| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-02-01 | - |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
| 2026-02-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Photography MA by Research at the University of Gloucestershire is a two-year program that allows photographers to explore innovative practice through original work. Students develop advanced research skills, produce a sustained body of photographic work, and gain experience for professional practice or further academic study. The program features a supportive and stimulating academic environment, with teaching from experienced and research-active staff. Graduates can pursue careers in artistic practice, creative industries, academia, and art education.
Program Outline
Photography MA by Research - University of Gloucestershire
Degree Overview:
The Photography MA by Research is a two-year program offering photographers the opportunity to explore innovative practice as research through the production of original work. It allows students to develop their practice from a coherent research process, demonstrating a critical appreciation of the context of production and siting. By drawing upon and extending existing literature and practices, students can create an original contribution to knowledge within the field of photography.
Objectives:
- Develop advanced research and critical thinking skills.
- Produce a sustained body of photographic work that contributes to knowledge.
- Conduct research within a supportive and stimulating academic environment.
- Gain skills and experience for professional practice or further academic study.
Outline:
The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to research and develop their own photographic practice. It consists of two main components:
- Independent research: This forms the majority of the program and involves students undertaking individual research projects leading to the production of original photographic work.
- Taught modules: Students will take a range of taught modules that support their research, covering areas such as research methods, critical theory, and professional practice.
Modules:
- Research Methods and Design: This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and carry out their research projects.
- Critical Theory in Photography: This module explores key theoretical frameworks and approaches within the field of photography.
- Professional Practice in Photography: This module considers the professional context of photographic practice, including issues such as marketing, self-promotion, and copyright.
Course Schedule:
- Year 1: Focuses on developing research skills and critical thinking, preparing for the Independent Research Project.
- Year 2: Emphasizes the independent research project, culminating in the creation and presentation of original photographic work.
Assessment:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These include:
- Independent Research Project: This is the main assessment component, accounting for a significant proportion of the overall grade. It involves the creation and presentation of a body of photographic work, accompanied by a written dissertation.
- Taught Modules: These are assessed through a variety of means, including essays, presentations, and projects.
- Participation and engagement: Active participation and engagement in seminars, discussions, and workshops are also considered during the assessment process.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and research-active staff who are experts in their respective fields. Teaching methods include:
- Seminars: Encourage discussion and debate among students and faculty.
- Workshops: Provide hands-on learning opportunities for students.
- Individual supervision: Offer personalized guidance and support for students' research projects.
- Guest lectures: Expose students to a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
- Independent study: Enables students to pursue their research under their own initiative.
Careers:
Graduates of the Photography MA by Research program can pursue careers in a variety of areas, including:
- Artistic practice: Research can inform and enhance ongoing studio practice, exhibitions, publications, or commissions.
- Creative industries: The program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge for roles in the creative industries such as galleries, museums, or publishers.
- Academia: The program prepares graduates for further academic study, leading to PhD research or teaching positions in higher education institutions.
- Art education: The program equips graduates with skills and knowledge for roles in art education, including teaching, curriculum development, or community art projects.
Other:
- Students have access to the amazing facilities and equipment at Hardwick Campus.
- The program encourages collaboration and networking with fellow students and faculty.
- Opportunities exist for students to exhibit their work and engage with the wider photography community.
- Research areas include Landscape Photography, Photography and ecology, Documentary photography, and Photojournalism.
- Recent research projects include "Intuition, expertise and judgement in the capture and assessment of photographic images including digital photos and imaging" and "Indecisive Moments: an exploration of the photograph in relation to the temporal dimension of liminality."
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK Fees:
- £5,100 per year
