Photography/Art History

In studying Photography and Art History at Aberystwyth University you will not simply be studying the history of great art and artists, but will create, curate and exhibit your own photographic artwork. Our School of Art is one of the highest-ranking art departments in the UK, situated in a magnificent Edwardian Grade II listed building overlooking Cardigan Bay, where history meets practice and the traditional meets the contemporary. You will have access to an internationally-renowned collection of art and artefacts, comprising some 20,000 prints, photographs, drawings, paintings and ceramics, all housed within our very own government-accredited art museum with its own galleries. Photography and Art History at Aberystwyth University promotes critical thinking and an expansive approach to the study of art history, while furnishing you with an applied knowledge and practical experience of the techniques of photographic image capture and reproduction, ensuring that you graduate with the skills and attributes you will need to flourish in your chosen field.

Why study Photography and Art History at Aberystwyth University?

You will have access to the extensive art and artifact 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.

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.