| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2024-05-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Falmouth University's online MA in Photography prepares students to become versatile image makers through industry-standard briefs, theoretical approaches, and rigorous research. The program emphasizes critical thinking, diverse photographic exploration, and ethical responsibility, equipping graduates for careers in the creative industries and beyond.
Program Outline
Photography MA (Online) - Falmouth University
Degree Overview:
This online MA prepares you to become a versatile and innovative image maker. Through industry-standard briefs, theoretical approaches, and rigorous research, you will:
- Develop your critical thinking and photographic skills.
- Explore diverse possibilities within contemporary photography and visual culture.
- Create work that is critically informed, compelling, and ethically responsible.
- Refine your creative voice and target new audiences and markets. By graduation, you will be comfortable with:
- Implementing new methodologies.
- Embracing professional practice and sustainable development.
- Taking your photographic practice to the highest levels in the creative industries and beyond.
Outline:
This program consists of four modules and a Final Major Project: You will analyze the importance of research, reflect on core themes in visual culture, and refine your interests as a practitioner.
- Sustainable Strategies: This module delves into the presentation methods and impact of photography. You will explore creative strategies for production, resolution, and publication, while considering the role of interdisciplinary approaches in your work. You will also critically analyze the social, political, and ecological landscapes, learning to engage new audiences. You will have the opportunity to work on commissions, placements, and live briefs set by clients. You will also get the chance to collaborate with peers on projects.
- Final Major Project: This module allows you to conduct a research project and present it to a public audience. You will work on a continuous project over two study blocks, gaining valuable feedback from peers and your supervisor. You will demonstrate your increasing research capabilities and benefit from guest lectures by industry experts.
Assessment:
All assessments are conducted online and may include:
- Coursework with no formal examinations.
- Oral presentations.
- Collaborations on live client briefs.
- Individual projects, reports, and public presentations.
Teaching:
The program enjoys the expertise of a research-active academic team from the Institute of Photography at Falmouth University. The team offers a wide range of subject expertise and facilitates networking opportunities across the creative industries. You will also benefit from a constant stream of guest lectures by leading figures in the field of photography.
Careers:
Photography career paths are diverse. Our graduates use the skills, network, and portfolio built during the program to advance their careers in various ways:
- Winning awards, commissions, bursaries, and residencies.
- Gaining new commercial clients.
- Securing permanent roles as photographers within the industry. This internationally recognized master's degree also prepares graduates for roles outside of the creative industries. While the program is designed with career progression in mind, those who are studying primarily for personal development are also welcomed.
Other:
- The program offers three start dates per year: January, May, and September.
Falmouth University
Overview:
Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.
Services Offered:
Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.Student Support:
The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Employability Service:
Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.Student Voice:
The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.Study Abroad Exchanges:
Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.Virtual Experience:
Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:
Accommodation:
Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.Open Days:
Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.Freshers' Week:
A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.Student Clubs and Societies:
A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.Location:
Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry Connections:
Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Professional-Grade Facilities:
The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.Inspiring Location:
Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.Focus on Employability:
Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.Academic Programs:
Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:
Art & Design:
The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.Games:
Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.Business & Marketing:
The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.Computing:
Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.English, Journalism & Writing:
The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.Performance, Theatre & Music:
Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.Entry Requirements:
Qualifications:
- EU/UK Students: An honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field is typically required. However, if you have significant professional experience in photography, you may also be considered.
- Overseas Students: As above, an honours degree or equivalent is required. If your qualification is from outside the UK, it must be deemed equivalent to a UK honours degree by the UK ENIC agency. Additionally, you may need a higher level of English language proficiency than UK/EU students (see "Language Proficiency Requirements").
Portfolio:
All applicants, regardless of nationality, must submit a digital portfolio of their photographic work. It should:
- Clearly showcase your technical abilities and visual aesthetic.
- Demonstrate your current areas of focus within photography.
- Include captions or brief descriptions explaining the context and significance of each included image.
- If you don't meet the standard entry requirements but have significant professional experience, you may be considered on an individual basis.
- The program welcomes applications from international students.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
The program is taught in English, so all applicants must have a strong command of the language. If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your proficiency by achieving the required minimum scores on one of the following English language tests:
IELTS:
Overall score of 6.0 with at least 6.0 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
TOEFL iBT:
Overall score of 88 with at least 21 in all 4 components (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking).
LanguageCert ESOL B2 Communicator:
High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking (2 parts). The University also accepts a range of other recognized English language qualifications.
- You may be able to receive an exemption from taking an English language test if you have completed a qualifying degree taught in English or are from an English-speaking country.
