MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, from all over the world. MA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography attracts students who apply direct from an Honours degree course, or a professional or academic qualification recognised as equivalent to an Honours degree, or those with other, equivalent qualifications.

Graduates of all disciplines may apply, although most students have a background in Arts and Humanities. You must be socially aware, inquisitive, self-motivated and passionate about a career in photojournalism or documentary photography. Relevant professional experience or work experience in the industry is increasingly important.

Educational level may be demonstrated by:

• Honours degree (named above);
• Possession of equivalent qualifications;
• Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required;
• Or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

• Related academic or work experience
• The quality of the personal statement
• A strong academic or other professional reference
• OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

For fees and funding information, please see website 

The track record for this course is excellent. For many years, graduates have had considerable success at the UK student documentary photography prizes. Alumni of the course are working around the world for leading photographic agencies, freelancing for the world's leading editorial publications and exhibiting internationally.

Autumn, Term 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. 

Spring, Term 2

• 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.

Summer, Term 3

• 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. You will have feedback before the summer break, so you are well-placed to create the work.
• Major Project (60 credits) 
  The Major Project unit begins at the start of your summer term. Through a series of workshops, and interactive sessions, you will be able to hone your idea for your Major Project, prior to photographing over the summer. 

Autumn, Term 4

• Major Project (continued)
  This final phase of the course aims to consolidate your learning experience during the previous units through the completion of a Major Project. This will involve both the production of a major body of documentary/photojournalistic work and a related critical report. You’ll be expected to apply the methodologies developed on the course and demonstrate evidence of a mature and considered personal vision. The final form of the work is flexible. Previous students have presented their work in the form of a book dummy or an exhibition, immersive website, a portfolio of images as prints, multimedia presentation or as a film. Your related report must reflect academic rigour and a critical approach to the finished work. The hallmark of our graduates is their ability to combine the personal with the political, in order that their stories touch their intended audience. You will work to refine a sensitive, ethically-minded, inclusive, passionate and intellectually rigorous body of work that demands to be seen.

If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards:

A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.