Entry requirements

Degree: 2:2 Honours degree in photography or related Honours degree from UK or equivalent qualification.

Interview and a portfolio are required for entry.

Consideration given to alternative degree qualifications to applicants with creative industries' work experience.

We consider applications for prior learning which fulfils some of the learning outcomes of a course for admission with credit to an appropriate point on that course.

Students can apply either before or after they commence the course.

IELTS: Score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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.

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.

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

In order to achieve an MA in Photography you will require 180 credits at Level 7. However, you are also able to exit this programme with 60 credits and achieve a Postgraduate Certificate in Photography, or 120 credits, obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Photography at Level 7.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

In order to achieve an MA in Photography you will require 180 credits at Level 7. However, you are also able to exit this programme with 60 credits and achieve a Postgraduate Certificate in Photography, or 120 credits, obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Photography at Level 7.

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiries
Email
cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)1772 892400