Photography MA (Online)

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. 

(30 credits)

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. 

(30 credits)

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.  

As you study, you’ll devise strategies and workflows that are conscious of material consumption and work towards professional, and ecological and environmental sustainability. 

(30 credits)

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. These briefs will be set by clients and allow you to gain experience with real industry challenges. 

(30 credits)

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. 

The project will be your opportunity to demonstrate increasing autonomy in respect of your research capabilities. 

You will also continue to benefit from the programme’s ongoing series of guest lectures by leading contemporary practitioners and industry experts. 

(60 credits)

How will I study online? 

You'll learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment. This is also where you'll find all key documentation, get course announcements and access extensive learning resources. 

You'll refine dynamic practices, spending 20-25 hours a week working on your craft. We incorporate optional in-person events for all our online students. There will be up to two per year and will typically run over a long weekend, to fit around your other commitments.  

Find out more about learning online

How will I be supported? 

You'll have weekly contact with faculty staff, and will be supported academically by Online Tutors throughout each module. If you need assistance with anything that isn't directly related to course material, a dedicated Student Advisor team will be on hand to help. You'll also have access to Falmouth University's excellent Employability Service. 

Assessment methods

All assessments are taken and submitted online.

Assessment methods for the master's degree in Photography can typically include:

• Coursework assessment with no formal examinations
• Oral presentations
• Collaborations on live, client briefs
• Projects, individual reports and public presentations

You can apply to begin your studies in September 2024 by selecting the relevant course route below:

Apply for MA

Apply for PGDip

You can apply to begin your studies in January 2025 by selecting the relevant course route below:

Apply for MA

Apply for PGDip

Qualifications

An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply. If you'd like to discuss our entry requirements, speak to an advisor. 

Portfolio

A digital portfolio of your current photographic practice. The portfolio should indicate both your technical aptitude and the quality and sophistication of your practice. 

You shouldn’t attempt to encompass a range of styles and genres of photography, but rather try to give the admissions team a sense of your practice specialisms and your interests as a practitioner. 

You should title or briefly caption each image in your portfolio, explaining - if necessary - how the image is indicative of your practice and why you have selected it. 

If you'd like to talk to us about your application, get in touch. 

If your first language is not English, you'll need to take an English Language test.  We accept:  

• IELTS - minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening  
• TOEFL iBT (online test) - minimum of 88 overall and at least 21 in all 4 components  
• LanguageCert (online test) - a High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2 parts) 

We also accept a range of other recognised English language qualifications.  You can visit our English Language Requirements page for more information.  

For more information about equivalent international qualifications or English language requirements please contact our friendly Course Advisors.