Photography - MA (UK) full-time
Course overview
The MA Photography course focuses on the fields of international photojournalism, documentary and travel photography and is designed in particular for postgraduate students who wish to develop their knowledge and skills to pursue a career in these areas.
You will explore issues of photographic culture, image economies and visual representation and develop an understanding of how the practice of making photographic images is affected by these issues in terms of both your approach to the subject and the style of your photographs. You will apply your learning through a series of practical assignments.
The course is designed to be accessible to professional photographers and photo educators studying part-time as well as those wishing to study full-time and complete in a single year.
Fact file
| School | School of Arts, Media and Education (SAME)
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| Award | MA |
| MAS code | 0118-D (UK) |
| How to apply | Please apply directly to the University of Bolton using the standard university application form.
Please give one reference in section 11 - and the details of a second referee in section 12.
Please visit our 'how to apply for a taught postgraduate course' web page for details. |
| Mode of attendance | Full-time |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Start dates | September |
| Entry requirements(typical offer) | You should have one of the following: at least an upper second class honours degree (2.1) in photography; or at least an upper second class honours degree in any subject and significant professional experience in the industry; or at least an upper second class honours degree in a related subject with a major project in photography.
Special consideration will be given to candidates who do not have these qualifications but who have significant experience in the field of photography and are able to present a strong portfolio as part of their application.
You will be required to present a portfolio of photography and examples of written work, to be discussed/assessed at interview, demonstrating your suitability and aptitude for the course.
After your application has been received you will be contacted for an interview for which you will be required to present a portfolio and examples of written work.
At interview you should bring: i) a physical or electronic folio of your work; ii) a copy of your final BA dissertation or other research.
We are looking for you to demonstrate a clear style and commitment to the area of study. Please edit the folio down to around 20 pictures including at least one picture story.
You will be required to show original copies of your highest qualification certificate before starting the course.
If English is not your first language you will need a recognised English language qualification at the appropriate level for this course, i.e. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. |
| Tuition fees | Please contact Student Data Management Fees Enquiries on +44 (0)1204 903406 or +44 (0)1204 903059 for details. |
| Awarding body | University of Bolton |
| Location | University of Bolton:
Deane Campus, Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5AB
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About the course
The course is delivered through a combination of intensive workshops and online teaching reflecting communication methods used in the modern industry. The programme is supported by group discussions, seminars and individual tutorials.
You will carry out assignments in the areas of photojournalism, documentary and travel photography for the first two modules then specialise in one of these areas for the final module.
The full-time course is one year in duration which is divided into three terms.
In term one you will consider a range of practical and ethical issues that have an impact on the practice of photography by researching four research questions. You will explore these issues through readings, lectures, discussions and practical assignments.
In the first half of term two, you will plan for two picture stories, one travelogue and one issue based, which you will then go on to shoot in the second half of the term. This work will be based on a further four research questions. At the end of term two, you will edit and discuss your projects with professionals, peers and tutors leading to preparations for continuing one of the two projects into term three.
In your final term you will have 10 weeks to expand your work in progress into a substantial body of work with ‘The Book’ module in which you will have the opportunity to develop a photographic book on a personally researched theme. You will negotiate a learning contract with your tutor from which the final project will be assessed.
What you will learn
You will gain a critical understanding of the key issues in contemporary photography and how these affect the process of making images, specifically in the fields of photojournalism, documentary and travel photography.
The type of issues you will study include image libraries and the commercialisation of the photo market, the changing nature of picture news gathering and photojournalism, issues of ethics and social responsibility in photography and the importance of meaning and context in photo images. The insight you gain from this study will inform your approach to taking photographs.
You will study the work of contemporary practitioners in these areas of photography and the relationship between their work and the markets they supply.
In addition, you will develop an appreciation of the practical requirements of planning, research and preparation for photography assignments.
Entry to the course is based on the assumption that you are a technically proficient photographer. It is important to note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the technical skills to complete the practical work.
What you will study
You will study five modules for the MA Photography.
Photography, Cultures and Representation (2 modules). These modules are studied in term one and cover: Research and Study Skills for MA; Photographic Culture - theories of visual representation, the influence of the photographer on the photograph, cultures and photography; Photojournalism - image economies, photography and ethics, the image and development, practical engagement in storytelling through photo essays.
Travel, Photographic Documentaries and History (2 modules). These modules are studied in term two and cover: Photography and Travel - histories of photographic journeys, relationships of the image to the travel industry, practical engagement in photo travelogues; Documentary Photography - critical engagements with histories of photography, practical and theoretical studies of photographic archives, photography and social memory
Your study on these modules is based on eight research questions, four for each module. These questions may vary slightly from year to year. Visit our 'research questions' web pages to see a list of the research questions for last year.
‘The Book’ module will give you the opportunity to develop a photographic book on a theme you have researched.
Visit our 'staff profiles' web pages for more information about the tutors who will be teaching on the course.
Careers and professional development
For both aspiring and practicing photographers, the MA in Photography will enable you to understand and interact with international image markets.
The degree is specifically aimed at equipping you to work in different cultures and publish your work in a range of domestic and international publications.
The course will also provide opportunities for you to progress to a career in photographic education or continue into further study at research degree level.
Studying this course will also help you to develop a number of career-enhancing skills in addition to your subject specific knowledge and understanding. These include: interpersonal skills; research skills; oral and written presentations skills; independent working; and time and project management skills.
On graduation you will automatically become a member of the University’s alumni association, gaining access to a wide range of the University's facilities, including the library, journals and periodicals, as well as professional and employment advice throughout your career.
Related courses
Open days
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Further Information
For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:
Ian Beesley
(Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903362
E-mail: I.Beesley@bolton.ac.uk
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