Program Overview

Socially Engaged Photography

Overview

This postgraduate MA course explores the power of photography when working with real communities to co-author meaningful culture. Delivered through a partnership between the University of Salford and Open Eye Gallery, the course focuses on the social applications of photography and how it can be used to help communities and causes to share their message.

Course Details

• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: One year, Two years
• Next Enrolment: September 2025

Introduction

Photography has become the most pervasive medium through which individuals share their lives on a daily basis. This new programme explores the power of photography when working with real communities to co-author meaningful culture.

Course Structure

The course is divided into three trimesters:

• Trimester 1: Creative Research Methods, Exploring Theory and Practice
• Trimester 2: Developing Socially Engaged Photography Practice, Real World Context
• Trimester 3: Definitive Practice

Assessment

• Practical Projects: 60%
• Reflective Writing: 30%
• Presentations and Exhibitions: 10%

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars/Workshops
• Tutorials
• Situated Learning (e.g., 'live projects')
• Independent Learning

Employment and Stats

• Employment: This Master's community photography course is built around preparing you for a career in the arts, applying your expertise in socially engaged photography and visual representation to real-life projects.
• Further Study: Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further academic research path through our doctoral (PhD) programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.

Requirements

• Standard Entry Requirements: To join this MA you should have a second-class honours degree, 2:2 or above.
• International Students: If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5.
• Alternative Entry Requirements: Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Fees

• Full-time Home: £9,100 per year (2025/26)
• Full-time International: £17,000 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Books
• Stationery
• Printing
• Binding
• General Subsistence on Trips and Visits

Scholarships for International Students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.