MA Photography

Program Overview

The MA Photography program at Arts University Bournemouth emphasizes the intersection of art and commerce, fostering advanced skills in diverse photography specializations. Through independent learning, project-based coursework, and industry collaborations, students develop a distinctive visual voice and prepare for successful careers as professional photographers, educators, or researchers. The program offers flexibility in study options and access to state-of-the-art facilities, supporting students in reaching their full potential in the competitive photography industry.

Program Outline

MA Photography at Arts University Bournemouth: Deep Dive

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• Become a practitioner at the forefront of photography.
• Develop advanced skills in diverse areas like advertising, documentary, editorial, fashion, portrait, and fine art photography.
• Blend practice, theory, and professionalism to cultivate your potential and reach the peak of your chosen field.

Program Description:

• Emphasis on independent learning, crucial for continued professional development and career advancement.
• Flexibility to study full- or part-time, starting in September or January (full-time only).
• Expand your potential market by applying genre practices across contexts, like applying documentary aesthetics to advertising or fashion.
• Encouragement to forge industrial links across organizations relevant to your chosen specialization.
• Learn to manage and exceed client expectations by applying academic understanding to creating inventive, marketable work.

Outline:

Structure:

• Three equal-sized units:
• Defining Practice: Methodologies, Contexts & Experimentation
• Master's Project 1: Investigation & Exploration
• Master's Project 2: Resolution, Presentation & Evaluation
• Flexibility to run one major project across Master's Project 1 and 2 or produce a different project for each.
• Project-focused course building towards a portfolio of self-initiated practical assignments supported by written commentaries.

Content:

• Draws upon diverse subjects like Graphic Design, Illustration, Film, Animation, Fine Art, and Fashion.
• Encourages collaboration within the postgraduate community and potential post-graduation links.
• Promotes industrial links and working on live projects as part of your Master's study.
• Opportunities for highly creative post-graduate outcomes leading to career development possibilities.

Faculty:

• Professor Paul Wenham-Clarke, Course Leader (PhD, MA, FBIPP, FHEA)
• Pauline Ferrick-Squibb, Senior Lecturer (MA, PGCE)

Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on the intersection of art and commerce in photography.
• Focus on photography as a powerful communicative tool.
• Encouragement to take risks and push boundaries to reach new heights.

Careers:

Potential Paths:

• Professional photographer in various specializations (advertising, documentary, editorial, fashion, portrait, fine art).
• Freelance photographer working independently or collaborating with agencies.
• Photographer within organizations or studios.
• Photography educator or researcher.

Opportunities:

• Building a strong portfolio to showcase your skills and attract potential clients or employers.
• Networking with industry professionals through collaborations and projects.
• Access to career advice and support from the university.

Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-equipped to pursue successful careers in the competitive photography industry.
• Alumni have achieved recognition and success in various photography fields.

Other:

• The course encourages students to respond to the ever-changing context of photography and find their distinctive visual voice.
• The university provides state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment to support your learning.
• Access to numerous studios, location kits, high-end digital cameras, retouching suites, digital and large format printing facilities, and black and white darkrooms.
• The course offers a unique blend of traditional and digital photography practices.

Additional Information:

• The course welcomes students with a broad range of qualifications and experiences.
• Interviews are conducted to assess potential and suitability for the program.
• For the most up-to-date and detailed information, please refer to the official course website or contact the university directly.