The MA Photography enables students to explore innovative multi-media and multi platform approaches essential to contemporary photographic practices. ‘Contemporary Photography’ redefines traditional notions of the photographer and photography. As such it is taken to encompass all forms of visual practice that use lens-based technologies to represent the world, or aspects of the world, embracing everything from commercial work to reportage, from art to documentary, as well as hybrid forms of all these elements.
“..redefining the field..”
The MA in Photography retains at its core, the development of sustainable photographic practices, thereby building on the successes of the BA programme’s unique philosophy and approach. The course directly addresses the radical transformations in the media economy and places the web as a fundamentally new ecosystem that breaks the link between the mode of information and the mode of distribution. We recognise this as the heart of the social media revolution.
“…innovative pedagogy..”
As a photography course we are unique in placing front and centre, that the role of photographer (mode of information) as supplier to old media (mode of distribution) no longer exists – that link has been broken. We recognise instead the need to redefine the role of the contemporary photographer as publisher. We cite the super-abundance of images as evidence of a thriving mode of information and the internet as an ecosystem enabling new modes of free distribution.
The photography students who emerge from this course will therefore better understand themselves as producers/publishers/broadcasters who can use multiple channels of distribution to get their stories connected to particular communities of interest. We aim to reorient the way they see themselves as visual story tellers, so that the emphasis is on new creative work enabled through leveraging the power of social media.
“…flexible participation..”
With multiple points of entry and flexible modes of participation, ranging across six levels from free, online access through to full participation and masters status, our holistic approach means that our delivery modes are as innovative as the content itself.
This course will be ideal for students who are recent graduates of relevant BA courses, or someone with industry experience who wants time and space to reflect on, extend or re-direct their practice in a supportive, dynamic and rigorous atmosphere.
