The Test Site Degree Show marks a significant milestone as the first graduating cohort of our new and innovative MA in Expanded Photography. This fresh, forward-thinking course builds on our long-standing reputation as a pioneer in photographic education. One that has consistently embraced experimentation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches. Rooted in both theory and practice, the Expanded Photography MA reflects our commitment to redefining photography’s role in contemporary visual culture.

This year’s graduates have embraced the course’s spirit of exploration, pushing the boundaries of what photography can be in a rapidly evolving world. Supported by expert tutors, world-class facilities, and a dynamic learning environment, our students have developed ambitious, thought-provoking bodies of work.

In this blog, we caught up with two graduating students who tell us a bit more about their projects and reflect on their journey and experience through the course.

Can you tell us about your final project and what inspired it?

Bing: My final project, All Rivers Flow into the Ocean, is a deeply personal journey of self-discovery. It traces my grandmother’s Japanese heritage and explores the broader history of my maternal family. Through themes of migration, belonging, and the question of “what is home?”, I use rivers as a metaphor for identity and connection. My journey follows the Yangtze River in China, flowing eastward to the Sea of Japan, in search of emotional and cultural clues that might explain the rootless feeling I carry in my heart.

Although the story begins with my grandmother, I believe these narratives echo across the globe—stories of displacement, memory, and healing. My interest in psychology inspired me to use photography not just as a creative tool, but also as a therapeutic one—a way to process intergenerational trauma and explore the invisible links between people and place.

As an international student, this journey came with unique challenges—navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and the logistical difficulties of shooting a long-distance project, while managing a demanding academic schedule. It required careful planning, time management, and personal sacrifice, but the process was ultimately transformative.

Alexa: My final project, Misread: A dyslexic Lens on Language, is about my experience with dyslexia. How I see it, how I live with it, and how I wanted others to feel what it’s like to navigate the world through it. I created a visual journey that draws people into that confusion of words, that disorientation, using photography as the medium.

I chose photography because, unlike language, it doesn’t come with strict rules. With English, there’s often a “right” way to do things. But photography offers freedom—it’s open, abstract, expressive. You can be literal or completely experimental, and it’s still valid. That creative freedom gave me the space to express something so personal in a way that felt true to me.

What has been the highlight of your time at Westminster?

Bing:  One of the most meaningful aspects of my time at Westminster was the guidance I received from my project supervisor, David Bate. His extensive practical experience and deep understanding of the field were invaluable. David had a unique way of supporting students, he encouraged us to sit with uncertainty, reminding us that creativity often begins in those moments of feeling lost. It was through this process that I realised I was the true author of my work, and that the final form was mine to define.

I am also deeply grateful to my tutors, Gavin and Ulrike, for their ongoing support throughout my studies. Their insights, patience, and encouragement helped shape not just my academic progress but also my personal growth. Words cannot fully express my appreciation for everything they’ve done.

Westminster’s resources played a crucial role in enriching my learning experience. Whether it was spending hours in the colour darkroom, experimenting in the printing room, or delving into the library’s extensive collections, I was constantly inspired to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues. The technical team and other tutors were always there with kind support and expert advice—thank you all for helping me grow as an artist.

Alexa: There have been so many highlights during my time at Westminster, but what really stands out is the incredible support from all the tutors and technicians. They’ve been so helpful, patient, and encouraging throughout the course. No matter how wild or ambitious my ideas were, the technicians were always ready to help bring them to life. Having access to such great equipment such as cameras, lighting, and studios really elevated the whole experience.

I chose this course because it was new and exciting. Coming from a film background, I wanted to explore photography in a different way, and this course gave me that opportunity. One of the best parts has also been getting to know my peers and visiting so many galleries together, it’s been inspiring to be surrounded by such creative minds and to experience art beyond the classroom.

What are your plans for the future, and how has Westminster supported you with these plans?

Bing:  My experience at Westminster has left me with a lesson that will guide me for the rest of my life. No matter where you are in life, it’s essential to discover what you’re passionate about and where your strengths lie. Once you find that direction, commit to it fully, draw from your surroundings, adapt, and keep moving forward.

That mindset has become the foundation of my future plans. Westminster didn’t just teach me about photography, it helped me understand myself, refine my goals, and gain the confidence to pursue them with purpose and creativity.

About Westminster

As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy, with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. Visit our website to find out more about our Art, Design and Visual Culture courses.