Photography

Name: Photography, MA
Price: £9,000 per year GBP

Attendance

Campus

Start

Duration

1 year

Start

September 2024

Delivery

In-person

The MA Photography programme offers an in-depth, creative and socially engaged postgraduate level education in the practices of contemporary photography. From darkroom practice and professional development through to a final degree show, we will nurture your visual development and critical thinking.

We live in a visual age. Photography, as well as images and visual artefacts, plays a huge role in how we see and understand a range of issues in the past, present and future. Through a mix of practical and research-based modules, the MA will support the visual and critical development of your practice, helping you to bring ownership to your ideas whilst creating visually exciting and intellectually stimulating visual work.

Through a blend of taught lectures and independent practice, supported by workshops, tutorials and field exercises, you will be encouraged to develop work that focuses on your strengths and interests while having the support and encouragement to think about how photographs are created, used, discussed and shared in our increasingly visually rich world.

Why study with us

Outstanding facilities and staff within our purpose-built Media Factory building, a hub for the creative industries.
You’ll get to use industry-standard digital cameras and a digital photography IT suite with large format scanners, exhibition-quality digital printing facilities, and computing suites equipped with the latest software packages.
We have three photography studios equipped to a standard that makes them comparable with any modern professional studio. We also have excellent darkroom facilities and our own photography base-room.

Interested?

Download

Slide 1 of 5

Skye by Daniel Oyegade, Photography MA Student

What you'll do

There will be opportunities to attend guest lecturers by leading practitioners, editors and curators, helping you to build links with industry professionals.
Opportunities to work on live briefs for real clients, enabling you to gain relevant professional skills and experience.
Our intensive workshop sessions will enable to you attain the relevant skills and undertake visual problem-solving while developing your understanding of industry expectations, skill levels and how to further your career.

Modules

Compulsory modules

These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.

The Contemporary Image

This module will help you build an awareness of the critical issues and debates related to contemporary photography and visual culture. You will develop your knowledge and mastery of methodologies appropriate to your own practice. You'll develop a critical understanding of how we see society and the world as a multi-faceted site of enquiry and you'll identify the appropriate communication techniques for effective and innovative digital storytelling.

Module code: PH4038

Research Informed Practice

In this module, you'll focus on understanding research methods, especially with visuals, and learn about challenges in using visuals in different spaces. You'll actively join research aligned with your practices, using a critically supported academic approach. This prepares you to independently conduct research, evaluate findings, and present information in your practice. The module aims to boost your professional growth, improving employability and resilience in the sector. By the end of the course, you'll be ready for various job opportunities with a strong skill set and knowledge gained through practical learning.

Module code: PH4041

Ways of Seeing

Final Major Project

In this module, you get to research a topic related to your practice using a critical approach. It helps you learn to research, evaluate, and present information independently. The module supports innovative work in a master's level photographic project, where you apply research methods. You'll present your project or exhibition as part of your MA, showcasing your professional work in the context of current photography debates.

Module code: PH4043

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Slides 1 to 2 of 5

Future careers

The MA in Photography will help you prepare for a professional or academic career in photography and related visual fields.

Our graduates have gone on to work as freelance fashion photographers, sports photographers and in digital editing and filmmaking amongst many other successful and varied careers.

Fees and funding

2024/25

Full-time£9,000 per year

Part-time£1,000 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£16,900 per year

Additional costs

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

Select your country/region

Dependants Bursary
Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of our financial support package. 
Find out more about Dependants Bursary
Carers Bursary
If you need extra support because you have unpaid caring responsibilities alongside your studies.
Find out more about Carers Bursary
Sports scholarships
We offer student athletes support and opportunities for their playing careers whilst they study a high-quality degree.
Find out more about Sports scholarships
Alumni Loyalty Discount
UK students with a previous award from us will receive 20% tuition fee discount.
Find out more about Alumni Loyalty Discount

Learning and assessment

This course is delivered through a variety of methods to suit the required learning – so not only in a classroom but also out in the field. Critically-based lectures and seminars will give you a sound grounding in photographic skills and the work of contemporary practitioners working in a politically and socially complex world.

Practice is at the core of the programme and we’ll encourage you to be innovative and experimental. You’ll get to make use of our excellent facilities, including industry-standard digital cameras, studios and computing suites.

Your work will be assessed in a number of ways: practical work, fieldwork, presentations, essays, workbooks and a dissertation towards the end of the course.

Industry links

We have great industry links - our students have gone on placements with organisations such as V&A, Vogue, Guardian Media, Ilford and Rankin as well as going on to win international photography awards The course gives you the chance to work with a range of local, national and international organisations, and you’ll also get to attend lectures by visiting speakers and have your own practice reviewed by industry professionals.

Pathway opportunities

Interested?

Download

This course is based in the School of Arts and Media

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page

Your saved courses

Photography

Why study with us

Degree Show

Gallery01 / 05

What you'll do

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

The Contemporary Image

Research Informed Practice

Ways of Seeing

Final Major Project

View our course facilities

Future careers

Fees and funding

Additional costs

Scholarships and bursaries

Dependants Bursary

Carers Bursary

Sports scholarships

Alumni Loyalty Discount

Learning and assessment

Industry links

Pathway opportunities

Photography

Why study with us

Degree Show

Gallery01 / 05

What you'll do

Modules

Year 1

Looking to start your postgraduate journey?

View our course facilities

Adobe Creative Cloud

Future careers

Fees and funding

Additional costs

Scholarships and bursaries

Dependants Bursary

Carers Bursary

Sports scholarships

Alumni Loyalty Discount

Learning and assessment

Industry links

Pathway opportunities