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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 12,775
Per year
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Photography
Area of study
Arts
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 12,775
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2024-10-01-
2025-02-01-
2025-10-01-
2026-02-01-
About Program

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

International Fees:

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Overview:

University of Gloucestershire is a public university located in Gloucestershire, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as degree apprenticeships and short courses. The university has a strong focus on graduate employability, with 95% of its students in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.


Services Offered:

The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:

    Accommodation:

    Guaranteed first-year accommodation on or near campus.

    Student Support:

    A range of support services, including academic, financial, and personal support.

    Student Futures:

    Career guidance and support services to help students find employment or further study.

    Students' Union:

    A vibrant student community with over 80 societies and sports clubs.

    Sport:

    A wide range of sports facilities and activities.

    International Support:

    Support services for international students, including visa and immigration advice.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

University of Gloucestershire offers a vibrant and supportive student community. Students can expect to:

    Join a vibrant student community:

    With over 80 societies and sports clubs, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and pursue interests.

    Live in modern accommodation:

    The university offers a range of accommodation options, including halls of residence and university-approved private housing.

    Experience a diverse campus environment:

    The university has campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering a range of cultural and social experiences.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    High graduate employability:

    95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.

    Guaranteed first-year accommodation:

    The university guarantees a place in halls on or near campus for all first-year students.

    Vibrant student community:

    With over 80 societies and sports clubs, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and pursue interests.

    Award-winning university:

    The university has been recognized for its teaching excellence and student satisfaction.

Academic Programs:

University of Gloucestershire offers a wide range of academic programs across various subject areas, including:

  • Accounting & finance
  • Architecture, construction & environment
  • Art
  • Biosciences
  • Business
  • Criminology & policing
  • Computing & cyber security
  • Design
  • Education & learning
  • Engineering
  • English & creative writing
  • Film, media & television
  • Game technologies
  • Geography
  • Health & social care
  • History, religion & philosophy
  • Hospitality, tourism & events
  • Journalism & communications
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Music & sound
  • Performing arts & production
  • Photography
  • Psychological sciences
  • Sociological sciences
  • Sport & exercise

Other:

The university has two main campuses:

    Cheltenham Campus:

    Located in the heart of Cheltenham, a vibrant town known for its festivals and cultural attractions.

    Gloucester Campus:

    Located in Gloucester, a historic city with a thriving arts and culture scene.

The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. It has been recognized for its efforts in these areas, including being awarded first place in the People and Planet University League 2023-24.

Total programs
202
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


Academic Qualifications:

  • PhD:
  • A master's degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.
  • MA by Research:
  • A good honors degree (typically a 2:1 or above) or equivalent in a relevant subject.
  • Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered.

Research Methods Training:

  • Applicants who do not possess a master's degree that includes research methods training at an advanced level are required to complete research methods training.

Additional Requirements:

  • All applicants will be interviewed to ascertain experience, aptitude, and current level of innovation, creativity, and critical thinking.
  • The interview will also identify a suitable supervisory team.
  • International Students:
  • IELTS 6.5 (6.0 writing, 5.5 all other components) or equivalent.

International Students:

IELTS 6.5 (6.0 writing, 5.5 all other components) or equivalent.


Additional Information:

  • The University actively encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Applicants can get in touch with the university by emailing admissions@glos.ac.uk to explore research interests and support.
  • For further information, visit the university's website: https://www.glos.ac.uk/course/rspho-phd-photography/
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