MA History of Photography with Curating
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA History of Photography with Curating at Birkbeck, University of London, offers an in-depth exploration of photography's past and present, empowering students to critically analyze and interpret photographic images. The program combines historical and theoretical frameworks with practical curatorial skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, museums, galleries, and the creative industries. Students benefit from the expertise of renowned teaching staff and have opportunities for work placements and exclusive visits to photographic archives and exhibitions.
Program Outline
The program aims to develop your understanding of the complex relationship between photography and history, theory, and curatorial practices. It also empowers you to negotiate your individual path through these domains, be it academic, artistic, personal, or professional.
Objectives:
- Develop critical and analytical skills for interpreting photographic images.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of key theoretical frameworks and curatorial practices in photography.
- Create original and independent research projects on various topics related to the history and practice of photography.
- Develop professional skills for careers in academia, museums, galleries, archives, or the creative industries.
Description:
The program emphasizes the role of photography in various fields, including art, science, social history, and personal expression. It equips you with the necessary skills to analyze, interpret, and contextualize photographic images. You will also gain a solid foundation in curatorial practices, learning how to research, interpret, and present photographic collections. The program welcomes students with diverse backgrounds, including those with academic qualifications in art history, media studies, literature, and other disciplines. It also encourages active participation in the Birkbeck research culture and provides opportunities to engage with renowned experts in the field.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Explores the history of photography, ranging from the 19th century to contemporary digital cultures.
- Examines various theoretical frameworks, including semiotics, psychoanalysis, feminism, and post-colonial studies.
- Investigates the role of photography in diverse areas like art, science, social history, and personal expression.
- Equips students with analytical skills for interpreting photographic images.
- Provides foundational knowledge in curatorial practices, covering research, interpretation, and presentation of photographic collections.
Structure:
- Duration: Offered full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).
- Delivery: On campus, with evening classes.
- Assessment: Coursework-based, including essays, research projects, and a dissertation.
Course Schedule:
- Two compulsory modules (30 credits each) focusing on curating and historical frameworks.
- One optional module (30 credits) based on individual interests and career goals.
- A research exercise (30 credits).
- A 15,000-word dissertation (60 credits).
- Research skills workshops to support students' research capabilities.
Modules:
- Compulsory:
- Curating
- Frameworks: Histories and Theories of Art, Architecture, Photography
- Indicative Optionals:
- Art and Identity: 'Race', Ideology, Culture
- Art and Photography Since 1970
- Art Museums in a Global Age
- Contemporary Photography and the Index
- Curating Difficult Histories: Museums, Exhibitions, Art Activism
- Display, Exhibition and Spectacle in London, 1750-1850
- Exhibiting the Pain of Others: Museums, Violence and Memory
- Fashioning the Body
- Modernity's Waste Spaces
- Museum Cultures Work Placement
- Photography and the Brazilian 'Image World' circa 1840-1950
- Photography in the Archives: Issues for Nineteenth-Century Photography
- Queer and Black Photography in 1980-1990s Britain
- Silk Threads: Weaving Global Art Histories of Medieval Textiles
- The Book Unbound
- Visual Cultures of Disability
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Coursework-based assessment, including essays, research projects, and a dissertation.
- Research Exercise: 30 credits.
- MA Dissertation: 60 credits, focusing on a specific research topic within the field of history and practice of photography.
Assessment Criteria:
- Critical thinking and analysis.
- Depth and breadth of knowledge in the chosen field.
- Research skills, including sourcing and evaluating materials.
- Writing and presentation skills.
- Originality and creativity in research and analysis.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Combination of lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials.
- Lectures provide an overview of specific topics.
- Seminars encourage in-depth exploration and discussion.
- Practical classes and tutorials offer hands-on experience and individual feedback.
- Research workshops equip students with research skills.
- Option modules may include visits to relevant galleries, museums, archives, and libraries.
Teaching Staff:
- The program is taught by renowned experts in the field of history and theory of photography.
- Students benefit from the diverse expertise and research interests of the teaching staff.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Academia/teaching
- Creative arts, media, and photography
- Museum/gallery curator
- Photographer/press photographer
- Community arts worker
- Advertising art director
- Research and writing
- Cultural heritage management
Other:
- The program's curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current research and developments in the field.
- Students have the opportunity to engage in a work placement at relevant institutions, including the Jo Spence Memorial Library and Archive or other London museums, galleries, and archives.
- Students can participate in exclusive visits to photographic archives and exhibitions. With its strong emphasis on critical thinking, historical and theoretical frameworks, and practical curatorial skills, this program provides a solid foundation for a fulfilling career in various domains related to the history, theory, and practice of photography.
Part-time home students: £5,400 per year Full-time home students: £10,800 per year Part-time international students: £9,915 per year Full-time international students: £19,830 per year
Birkbeck University of London
Overview:
Birkbeck University of London is a public research university located in central London. It is known for its evening and weekend classes, catering to students who are working or have other commitments. Birkbeck is a member of the prestigious University of London and is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.
Services Offered:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Admissions:
Guidance on entry requirements, financial support, and application procedures.Student Services:
Support with academic and personal matters, including careers advice, financial aid, and disability services.Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources and study spaces.Business Services:
Support for businesses and entrepreneurs, including training, consultancy, and networking opportunities.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Birkbeck provides a vibrant and diverse student community with a strong focus on evening and weekend study. Students can expect:
Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students.Supportive Environment:
Dedicated student support services and a welcoming community.Career Development:
Opportunities for career advancement through internships, networking events, and career advice.Key Reasons to Study There:
Prestigious University:
Part of the University of London, renowned for its academic excellence.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes for working professionals.Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Research-Led Teaching:
High-quality teaching informed by cutting-edge research.Strong Career Support:
Dedicated career services to help students achieve their career goals.Academic Programs:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
History, English, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Sciences:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Sociology, Politics, Law, and more.Business:
Management, Finance, Marketing, and more.Humanities:
History of Art, Music, Theatre, and more.Other:
Birkbeck is committed to public engagement and research with impact. The university actively promotes its research findings and engages with the public through events, lectures, and publications.
Entry Requirements:
General Requirements:
- A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject or equivalent (e.g., professional experience).
- For students with a degree in a subject other than history of art, the one-year part-time Graduate Certificate in History of Art and Architecture can be used as a conversion course. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate with Merit will normally be guaranteed a place on this course.
- Applications are reviewed on individual merit, and professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered positively.
- The school actively supports and encourages applications from mature learners. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol.
- Students who meet the entry requirements but whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency. The required score for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For students whose first language is not English, the required score for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.