The MA Photography course recognises and celebrates a photographic practice that is an increasingly demanding, diverse, complex, challenging and compelling experience.

Students engage in a practice within a resource that understands the importance of antiquarian processes through to contemporary forms, and will have a curiosity about what these possibilities offer in the investigation and representation of social and cultural imperatives. Ideas are generated that provoke a wide diversity of outcomes that reflect demands on the meaning and position of photography in work that could be time-based, sculptural, site-specific – or address issues raised by the document or other traditional means of representation. Crucial to the curiosity that we seek in students is their added compelling passion for the practice itself and a commitment to risk-taking, for it is through this that creative movement can take place and where the rewards are to be had.

The mutable nature of photography and the increasing proliferation of mobile devices have now set the medium within an expanded field and cultural dimension unimaginable at the time of its invention. It is to its history that many practitioners are now turning, not to distance themselves from technological advances but to find ways of challenging the nature of such, for in this sense the future lays in the past. We recognise and celebrate the expansive form of the medium and fully engage in encouraging our students to seek out new possibilities by challenging them to go beyond their expectations. Most significantly, we need them to be passionate and express an excitement for their practice – for our rewards are recognised here.

Practice is underpinned by history and theories, and analytical, critical reflection that support students in their consideration of the context, audience and professional relevance of their practice in an independent or commercially structured environment.

The consideration of modes of display is crucial to contemporary photographic practices and much weight will be given to how work will be ‘framed’ for dissemination to an audience. Crucial to this will be the development of a clear understanding of a holistic approach to this aspect and the potential of various forms, still or moving; the page; on a screen – projected, or by monitor or mobile device; perhaps part of an installation; or conventionally or unconventionally framed; on the gallery wall; the floor or within a vitrine.

The flexibility of this course reveals opportunities for applicants interested in the possibilities of interaction and collaboration with other MA subject disciplines.