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MA MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (online)

  • DeadlineStudy Details: 2 years (90 weeks)

Masters Degree Description

MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography is a vibrant Master's course with an international reputation. It brings together research and practice for photojournalists and documentary photographers who want to take their practice to the next level.

Photojournalists have explored and recorded the human experience since the inception of the medium, recording significant moments in history, documenting unfolding news and creating enduring images that can change people’s understanding of the world.

The documentary approach is a slower, more reflective form of practice, which adds deep research to synthesise the complex global conditions you wish to address.

Whether you want to situate your work in news media, an art gallery, book or a public space, MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography offers you the opportunity to develop your existing skills and expand your creative practice.

With an emphasis on contemporary political and social issues, the course will engage you with the ethics of photographic practice as well as the aesthetics. 

Photojournalists and documentary photographers explore and record human experience. Beginning with figures like Henri Cartier-Bresson (regarded as the father of modern photojournalism), they have recorded significant moments in history, documented unfolding news and created images that have gained iconic status. Central to their work is the telling of a story through images.

This internationally-recognised course is aimed at people who want to pursue a career in photojournalism or documentary photography.
 

What can you expect?

Entry Requirements

Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:

  • Evidence of prior knowledge and/or experience of Photography that would indicate potential to successfully complete the programme of study.
  • Social awareness, inquisitiveness and passion about a career in photojournalism or documentary photography.
  • An ability to work on one or more projects over a sustained period of time and in an intimate and involved way (portfolio).
  • A journalistic and documentary awareness and an understanding of research and practice methodologies and a realistic idea of what makes a strong project (project ideas).

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Fees

See our website for fees

Student Destinations

Career paths

The track record for this course is excellent. For many years, graduates from the full-time mode have dominated the UK student documentary photography prizes.

Former students of the course are working around the world for leading photographic agencies, freelancing for the worlds leading editorial publications and exhibiting internationally. At least twelve books have been published by ex students.

Student jobs and careers

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.

Module Details

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and have embedded UAL’s Principles for Climate, Racial and Social Justice into this course.

Year 1

Photojournalism and Documentary Practice (40 credits)

In Photojournalism and Documentary Practice, you will examine the theoretical,  methodological and practical frameworks necessary for the research and production of successful photo and multi-media essays.

The unit explores the technical, aesthetic and journalistic aspects of the photo essay, including the generation of ideas, research, image making, picture editing and caption writing. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development and production of still images and/or multimedia stories, and students will be encouraged to develop their stories with an acute awareness of the broad and rapidly changing media industry. 

Histories and Theories of Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (20 credits)

This unit traces and analyses the development and historical context of photojournalism and documentary photography, identifying important practitioners and movements. This knowledge will support your ability to work ethically and make a positive contribution to future history.

Collaborative Unit (20 credits)

The Collaborative Unit offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with external organisations and practitioners. Working to real-time briefs, this unit equips you with new methods of working, which will be invaluable post-graduation. 

Rethink (20 credits) 

Rethink further develops your knowledge of the methodology of documentary and photojournalistic production, culminating in the production of larger scale photo essays, series or installations. This is underpinned by an emphasis on research principles, strategies and methods. 

Year 2

Rethink (20 credits) continued

Research Project (20 credits) 

The Research Project will consolidate your ideas for the Major Project in terms of your ethical approach, your theoretical and contextual framework, and your visual strategy. There are different options for submission, including academic essay, image-text and video essay. 

Major Project (60 credits) 

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