Photography / Art History

Why study Photography and Art History at Aberystwyth University? 

You will have access to the extensive art and artefact collections belonging to the School of Art at Aberystwyth University which will instill in you a practical hands-on knowledge and appreciation of art history.

The School of Art offers the opportunity for primary-source analysis through its fine collection of rare and original photographic prints which you will be able to explore and study at close hand. 

You will be taught by staff, photographers and curators who are very experienced in their respective fields.

You will learn the techniques and contemporary practice for the curation of exhibitions to museum standard and will present an exhibition of your photographic work in the School of Art galleries as part of your degree scheme.

The School of Art at Aberystwyth University is an Accredited Museum. Its collections have benefited greatly from the financial support of MALD (Museum, Archives and Libraries Division, Wales), the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, purchase grants from the Art Fund, the support of the Arts Council of Wales and both the Arts Council and Heritage Lottery Fund who have provided for proper storage and maintenance of the collections in safe and environmentally controlled conditions.

You will also benefit from access to the National Library of Wales (one of the UK’s five copyright libraries), which is adjacent to Penglais campus, and which holds a copy of all works published in the UK and the largest collections of portraits, maps and photographic images in Wales.

Our Staff

Our teaching staff are practicing professionals. As exhibiting artists, publishing researchers and curators, they provide an informed and stimulating learning environment. This ensures that the skills you learn at the School of Art are practice orientated, relevant and applicable.

For further information, visit our individual staff profiles.

The study of Art History has many practical applications. It promotes critical thinking and provides a sound foundation for careers in heritage, education, publishing, journalism, as well as curating and art administration. In studying Photography and Art History at Aberystwyth University you will acquire a range of skills applicable to numerous career pathways, including: Museum or Gallery assistant, Librarian, Teacher, Information officer, Magazine journalist, Newspaper journalist, Press photographer, Magazine features editor, Media researcher, Film/video editor and Web Designer.

What will I learn?

In the first year you will gain an awareness of the historical, national and socio-political context of art and visual culture through an appreciation of paintings and photography. You will acquire the appropriate visual and verbal vocabulary applicable to the interpretation of artworks, while gaining essential practical photographic skills.

In the second year you will examine Western art practice and theory in the Modern and Post-Modern period and assess the impact of new media in contemporary culture. You will extend your own photographic skillset, while acquiring the critical apparatus to evaluate photographic imagery as an art form.

In the third year you will have the opportunity to specialise in the history of art in Wales, gothic art, abstract art, illustration, sound as art or Impressionism, according to your preferences. You will develop your curatorial skills by preparing an exhibition of your own photographic work in the Graduation Show.

How will I be taught?

This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, demonstrations, and practical sessions.

Your photographic portfolio of prints will be accompanied by your working notebooks detailing your process experiments, image plans, drawings, written and visual material, demonstrating both thematic and technical research and experimentation in technique, format and media. Additional forms of assessment may include essays, presentations and exams.