MA Socially Engaged Photography

Program Overview

Through hands-on community engagement, collaborative projects, and industry placements, students develop their creative practice and build a professional network in the field of socially engaged photography. The program culminates in a major project that showcases students' ability to create meaningful and impactful work that addresses social issues and empowers communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Name: MA Socially Engaged Photography
• Institution: University of Salford
• Delivery: Full-time or Part-time
• Duration: One year (full-time) or two years (part-time)
• Start Date: September 2024
• Overview: This interdisciplinary program explores the power of photography as a tool for social change and community engagement.
Students will learn to collaborate with real communities, develop their creative practice, and build a professional profile in the field of socially engaged photography.
• Objectives:
• Develop career-enhancing theoretical and practical knowledge and skills.
• Undertake a profile-raising practice-based research residency and showcase with Open Eye Gallery
• Validate your artistic practice within a bespoke national network
• Delivery: In partnership with Open Eye Gallery, the program offers a unique learning environment where students work with active practitioners, community groups, and academics.
This creates a dynamic space for exploring the role of photography in society and building professional networks.

Outline:

• Module Structure: The program is divided into three trimesters, each focusing on specific aspects of socially engaged photography.
• Semester One:
• Creative Research Methods:
Explores diverse research methods used in socially engaged practice, including project development, written work, and presentations.
• Exploring Theory and Practice: Examines the theoretical and practical issues surrounding socially engaged practice and the creative industries.
• Semester Two:
• Developing Socially Engaged Photography Practice:
Focuses on the agency of photography in the digital age, its position alongside the written word, and ethical considerations in creating social narratives.
• Real World Context: Provides real-world experience through an industry placement opportunity, allowing students to test their developing ideas and activities in a professional setting.
• Semester Three:
• Definitive Practice:
Culminating major project where students independently develop and present a sustained body of work grounded in their learning and research. The project can be a community-based event, exhibition, or another creative output.

Assessment:

• Continuous Assessment: Throughout the program, students are assessed through various methods, including:
• Practical Projects:
Comprise 60% of the overall assessment and demonstrate the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world projects.
• Reflective Writing: Comprises 30% of the assessment and involves critical reflection on the creative process and learning journey.
• Presentations and Exhibitions: Comprise 10% of the assessment and allow students to showcase their work to peers, professionals, and the public.
• Logbook/Sketchbook: Throughout the program, students maintain a logbook or sketchbook to document their progress, experimentation, and reflection.
• Major Project: The final "Definitive Practice" project serves as a significant portion of the overall assessment, encompassing both the practical output and its accompanying written rationale.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and encourage active engagement.
These methods include:
• Lectures: Introduce key concepts and theoretical frameworks.
• Seminars/Workshops: Facilitate in-depth discussions, collaborative learning, and skill development.
• Tutorials: Provide individual guidance and feedback on student projects and progress.
• Situated Learning: Real-world projects and placements offer experiential learning opportunities.
• Independent Learning: Encourages self-directed study and critical reflection.
• Faculty: Students are taught by experienced tutors and demonstrators from the Art and Design faculty who are experts in their respective fields.
• Unique Approach: The program emphasizes hands-on experience through community engagement, collaborative projects, and industry placements.
This approach prepares students for the realities of working in the socially engaged photography field.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers in various settings, including:
• Freelance photographer specializing in socially engaged projects
• Creative producer working with communities and organizations
• Creative educator delivering workshops and developing arts education programs
• Lecturer teaching in higher education institutions
• Curator managing exhibitions and promoting socially engaged art
• Professional Opportunities: The program provides opportunities for students to build a strong professional network and develop their careers.
These opportunities include:
• Open Eye Gallery Associates program:
Connects graduates with established practitioners for sharing knowledge and collaboration.
• Continuing Education: Graduates can pursue further research through MPhil/PhD programs at the University of Salford.
• Enterprise Projects: The university supports graduating students in establishing their own creative practices or businesses.
• Graduate Outcomes: The program has a strong track record of producing graduates who are successful in their chosen careers.
They work with diverse communities, contribute to social change, and achieve recognition in the field of socially engaged photography.

Other:

• Location: The program is based at the University of Salford's New Adelphi building, a dedicated hub for creative and artistic disciplines.
• Facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art art and design facilities, including studios, workshops, darkrooms, digital printing facilities, and Mac suites.
• Global Partnerships: The program benefits from strong working relationships with key cultural organizations within the North-west region and beyond, including Open Eye Gallery.
• Cultural Significance: The program recognizes the power of photography to facilitate social change, empower communities, and promote well-being.
Through its curriculum and ethos, the program seeks to equip students with the skills and knowledge to contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Full-time home 2024/25 £8,820.00per year Full-time international 2024/25 £16,380.00per year Part-time 2024/25 Part time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis Full-time home 2025/26 £9,100.00per year Full-time international 2025/26 £17,000.00per year