notable achievements include Lua Ribera's Magnum agency nomination (making us the only European program with this distinction), Tobias Zielony's representation of Germany at the Venice Biennale and Deutsche Boerse prize, Jack Latham's Bar Tur Photobook award, Sam Laughlin's Jerwood/Photoworks Award win, and Leo Maguire's Grierson Trust documentary film honor. The BA Documentary Photography program forms part of USW's documentary pathway, alongside the MA Documentary Photography and The European Centre for Documentary Photography for doctoral studies.

Our alumni pursue diverse careers as magazine photojournalists, exhibiting artists at venues like Tate Modern and the Venice Biennale, or as visual editors and researchers for publications such as GQ and cultural institutions including the National Portrait Gallery. Many graduates continue their academic journey through PhD programs and research degrees.