Photography MA (Online)

Course Overview

Push your practice in bold and experimental directions on Falmouth’s online Photography master’s course. Supported by award-winning lecturers and working with diverse peers from across the globe, you will enhance your critical thinking and learn how to make photographic work that explores and communicates challenging themes and ideas.

Why Study This Course at Falmouth?

• Join Falmouth’s renowned Institute of Photography from your own location on an established course designed specifically for online study
• Collaborate on industry-standard briefs with a global community of creative practitioners
• Develop skills required to excel professionally, along with the research abilities and theoretical approaches to underpin your work
• Expand your learning and your professional network at our optional in-person events

Course Details

Modules

• Positions and Practice
• Informing Contexts
• Sustainable Strategies
• Collaboration and Professional Locations
• Final Major Project (MA only)

Module Details

Positions and Practice

This module enables you to locate your practice within the broad contexts of professional contemporary photography.

• You will consider the importance of research in both academic and industry contexts, and critically reflect on core themes in contemporary visual culture.
• Through discursive activities with staff and peers, as well as self-directed research and personal reflection, you will analyse your practice in relation to specific themes and articulate your practical and conceptual intentions as an image-maker.

Informing Contexts

You will be introduced to the themes and debates that are fundamental to the study and consumption of imagery and will increase your understanding of how contemporary practice is enriched through critical and theoretical contextualisation.

• You will consider your own practice in relation to historical, philosophical, and ethical perspectives around visual culture, helping you develop an informed and sophisticated photographic practice.

Sustainable Strategies

This module considers the myriad ways in which photography can be presented, and how its form influences how it is received and understood by audiences.

• You will explore the many creative strategies involved in the production, resolution, and publication of photographic work, and consider the possibility of interdisciplinary approaches in the making and presentation of your own creative output.
• Alongside this you’ll consider how your practice and research connects with the broader social, political and ecological landscape, and begin to engage new audiences with your work.

Collaboration and Professional Locations

This module strives to increase your understanding and appreciation of the roles, relationships, and responsibilities that can play a major part in progressing and sustaining your creative practice.

• As part of this, you will be encouraged to undertake commissions and work placements during this module, and to devise or engage in photography and visual arts initiatives relevant to your work.
• You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate on a live brief with a small group of peers.

Final Major Project (MA only)

This module provides you with the chance to produce a critically and professionally informed research project and deliver it to a public audience.

• You will submit a proposal outlining a scheme of work and the critical contexts surrounding your project.
• You’ll then work continuously on the module over the course of two study blocks, working closely with your peers and supported by your supervisor.

Learning and Support

• How online study works
• How will I study online?
• How will I be assessed?
• Resources and support

Meet the Team

Professional standards and practice are at the core of this online master’s course, which is delivered by a research-active academic team from the Institute of Photography at Falmouth University.

Careers

There is no ‘typical’ route for career development as a photographer, but our graduates use the skills, network, and the portfolio they develop during the programme to advance their careers in various ways: winning awards, commissions, bursaries and residencies; gaining new commercial clients; and securing permanent roles as photographers within industry.

How to Apply

• Speak to us about the course
• Apply now
• Entry requirements
• Language requirements
• Deadlines
• Early Bird discount

Fees, Costs & Funding

• Tuition fees
• Typical course costs
• Postgraduate funding

Contact Us

Do you have questions about the course or studying online with Falmouth? Fill in our simple online form and we’ll get in touch to support your application journey.

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Photography MA (Online) - Falmouth University

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Degree Overview:

This online MA prepares you to become a versatile and innovative image maker. Through industry-standard briefs, theoretical approaches, and rigorous research, you will:

• Develop your critical thinking and photographic skills.
• Explore diverse possibilities within contemporary photography and visual culture.
• Create work that is critically informed, compelling, and ethically responsible.
• Refine your creative voice and target new audiences and markets.
By graduation, you will be comfortable with:
• Implementing new methodologies.
• Embracing professional practice and sustainable development.
• Taking your photographic practice to the highest levels in the creative industries and beyond.

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Outline:

This program consists of four modules and a Final Major Project: You will analyze the importance of research, reflect on core themes in visual culture, and refine your interests as a practitioner.

• Sustainable Strategies: This module delves into the presentation methods and impact of photography.
You will explore creative strategies for production, resolution, and publication, while considering the role of interdisciplinary approaches in your work. You will also critically analyze the social, political, and ecological landscapes, learning to engage new audiences. You will have the opportunity to work on commissions, placements, and live briefs set by clients. You will also get the chance to collaborate with peers on projects.
• Final Major Project: This module allows you to conduct a research project and present it to a public audience.
You will work on a continuous project over two study blocks, gaining valuable feedback from peers and your supervisor. You will demonstrate your increasing research capabilities and benefit from guest lectures by industry experts.

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Assessment:

All assessments are conducted online and may include:

• Coursework with no formal examinations.
• Oral presentations.
• Collaborations on live client briefs.
• Individual projects, reports, and public presentations.

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Teaching:

The program enjoys the expertise of a research-active academic team from the Institute of Photography at Falmouth University. The team offers a wide range of subject expertise and facilitates networking opportunities across the creative industries. You will also benefit from a constant stream of guest lectures by leading figures in the field of photography.

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Careers:

Photography career paths are diverse. Our graduates use the skills, network, and portfolio built during the program to advance their careers in various ways:

• Winning awards, commissions, bursaries, and residencies.
• Gaining new commercial clients.
• Securing permanent roles as photographers within the industry.
This internationally recognized master's degree also prepares graduates for roles outside of the creative industries. While the program is designed with career progression in mind, those who are studying primarily for personal development are also welcomed.

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Other:

• The program offers three start dates per year: January, May, and September.

Falmouth University

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Overview:

Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.

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Services Offered:

Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.

Student Support:

The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Employability Service:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.

Student Voice:

The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.

Study Abroad Exchanges:

Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.

Virtual Experience:

Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:

Accommodation:

Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.

Open Days:

Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.

Freshers' Week:

A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.

Student Clubs and Societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.

Location:

Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry Connections:

Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Professional-Grade Facilities:

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.

Inspiring Location:

Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.

Focus on Employability:

Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.

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Academic Programs:

Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:

Art & Design:

The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.

Games:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.

Business & Marketing:

The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.

Computing:

Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.

English, Journalism & Writing:

The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.

Performance, Theatre & Music:

Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.