Photography MA
Our practice and research-based course will challenge you to explore, question and evolve as a photographer
/267x0:1633x1000/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/pg---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/arts-and-creative-industries/MA-Photography.jpg)
Viewing course details for 2024 year of entry
- Code
- PGW613
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Start
- September 2024
- Fees
- £10,500 (UK)* £16,800 (INT)*
- Duration
- 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- Course Leader
- Camilla Brown
- Study mode
- On campus, Online
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Placement year
- Yes
- School / Department
- School of Film
Overview
|
This course can be studied either in person, by distance learning or through a flexible mix of both modes. Please complete the same application form and we’ll contact you to understand your preference. |
|---|
Our practice and research-based course will challenge you to explore, question and evolve as a photographer. The course provides you with a creative and energetic working environment in which to produce a major photographic project using some of the best traditional and state-of-the-art facilities in the UK, encouraged and supported by world-class academic and technical staff.
Why study MA Photography* at Middlesex University?
At Middlesex, our practice-led approach to photography ensures you spend your postgraduate studies fully immersed in both making work and thinking about its connections with wider photographic discourse. Through a series of photographic projects, or a single large project, you will experiment with both new and traditional photography and whether behind a camera, in post-production or reflecting critically on your practice, you will be thoroughly supported by a staff team of research-active, photography practitioners. Access to diverse range of professional photographers, guest lecturers and technical advisers, will further enhance both your knowledge and skills of photography, as well as your exposure to the wider industry.
Online delivery and technical support will allow you to continue to produce industry-standard digital work in addition to the hands-on experience that you will gain through access to high quality resources in our dedicated art and design building. With Apple Macintosh Pro workstations, A2 Epson printers, Hasselblad film scanners, studios, as well as a range of darkrooms including colour, black and white, and digital, you'll have everything you need to push yourself to your full potential and take the next step towards a stimulating and successful career.
Course highlights
- Masterclasses and workshops from high-profile speakers such as Rhiannon Adam, Adrian Bradshaw, Rachael Burns, Julian Calder, Brian Harris, Cheryl Newman, Martin Parr, Kate Peters, Ingrid Pollard, Simon Roberts, Nicola Shipley and Jem Southam
- Access to some of London's best photography resources, including the V&A Print and Drawing Study Room.
- Explore subjects through photography (and possibly video), with development of skills across Adobe Creative Cloud
- Strong focus on professional presentation skills, in both digital and print form
- Access to networking opportunities and world-leading research and expertise.
About your course
Through a combination of practical and theoretical work, you will study the technical, contextual and historical elements of all forms of photography. You will study the equipment and techniques used to produce professional photographs in industry. What will you gain? You will further develop your skills and experience in taking professional photographs, whether in a fully-equipped studio or on location. You will also learn to use photography as a medium of communication, and develop the ability to conceptualise and create photographic projects for commercial and artistic purposes. You will be prepared to make professional use of the equipment, tools, cameras and software regarded as the industry-standard in creative industries worldwide.
This module aims to facilitate a process of open exploration and experimentation in practice, with a view to you negotiating a viable, well positioned, ethically sound MA proposal by the module end. The module aims to familiarise students with key debates in historical and contemporary photography, with a particular focus on questions of ethics and on the visual strategies taken up by photographers in the communication of ideas. Through both formative and summative assessments and through on-going discussion, debate and reflection, the module further aims to support the development of advanced level communication skills, criticality and professional practice.
This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the research methods and materials pertinent to the contexts of your creative practice. Designed as a set of specialist elective seminar courses, led by a variety of researchers within the university, this module allows the student to experiment and learn first-hand about the methods and materials used by the researcher and to gain and apply insights into knowledge at the cutting edge of Visual Arts and Design, and relate this to your own emerging research interests.
This module aims to deepen your knowledge and skills in the critical review of influential research pertinent to the contexts of their creative practice. Designed as a set of specialist elective seminar courses, led by a variety of researchers within the university, this module allows you to experiment with new areas of knowledge and deepen their critical understanding of the wider contexts for their creative practice.
This module aims to develop you into a confident researcher and communicator and to provide a showcase opportunity for the student to engage in peer review and public debate as a means for professional development and consolidation of the research scope, methods, context, and practice of their Master’s project.
This module aims to:
- Enable students to define their aspirations and set personal and professional goals
- Support students in developing a new body of their own art work
- Facilitate an engagement with the structures, economies and practices that constitute London’s contemporary Fine Art scene.
On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to show a body of work-in-progress, and have an understanding of how and where they might promote it in order to continue their professional development.
This module aims to:
- Enable the student to further engage with the structures, economies and practices relevant to their work
- Empower students to set realisable goals appropriate to their development as London based artists
- Identify steps for reaching those goals, in the context of dialogues with an expanding network of contacts and interlocutors.
On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to devise and describe a plan of action specific to the continued development of their practice and research, as well as be able to identify and negotiate opportunities for progress.
This module aims to:
- Enable students to reflect on, consolidate and further extend their understanding of their practice, based on their learnings throughout the course
- Enable students to fully engage in the further development of their practice over an extended period
- Facilitate the realisation of the student’s identified specialist goals
- Support students in perfecting delivery of their artist’s talk.
On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to demonstrate technical expertise and research skills appropriate to their art practice, give a sophisticated live presentation about their work in the form of an artist’s talk and describe a career development strategy to achieve their goals.
More information about this course
See the course specification for more information about typical course content outside of the coronavirus outbreak:
Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
Register your interest
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.
We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we've learnt in recent years, by enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning.
This course is divided into five modules taken over three semesters (if studied full time). Each module is designed to be flexible, allowing you to bring your own photography interests to the assignments while extending the boundaries of current photographic practice through experimentation, research, analysis, and creative exploration.
MA Photography is delivered through a combination of in person and online teaching. It can also be studied either as a one year full-time degree or as a two-year part time degree. Please note that if you intend to apply for a student route visa to study this course, you will only be able to undertake the MA as a full-time student.
|
Learning structure: Typical hourly breakdown |
|||
|
1. |
Live learning |
Contact time per week, per level: |
Part-time: 5 hours Full-time: 10 hours |
|
2. |
Self-paced learning time |
Average hours per week, per level: |
Part-time: 5 hours Full-time: 10 hours |
|
3. |
On demand resources |
Average hours per week, per level: |
2 hours |
Outside of these hours, you’ll be expected to do independent study where you read, listen and reflect on other learning activities. This can include preparation for future classes. In a year, you’ll typically be expected to commit 1200 hours to your course across all styles of learning. If you are taking a placement, you might have some additional hours.
Definitions of terms
- Live in-person on campus learning – This will focus on active and experiential sessions that are both:
- Led by your tutors including seminars, workshops and demonstrations We’ll schedule all of this for you
- Student-led by you and other students, like small group work and presentations.
- Live online learning – This will include lectures, tutorials and supervision sessions led by your tutor and timetabled by us. It also includes student-led group work that takes place online
- Tutor set learning activities – This covers activities which will be set for you by your tutor, but which you will undertake in your own time. Examples of this include watching online materials, participating in an online discussion forum, completing a virtual workshops or reading specific texts. You may be doing this by yourself of with your course mates depending on your course and assignments. Outside of these hours, you’ll also be expected to do further independent study where you’ll be expected to learn, prepare, revise and reflect in your own time.
Your skills, knowledge and understanding will be entirely assessed by coursework including practical projects, oral presentations and supporting written work. There are no exams.
You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.
Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.
You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
/0x0:1050x1407/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug-courses/facilities/north-london-campus-banner.jpg)
North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreCareers
How will MA Photography support your career?
This course will prepare you for a diverse range of careers within the creative and photographic industries, from commercial organisations to photojournalism and the arts. With strong links to art and design employers in the UK and abroad we support the individual ambitions of every one of our students while they are studying with us and after graduation.
Our graduates are recognised worldwide for their high quality work in photography with several students achieving remarkable success soon after graduating. These include winning entries in the British Journal of Photography’s recent Portrait of Britain competition, finalists in the National Portrait Gallery Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, and a winner of the Sony WPO Student Focus Award.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- We normally require a good honours degree 2:1 or above, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject
- We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications
- Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate three years' relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.
Eligibility
UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.
Academic credit for previous study or experience
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.
Qualifications
We accept the equivalent of the below requirements from a recognised overseas qualification.
- We normally require a good honours degree 2:1 or above, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject
- We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications
- Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate three years' relevant work experience and the ability to study at postgraduate level.
To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant Support in your country page.
If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest Regional office for support.
Visas and immigration
You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our Visas and immigration page for further information.
International students who require a Student route (formerly tier 4) visa to progress on a course at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. However, this course is offered part-time so you are eligible to apply on a part-time basis.
Part-time study
Changes to the Immigration Rules introduced in January 2018 now allows international applicants to apply for Student route (formerly tier 4) visas for part-time postgraduate study (courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or SCQF level 11 and above).
Student route visa students studying part-time are subject to certain restrictions:
- no work (paid or unpaid)
- no work placements as part of the programme
- no dependants
- no extending under Student route visa in the UK. This includes Student route visa applications to work as a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer or for the Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists
- not eligible for the Student route visa Doctorate Extension Scheme
*Please note that, if the course of your choice involves work experience, unpaid work, placements or internships, we will be unable to sponsor you to study a part- time course under the Student route (formerly tier 4) visa.
English language requirements for international students
You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components). We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications.
If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive Pre-sessional English course.
Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions
Entry onto this course requires an interview and a portfolio. Please view the how to apply tab for more information.
Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. Please visit our Postgraduate application page for further information and to apply.
Portfolio review
The application is just the first step in our selection process. You are required to submit a portfolio of your art and design work. We may also invite you to an interview. We’ve put together some simple notes to help you prepare:
- Be selective about the work you show while continuing to show a range of skills and ability
- Show mostly recent work that you are most proud of
- Consider how to present your work and the impression the overall look of your portfolio will have on the viewer
- We like to see lots of work but don't overfill your portfolio - you should be able to carry it by yourself!
- You do not need to bring large pieces of 3D work, photographs are sufficient
Sketchbooks are extremely important. They should be a 'diary' of your thinking and include observational and speculative drawings/sketches communicating a visual sensitivity. We also look for evidence of how you develop and work through your ideas. Include photographs and collected images and importantly your reaction to them, but avoid letting your sketchbooks be merely scrapbooks.
Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. Please visit our Postgraduate application page for further information and to apply.
Portfolio review
The application is just the first step in our selection process. You are required to submit a portfolio of your art and design work. We may also invite you to an interview. We’ve put together some simple notes to help you prepare:
- Be selective about the work you show while continuing to show a range of skills and ability
- Show mostly recent work that you are most proud of
- Consider how to present your work and the impression the overall look of your portfolio will have on the viewer
- We like to see lots of work but don't overfill your portfolio - you should be able to carry it by yourself!
- You do not need to bring large pieces of 3D work, photographs are sufficient
Sketchbooks are extremely important. They should be a 'diary' of your thinking and include observational and speculative drawings/sketches communicating a visual sensitivity. We also look for evidence of how you develop and work through your ideas. Include photographs and collected images and importantly your reaction to them, but avoid letting your sketchbooks be merely scrapbooks.
Fees and funding
The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.
UK students*
Full-time students: £10,500
Part-time students: £70 per credit
Part-time students: £35 per dissertation credit
International students*
Full-time students: £16,800
Part-time students: £112 per credit
Part-time students: £56 per dissertation credit
*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide.
For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.
The following course-related costs are included in the fees:
- A free electronic core textbook for every module,
- All printing and copying required for your study,
- Self-service laptops available for loan for a maximum of 24 hours,
- Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders.
- Credit is given for specialist printing in the Digital Darkroom up to certain amount for each year of the programme
- Entrance fees to some exhibitions
The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you may be required to purchase these to complete the course. The costs are approximate and may change due to changes in pricing at the retailer:
- Film for projects
- Colour film processing
- Travel for some projects and to exhibitions
- Optional Field Trips
- Camera equipment
- Any additional books you wish to purchase
- Portfolio boxes
- Framing and mounting for any exhibition
As an undergraduate alumnus continuing postgraduate studies at Middlesex, you are eligible for an alumni award worth 20% off your fees.
Get answers from our Unibuddy student ambassadors
/212x0:1688x1000/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/pg---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/arts-and-creative-industries/Place-Branding-MA.png)
/138x0:1762x1100/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/pg-courses/Digital-journalism.jpg)
/138x0:1762x1100/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/pg---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/arts-and-creative-industries/Fine-Art.jpg)
/138x0:1762x1100/prod01/channel_3/media/middlesex-university/courses-images/ug---course-masthead-images/2024X2f25/arts-and-creative-industries/Creative-Writing.jpg)
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.