History of Photography

A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. A degree in art history is strongly recommended but is not an essential requirement.

The MLitt in History of Photography offers a unique opportunity to study the history of photography as a specialised field of research.

Highlights

• This innovative degree is inspired by the important role played by St Andrews in the early history of the most influential visual medium of the modern era.
• Students are introduced to the theoretical and methodological challenges and debates that photography’s multiple functions and contexts have provoked since its invention.
• Classes make full use of the outstanding photographic collections of the University Library and associated archives, such as that held by the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh.
• Small class sizes prioritise discussion with peers and interaction with the tutor.
• Students may apply to take part in a summer exchange programme with the École du Louvre in Paris. Students are expected to arrange and pay for their own travel and accommodation.

Teaching Format

The MLitt degree requires two semesters of full-time (or four semesters part-time) coursework, normally equivalent to four modules. Each module has a minimum contact time of 16 hours. The modules are taught as small group discussion seminars, with an average size of four to eight students in each group. Additionally, there may be class trips where relevant to the taught modules.

The assessment for the taught modules is based on coursework including:

• book reviews
• critical bibliographies
• visual analysis and object analysis essays
• reading journals
• research papers.

Modules